Diet, proper hydration, and sleep are vital to supporting exercise and reaching a new personal best at the gym.
However, there are times you may hit a wall that makes it seem like advancing in the gym won’t happen.
In those cases, a pre-workout supplement may be what you need.
These unique formulas give you an energy boost and increase focus as you start your workout to help you drop into the zone and crush your goals.
If you’re new to pre-workouts or just getting started in the gym, keep reading. This “pre-workout for beginners” guide will help answer your questions about pre-workout formulas and if you should take them to reach your goals!
What Is a Pre-Workout Supplement?
Pre-workout supplements, or pre-workout formulas, are supplements designed to be taken before a workout to give you a boost in the gym.
They often contain stimulants like beta-alanine and caffeine that increase your focus, help you push your body to its limits, and improve muscle performance during exercise.
Many pre-workouts also contain proprietary blends of natural ingredients to boost recovery after a workout.
What Does a Pre-Workout Supplement Do?
Pre-workout supplements work with your body to enhance your physical performance.
Most pre-workout manufacturers design formulas to help athletes achieve more reps when lifting weights and increase stamina during cardio exercises.
Studies show that certain ingredients, like caffeine, block the neuroreceptors that tell your body when it’s hit a physical limit to help you push yourself to do more work.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workout formulas can help you increase physical and mental performance to achieve better outcomes in your training. Some expected benefits of pre-workout supplements include:
- Increased Energy and Focus: The stimulants like caffeine in pre-workouts give you a rush of energy and mental clarity to prepare you for exercise when your energy levels are low.
- Enhanced Performance: Branched-chain amino acids and ingredients like creatine help your muscles build more strength and increase your endurance during a training session.
- More Blood Flow and Muscle Pump: Many pre-workouts contain ingredients that boost nitric oxide production, increasing blood flow to the muscles and helping them grow during and after workouts.
If you plan on taking a pre-workout, you must know that not all pre-workouts will give you the same effect. Finding the right formula for your needs may take a couple of tries.
How to Choose the Best Pre-Workout for Beginners
Before you start taking a pre-workout supplement, you need to understand your needs in the gym. Ask these questions when researching to find the best pre-workout supplement for you:
- Do I want to lift more weight?
- Do I want more muscle growth?
- Do I want more endurance?
Answering these questions will guide you on what to look for in a pre-workout supplement.
For example, if you want more endurance but don’t want increased muscle growth, avoiding a supplement that includes creatine may be the right choice.
When Should I Take My Pre-Workout Formula?
Timing plays a big role in whether your pre-workout will give you the boost you want.
One common mistake people make when taking these supplements is taking them on the way to the gym or right before their first set. This strategy minimizes the formula’s effects because it doesn’t hit their bloodstream at the right time.
We recommend taking your pre-workout around thirty minutes before your training session to give your body ample time to absorb the formula and increase your pump from rep one.
Is Pre-Workout Good for Beginners?
Pre-workout supplements are suitable for anyone who wants to increase their performance in the gym.
If you’re a beginner looking to supercharge your weight-lifting routine or feel like you need a boost before cardio, pre-workout may be precisely what you need.
What Pre-Workout Beginners Should Watch Out For
While pre-workouts help you push to reach your exercise goals, you need to be aware of a few pre-workout side effects that you may experience.
You may feel jitters: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may feel jittery as you start taking a pre-workout formula.
Beta-alanine causes a tingling sensation: Beta-alanine is a common pre-workout ingredient that can cause paresthesia — a tingling sensation in the limbs and face. It’s completely normal and will go away after your workout.
Elevated blood pressure or increased heart rate is possible: The stimulant content in pre-workout formulas can cause heart issues for some people.
The best way to counteract these adverse side effects is to start with one scoop of the pre-workout formula until you are used to it. Then, increase the dose as you become more comfortable with it.
When not to take pre-workout?
You shouldn’t take a pre-workout if you have heart conditions or if you are extremely sensitive to stimulants like caffeine. It’s good to talk to your doctor before taking a supplement to know if it’s safe for you.
We also recommend avoiding taking a pre-workout in the evening. Because most of these supplements contain caffeine, your sleep schedule may be affected if you take it too late.
The Bottom Line
If you want to get more from your exercise routine, taking a pre-workout supplement thirty minutes before every training session can help you push your limits.
At Black Diamond Supplements, we have over a decade of experience in the supplement game and carry the best pre-workout supplements for beginners.
Shop our pre-workout formulas, or contact us if you need help finding the right pre-workout for you!
