Best Pre Workout Supplements

Pre workout supplementation is an area of supplement science that has taken a major leap forward in the past decade. The early (and often dangerous) stack of ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin was the first  real and best pre workout supplement stack to hit the bodybuilding world. People had been using the caffeine by itself for a boost, and the ephedrine for a boost and for fat loss, but when combined (and with aspirin added to aid delivery) it became an overnight success.

Best Preworkout Supplements

Like all performance enhancing products, people began to abuse these supplements. Ephedrine was replaced by its herbal parent, ephedra. Due to the required processing within the body, ephedra had milder effects. It was still an effective stimulant, however. Many of the early pre-workout supplements, and weight loss supplements, used this to enhance their products. Ultimate Orange is an example of this type of product. Many people found the screaming energy and increased strength they desired using this product.

After ephedra was banned, and removed from most products, caffeine became the stimulant of choice. Most products replaced there ephedra with extra caffeine. This was okay for those who could tolerate the caffeine, but for caffeine sensitive individuals it became a problem. They were left with no good means of stimulating their workouts. Then, along came creatine.

Pre-workout Supplement Creatine

Creatine came along with the promise of being the next best thing to anabolic steroids, and while it did not live up to the steroid-like hype, it did provide some solid results for users. Creatine was the new pre workout supplement of choice. Of course, like anything, the supplement companies had to improve on this. Creatine changed in form, and had many other ingredients added to it. Soon, new research emerged about nitric oxide, and its effects in the body.

Pre Workout Supplement – Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) was found to increase blood flow and improve nerve signals. Both of these benefits are of value to the bodybuilder. NO is produced as a result of the breakdown of arginine. Now, after this brief history lesson on the evolution of the pre workout supplement field, let’s look at some of the pieces that make a quality pre workout supplement combination.

Top Pre Workout NO Drink Choices

Pre Workout Drink	Regular Price	Discount Price	Servings	Buy
Super Pump 250	$59.99	$38.99	40	Buy Now
No Xplode	$59.95	$39.99	50	Buy Now
White Flood	$59.95	$39.95	50	Buy Now

What Makes  The Best Pre Workout Supplements

The body needs carbohydrates for energy, but sugar is used up too quickly to be of any value. A longer lasting carbohydrate like maltodextrin is a good choice. The body needs amino acids to repair the muscles and to perform many of the metabolic functions associated with hormone and energy production. These amino acids come from proteins. A good whey protein with some extra branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) thrown in will ensure the necessary amino acids are available. The ATP energy system relies on creatine in the system to replenish and stretch the reserves. This is the first, and some say strongest, energy system. It is called into play immediately with no delay and provides energy for muscle contractions and bursts of strength for the first 90 seconds, in most cases. Creatine supplementation provides the extra creatine needed to extend this energy system and super pack the muscles for powerful workouts. Creatine malates may be a better option for pre workout supplementation than monohydrate because of the reduced bloating with malates. For those who can tolerate it, caffeine may be a good choice to boost energy levels and improve focus. Arginine, in the form of L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG), may help boost the production of nitric oxide in the body. Throw in some medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and you have a formula for improved energy levels throughout the workout.

Each of these supplements could be taken separately or combined in one capsule, powder, or drink. The supplements are probably most effective taken 20 to 30 minutes pre workout. The body then has enough time to process the nutrients and make them available to the working cells. The best test for any pre workout supplement is to try it by itself for a few workouts and see if it enhances the workout, if it does it is a good choice to add to the tool box.