Pre Workout: everything you need to know about Pre Workouts

Als sporter kun je een verscheidenheid aan supplementen gebruiken om jouw trainingen te ondersteunen en prestaties te stimuleren. In de blogs van XXL Nutrition hebben we je al meer verteld over o.a. creatine, whey protein en BCAA. Een ander populair supplement onder krachtsporters is Pre Workout. Vraag een willekeurige krachtsporters naar zijn routine voor het trainen en de kans is groot dat hij of zij voor de training een Pre Workout Booster neemt. Maar wat is een Pre Workout nu precies, welke stoffen vind je in deze boosters en zijn Pre Workouts veilig? In dit artikel gaan we je antwoorden geven op deze vragen zodat jij alles erover weet voordat je pre-workout koopt.

As an athlete, you can use a variety of supplements to support your training and enhance your performance. In the XXL Nutrition blogs, we've already told you more about creatine, whey protein, and BCAAs, among others. Another popular supplement among strength athletes is Pre Workout. Ask any strength athlete about their training routine, and chances are they take a Pre Workout Booster before their workout. But what exactly is a Pre Workout, what ingredients are found in these boosters, and are Pre Workouts safe? In this article, we'll provide answers to these questions so you know everything before purchasing a pre-workout.

What is Pre Workout?

Pre Workout is a dietary supplement that athletes use to enhance their performance during training. It is typically taken before exercise and can help increase alertness through ingredients like caffeine.

Popular ingredients in Pre Workouts include caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine, citrulline, and various types of amino acids. For example, caffeine contributes to sharpness, while creatine improves performance in explosive strength efforts. This makes it ideal for those who frequently hit the gym! However, it's not uncommon to feel tired after a long day at work and lack the motivation to go to the gym. That's exactly where Pre Workout comes in, helping you get the most out of your training!

What ingredients are in Pre Workouts?

Pre-workout supplements can contain various ingredients, depending on the brand and formula. At their core, many Pre Workouts contain similar types of ingredients, supplemented with a "proprietary blend." This is a mix of substances that the manufacturer includes in a Pre Workout, without you as a consumer knowing the exact dosages. However, at XXL Nutrition, we are very transparent about our Pre Workouts. On the label, you can see exactly which substances we use and in what amounts. This way, you know exactly what you're consuming.

Popular Pre Workout ingredients include:

• Caffeine: A stimulant that supports (mental) alertness and contributes to sharpness.
• Beta Alanine: A non-essential amino acid that is transported to your muscles through the bloodstream and increases carnosine concentration.
• Creatine: A substance that can help improve muscle strength and endurance during explosive efforts.
• L-arginine: A semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid.
• Citrulline Malate: A non-essential amino acid that can be produced in our bodies. This substance is involved in various metabolic pathways.
• Both L-arginine and citrulline increase NO levels (nitric oxide) in the body, a substance that helps dilate blood vessels.
• B vitamins: These can help convert food into energy and can aid in reducing fatigue.
• Tyrosine: An amino acid found in almost every protein molecule in all living beings, classified as a non-essential amino acid.

Pre Workout Without Caffeine?

A key ingredient in pre-workouts is caffeine. This substance helps increase the alertness you often feel after taking a pre-workout shake. This stimulating effect is the reason many athletes opt for such a pre-workout. Feeling low on energy after a long workday? A scoop in your drink, and the caffeine supports your responsiveness.

However, not everyone reacts well to caffeine. Some athletes are sensitive and may experience issues with pre-workouts containing caffeine, especially if the dosage is quite high. Caffeine-free or stimulant-free pre-workouts can be a solution. These supplements still contain the other active ingredients of a pre-workout but are free from stimulants. They are great for athletes who don't tolerate caffeine well, as well as for those training late in the evening.

Is Pre Workout Bad for You?

Despite the fact that pre-workouts do not contain banned substances, there are people who believe that using a pre-workout is bad for you. But what’s the reality?

It’s difficult to say whether pre-workout supplements are "bad" for everyone, as their effects on the body depend on various factors, including the composition of the supplement, the dosage, and the individual response of the person using the supplement. The ingredients used in pre-workouts are intended to support performance.

However, there are also risks associated with using pre-workout supplements, especially if taken in excessive dosages. Some possible side effects include palpitations, high blood pressure, stomach issues, sleep problems, and anxiety. At XXL Nutrition, we’re happy to provide advice on how to use a pre-workout wisely and answer the question of whether pre-workout is bad for you.