Pre-workout is one of the most popular sporting supplements out there, used by millions of athletes, both elite and recreational, to gain that competitive edge. However, what exactly is this popular supplement? The main role of pre-workout is to increase performance by reducing an athlete’s perception of pain and increasing their focus and concentration. This is mainly a result of the main ingredient in most formulas: caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant included in many different products, whether you’re daily cup of joe, your favorite energy drink, or even that cup of tea you sometimes have before bed. However, pre-workout supplements often contain slightly more caffeine, similar to the amount included in a RedBull. These supplements are used before sporting performance to provide maximum focus during your run, workout, or event, allowing you to push your body harder than without the stimulant.

The remainder of this blog post will discuss more on pre-workout, including the benefits, side effects, and if you should take it.

What are the benefits of pre-workout?

We’ve already discussed some of the benefits, however, other positives include:

• Improved energy and focus 
• Increased muscular strength or endurance
• Potential increased delivery of oxygen to the working muscles 

Each of these benefits is dependent on whether or not a particular substance is included within your choice of pre-workout powder or supplement. However, as most contain similar ingredients, you can expect the above benefits, allowing you to focus on your workout or performance to your maximum potential.

Are there any side effects?

There are a few side effects you may want to be wary of. Some users may not experience any side effects, while others may be particularly sensitive to the popular supplement. Potential adverse reactions include:

• Digestive issues
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Jittery feelings & increased anxiousness 

Typically, if you do not have any heart or blood pressure-related medical concerns or issues, then you should be fine taking pre-workout supplements. We recommend taking a smaller dose, to begin with, trying this out and seeing whether or not it works for you and if you experience any of the side effects.

Should I take a pre-workout supplement?

Ultimately, this is down to personal preference. However, if you are not sensitive to the ingredients and see a benefit in your own performance, then we definitely recommend supplementing pre-workout, especially before important events or competitions.

You can also view our selection of health and fitness supplements, including popular pre-workout capsules.