Collection: SHOP PRE-WORKOUTS

What Does Pre-Workout Do?

If you’re wondering why pre-workout supplements have become a gym bag essential, here’s why they might be the game-changer you need. Pre-workout formulas are designed to elevate your performance, helping you crush your fitness goals. Here’s what pre-workout can do for you:

1. Boosts Energy for Your Best Workouts

Feeling sluggish before hitting the gym? Most pre-workouts contain caffeine, a powerful energy booster that fights fatigue and helps you stay energized through intense workouts. It’s like having a personal cheerleader in powder form!

2. Sharpens Mental Focus

Distractions can derail your workout, but pre-workouts with ingredients like caffeine and L-tyrosine keep your mind locked in. Stay motivated, stay focused, and stay on track in your workouts.

3. Enhances Strength and Power

With muscle-supporting ingredients like creatine and beta-alanine, pre-workouts are your secret weapon for explosive lifts and powerful sprints. These ingredients work to fuel your muscles, giving you the edge you need.

4. Elevates Blood Flow and Pump

Want to feel that satisfying muscle pump? Ingredients like citrulline malate and arginine promote blood flow, delivering essential nutrients to your muscles while giving you that "pumped" look and feel.

5. Delays Fatigue

Tired of cutting workouts short? Pre-workouts help you push through with beta-alanine, which reduces muscle fatigue by fighting off lactic acid build-up. That means more reps, more sets, and more progress.

6. Supports Endurance

Whether you’re running, lifting, or cycling, ingredients like taurine and electrolytes in pre-workouts improve hydration and keep you going strong through every phase of your workout.

7. Burns Fat While You Train

Some pre-workouts double as fat burners, with ingredients like capsaicin or yohimbine to increase metabolism and help your body burn more calories during your session. It’s a two-for-one benefit you don’t want to miss.

Using pre-workout supplements correctly can make a big difference in your energy, focus, and overall workout performance. Here’s a simple guide to ensure you’re using pre-workout safely and effectively.

1. Check the Label

Before anything else, read the product label to understand the serving size, ingredients, and any potential allergens. Different pre-workouts have unique formulas, so knowing what’s inside ensures you get the benefits you're looking for.

2. Start With a Half Serving (If You're New)

If you’re new to pre-workout or trying a new formula, start with half the recommended dose to assess your tolerance. Some pre-workouts are high in stimulants like caffeine, which can affect people differently.

3. Time It Right

The best time to take pre-workout is 20-30 minutes before exercise. This gives the ingredients enough time to enter your bloodstream and start working when you need them most.

4. Mix It Properly

• Scoop the recommended amount into 8-12 ounces of water (or as directed on the label).
• Stir or shake until the powder is fully dissolved.

Pro tip: Adjust the water amount based on your flavor preference—less water for a stronger taste, more water to dilute it.

5. Pair It With Hydration

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated. Many pre-workouts contain stimulants that can dehydrate you, so staying on top of your hydration is key.

6. Avoid Late-Night Use

If your pre-workout contains caffeine, avoid taking it less than 4-6 hours before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.

7. Cycle Your Use

To avoid building a tolerance, consider cycling your pre-workout use. For example, take it for 6-8 weeks, then take a break for 1-2 weeks.

8. Listen to Your Body

If you experience side effects like jitters, nausea, or a racing heart, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional. Some ingredients, like beta-alanine, can cause a harmless tingling sensation called paresthesia—it’s normal, but not everyone likes it.

Choosing the right pre-workout can seem overwhelming with so many options available. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you select the best pre-workout for your needs and fitness goals.

1. Define Your Fitness Goals

Different pre-workouts target specific goals. Ask yourself:

• Energy and Focus: If you want a mental and physical boost, look for pre-workouts with caffeine and L-tyrosine.
• Strength and Power: For heavy lifting or explosive workouts, choose a formula with creatine, beta-alanine, or both.
• Pump and Blood Flow: If you’re chasing that "pump," look for ingredients like citrulline malate, arginine, or nitrosigine to enhance vascularity.
• Fat Burning: For weight loss, a thermogenic pre-workout with yohimbine or capsaicin can increase calorie burn.

2. Consider Your Stimulant Tolerance

Pre-workouts often contain stimulants like caffeine, which can range from mild to high doses:

• Low Tolerance: Start with stimulant-free or low-caffeine options.
• High Tolerance: Look for high-stim formulas if you're used to caffeine and need an extra kick.

3. Check the Ingredients

Look for science-backed ingredients that align with your goals:

• Caffeine: Energy and focus.
• Beta-Alanine: Delays fatigue and boosts endurance.
• Citrulline Malate: Enhances blood flow and pumps.
• Creatine: Supports strength and power.
• Taurine/Electrolytes: Improves hydration and endurance.
  Avoid unnecessary fillers or proprietary blends where dosages aren’t disclosed.

4. Decide on Stim vs. Non-Stim

• Stimulant-Based: Best for energy and focus.
• Stimulant-Free: Great for evening workouts or if you’re caffeine-sensitive.

5. Choose Based on Flavor and Mixability

Taste matters! A pre-workout you'll look forward to drinking makes it easier to stay consistent. Ask for samples or read reviews to find flavors you'll enjoy.

6. Align With Your Budget

Pre-workouts range in price, so choose one that fits your budget without compromising on quality. At Fitness Society, we carry affordable, high-quality options for every need.

7. Seek Expert Advice

Still unsure? Our team at Fitness Society is here to help. Whether you visit our stores in Melbourne, FL, or shop online, we can guide you to the perfect pre-workout.

1. Stimulant-Based Pre-Workouts

These are the most common pre-workouts, designed to give you a significant boost in energy, focus, and endurance. They typically contain caffeine and other stimulants to keep you motivated throughout your workout.

Best For:

• High-intensity training or long gym sessions.
• People who need a burst of energy and focus.

Key Ingredients:

• Caffeine: For energy and alertness.
• L-Theanine: Reduces caffeine jitters.
• Beta-Alanine: Delays muscle fatigue.
• Citrulline Malate: Enhances blood flow and pumps.

Example:

God of Fire by Centurion Labz – High caffeine for intense energy, focus, and endurance.

2. Stimulant-Free (Non-Stim) Pre-Workouts

These are ideal for those who want the benefits of a pre-workout without the energy spikes or caffeine side effects. These formulas focus on pumps, endurance, and recovery without stimulants.

Best For:

• Evening workouts or caffeine-sensitive individuals.
• Athletes focused on muscle pump and endurance over energy.

Key Ingredients:

• Citrulline Malate: Increases blood flow and muscle pumps.
• Betaine Anhydrous: Supports strength and hydration.
• Electrolytes: For hydration and endurance.

Example:

Nemesis Pump & Focus by Centurion Labz – Delivers enhanced pumps and focus without caffeine.

3. Thermogenic Pre-Workouts

These pre-workouts combine traditional performance-enhancing ingredients with fat-burning components to help with weight loss. They often include metabolism boosters and appetite suppressants.

Best For:

• People looking to burn fat while exercising.
• Cardio sessions or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Key Ingredients:

• Yohimbine: Boosts fat-burning.
• Capsaicin: Increases metabolism.
• Caffeine: For energy and thermogenesis.

Example:

Shreddit Pre-Workout by Frontline – Combines fat-burning thermogenics with performance enhancers.