Pros and Cons of a preworkout supplement?

kris10skye
kris10skye Posts: 1 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I’ve been counting my calories and have started running with the help of the C25K app. My husband has a preworkout he takes and says it helps him workout harder and longer. He suggested I try it before my runs. What are the pros and cons of using it? Obviously I’d like to run longer and burn more calories but does it have any negative side effects? Do pros outweigh the cons?

Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,745 Member
    For C25k it really isn't necessary. You'd be wasting money and calories. If you really need some energy before your run (i.e. if you are running before breakfast or late in the afternoon) have a banana or some juice or coffee.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    kris10skye wrote: »
    ...does it have any negative side effects? Do pros outweigh the cons?

    It significantly increases the cost of your urine.

    There are no benefits for most people in most circumstances. They're a psychological benefit for many.

    For C25K, I'd agree with the above. Fwiw I'm comfortable running ten miles on only a cup of coffee, but I have been running for a while.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    TBH, i really don't think you need a pre workout for C25K.
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    I wouldn't really use a preworkout for a run, unless maybe you were pushing very very hard for a short run. I do use "energy powders" (basically caffeine and b6) on my very long runs, but they are much smaller doses of caffeine, or I'll use the shot bloks with added caffeine. But I find that the amount of caffeine in a pre-workout gives a big hit for the start of the run and then wears off an hour in.
    Oh sorry, I have used preworkout through ahalf once, but I diluted it so it was at about quarter strength and in my water bottles to sip all the way round so I didn't get either the high or the crash.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    There’s no harm in trying it a few times to see how it affects you. If you’re sensitive to caffeine check the dosing & ingredients.
  • flippy1234
    flippy1234 Posts: 686 Member
    I use a BCAA drink once in a while for an extra energy boost if I am feeling sluggish before a workout, other wise I don't use them. Pros...caffeine and will give you a boost. Cons...can make you jittery if you are prone to that.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    Pros are minimal at best, aside from caffeine (which I'm not sure if c4 has or not).
    Cons are the cost and potential "reactions" to the stims.
  • Cassandraw3
    Cassandraw3 Posts: 1,214 Member
    Like others have said, caffeine is the main ingredient that helps. I have taken pre-workout before runs and I have noticed a difference in my energy level and a slight performance improvement. I do notice that I seem to sweat more with pre-workout. Also, some can cause a tingling feeling as well. You could just drink straight coffee or even take caffeine pills for a similar effect on energy and performance. I definitely would not recommend taking pre-workout all the time. I would also recommend you take as much time off as you do on to let your body rest. Ex: 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Your body does adapt to it and you lose your performance benefits. That is, if you decide to use it regularly. I do not use it for every workout. Generally just when I am in a funk and feel like I need an extra boost that day.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    There really are no good preworkouts for running; outside of caffeine pending you aren't a habitual caffeine consumer. All the beneficial ones are for lifting (Citrulline, Beta Alanine, Creatine).
  • JorrunFulhelm
    JorrunFulhelm Posts: 42 Member
    The only "pre workouts" I use are caffeine ( in the form of black coffee) and carbs to help me lift. I generally eat most of my daily carbs around my workout then taper off through the day.
  • TrishSeren
    TrishSeren Posts: 587 Member
    I tried them once, made me dizzy and light headed and I'm not at all sensitive to caffeine, (I can go to sleep after a Redbull).

    It is personal preference, some people have to have them, others do just fine without. Coffee is just as good and cheaper alternative.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Apart from placebo effect not seeing any pros for you doing 5k runs.
    Caffeine supplementation I save for rides of over 4hrs.
  • DX2JX2
    DX2JX2 Posts: 1,921 Member
    They're really not necessary. In fact, beginning runners don't really want to workout 'harder and longer'. Pushing yourself to the limit when running is best saved for once you have a bit of experience.

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