For those who have a regular workout routine in place, you are already a step ahead of many wishing to improve their health.
For those who do work out regularly, you may have times where fatigue sets in and seems to slow things down. This is where a pre-workout may come in handy, and not just for our Black women, but for our Black men too.
What is a pre-workout?
A pre-workout is the generic term for bodybuilding supplements usually taken by athletes and weightlifters to enhance athletic performance.
But more women and men use pre-workouts to increase energy, endurance and focus during their workouts.
Is a pre-workout necessary?
A pre-workout is not a necessary supplement, but it can help you with your most intense workouts.
For healthy adults, they are considered safe and essential for performance and health, but as an active individual, it is not needed.
If you are active and already meeting your goals, you most likely do not need it.
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Benefits of a pre-workout
According to the makers of pre-workouts, they can do the following:
- Give you energy and enhance energy levels
- Keep you focused
- Improve your overall physical performance
How to take a pre-workout
First, just like the name implies, a pre-workout should be taken before your workout, about 30 to 60 minutes before using cardio or weight machines.
Pre-workouts come in various forms, including bars, capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders.
If you drink them, you can do so on the way to the gym and even during your workout as well.
The pre-workouts are recommended because of the dosages, ingredients, and reviews on how they work. They are also satisfactory in the selection of flavors.
The large selection of pre-workouts out there have various focus areas, so it is a matter of what you want it to do for you.
Best pre-workout for women
For women, there are a number of recommendations based on what you need for your workout routine. Some of them include:
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard – for new users, the caffeine may be high, but it is known to boost energy, focus, performance, and muscle function; affordable.
- Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Premium – good for strength training; keeps your muscles loaded with oxygen to pump harder and longer.
- Vital Proteins Vital Performance – aids in recovery; supports muscle growth, keeps joints feeling good, and increases power output and blood flow.
- LADDER Sport Pre-Workout Powder – a vegan blend free of artificial flavors and colors that are good for running; low on sugar.
- The Genius Brand Genius Pre – caffeine-free but still provides a boost to your blood flow; supports muscles and provides laser-sharp focus; reviews report feeling a difference even without the caffeine.
Best pre-workout for men
There are many pre-workouts to choose from that are recommended for the men including:
- Wrecked – Half a scoop provides immediate, long-lasting energy; cognitive function increases throughout your workout as well.
- Pre Jym – Increases stamina and strength during workouts; uses Huperzine A, which improves mental focus without the jitters and a post-workout crash.
- MuscleTech Vapor X5 – a hybrid supplement with ingredients that enhance focus, boost metabolic processes, and increase performance; also assist with weight loss.
- Vintage Blast – all-natural, keto-friendly, and vegetarian-approved; works in two stages delivering consistent endurance, energy, and strength.
- Beyond Raw LIT – Several unique flavors which help keep you focused on your workout routine; not suggested for those prone to itchiness.
- Bucked Up – keto-friendly, free of sugar and stevia, with over 2,000 five-star reviews; the 6000 mg of L-Citrulline improves blood flow.
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Final words
There are some side effects to be aware of with taking pre-workouts. The most common complaint is itchiness. Other side effects include:
- Addiction
- Adrenal fatigue (such as body aches, digestive issues, nervousness, and sleep interruptions)
- Dehydration
- Energy crash
- Failed drug testing (depending on the ingredients of your pre-workout)
- Insomnia
- Over stimulation
- Rapid heartbeat (or tachycardia)
Keep in mind that one of the most common ingredients is caffeine, so you should use it in moderation.
There can possibly be an increase in water intake in your body with taking a pre-workout, but it all depends on your body and how much you use.
Finally, in choosing your pre-workouts, do your research and check the ingredients and reviews to find the best ones for you.