Do you need a boost mid-training session? Or would you like a bit of extra pump to set a new personal best?
If so, you may need a pre-workout that works as hard as you do. Pre-workout supplements often come in powdered form and are packed with stimulants like caffeine and beta-alanine to help you maximize your gains.
While you can go to almost any store to purchase pre-workout products, choosing a supplement specialist like Black Diamond Supplements will help you find the best formula for your routine.
We’re here to help you answer questions about the best pre-workout supplements on the market that can give you the boost you need to achieve your exercise goals. Let’s get into it.
Do More Ingredients Equal Stronger Pre-Workout Supplements?
You may look at a label and think that the more ingredients there are, the more effective a supplement will be. However, that is not always the case.
The number and amount of those ingredients in a pre-workout formula do not necessarily equate to a better energy boost. Instead, look for active ingredients to determine how potent a pre-workout supplement will be.
The most effective active ingredients in a pre-workout formula include:
- Caffeine
- Beta-Alanine
- L-Citrulline
- L-Tyrosine
Some of the strongest pre-workout supplements also contain proprietary blends of natural ingredients to increase the effectiveness of the stimulants.
How Much Caffeine Do You Want In a Pre-Workout Supplement?
The caffeine content of a pre-workout supplement is a good indicator of its effectiveness in the gym. The more caffeine, the more likely the pre-workout is to boost performance.
In many cases, the most potent pre-workout formulas will have around 350mg of caffeine per serving.
However, there is a caveat to how much caffeine you want in a pre-workout. If you are sensitive to caffeine or like to hit the gym in the evening, these high caffeine levels could hinder performance because they can negatively affect sleep patterns.
When you start a workout tired, you won’t perform as well as when you are well-rested.
What Are the Side Effects of a Strong Pre-Workout Supplement?
A pre-workout formula’s most common side effects are the same as any caffeinated supplement.
When you take a full scoop of the supplement, you may experience jitters, anxiety, or increased heart rate. If this happens to you, take half of a scoop to build up your tolerance to the product for a week or two — then graduate to a full scoop later on.
For pre-workout supplements containing beta-alanine, it is typical to feel a tingling sensation in your skin called paresthesia. This feeling is entirely normal, and it dissipates shortly after your workout.
As with any supplement, you should always consult a trusted health professional if you are concerned about taking a pre-workout. They will be able to let you know if there are better choices than a pre-workout for you.
The 3 Best Pre-Workout Supplements Available
With hundreds of pre-workout supplements on the market, choosing one is challenging. We have your back with an excellent variety at Black Diamond Supplements. Here are the top three options available right now:
1. Edge of Insanity by Psycho Pharma
Edge of Insanity gives you extreme results — more reps, more weight, and more endurance — without the crash.
The supplement’s custom Razor’s Edge Focus formula includes 350mg of caffeine paired with theobromine, yohimbine HCl, and alpha yohimbine HCl to keep you in the zone while you work out. It also contains cognitive-enhancing nootropics to boost your mental capacity.
2. Convict High Stim by Condemned Labz
Convict is the most potent pre-workout supplement created by Condemned Labz. To make this high-stim version of the popular Convict formula, Condemned Labz increased the dose of active ingredients by 35 percent.
The Convict pre-workout formula packs a punch with 350mg of caffeine, 3.2g of beta-alanine, and 300mg of Mucuna Pruriens, a compound that increases dopamine levels.
3. BZRK by Black Magic
If you are looking for the best pre-workout supplement for hardcore lifting, BZRK is the right fit. Black Magic’s BZRK formula has 16 grams of active ingredients to increase muscle growth, faster recovery, heightened energy levels, and maximum mental focus.
BZRK’s 1,725mg proprietary Possessed Matrix formula includes 350mg of caffeine and complementary active ingredients to boost your energy and focus.
The pre-workout formula also includes Black Magic’s Supernatural Matrix, which contains citrulline malate and beta-alanine to improve muscle growth and decrease recovery time.
The Bottom Line
At Black Diamond Supplements, we have the best selection of solid pre-workout supplements to help you get the most from your training sessions.
With over 15 years in the supplement industry, we know what supplements work and take the time to ensure we only provide the best pre-workout supplements on the market. Visit our pre-workout page today to level up your workout routine.