Pre-workout is a supplement that usually comes in the form of a drink taken by gym-goers and sportspeople before they train to give them a boost of energy leading into their workout.
Pre-workouts come in many forms, usually a shot or a powder that you mix with water.
They tend to be high in caffeine, which is proven to stimulate your body.
Pre-workout can also contain things such as Beta-alanine, which can help play a role in muscle endurance.
Sadly pre-workouts can also contain lots of unnecessary additives for flavour and colour, as well as substances that could give you a boost but are still unproven.
Taking a pre-workout before you train in the gym is also likely to give you a placebo effect. Essentially if you know you’ve taken your pre-workout, mentally, you’re likely to feel like you can train harder, even if the pre-workout isn’t giving you as much of a boost as you may think.
Caffeine and Beta-alanine are proven substances to help stimulate the body and your muscles, so there is no question that these will give you a boost before you train.
However, as previously mentioned, pre-workout can also contain a lot of extra things the body doesn’t require.
If you like coffee, you’re probably better having that as you’ll not encounter so many additives that aren’t so good for your body. A shot of espresso will give you the same boost that a pre-workout will if you have one that contains the same amount of caffeine.
Due to the high caffeine content, pre-workouts stimulate the mind and body and are therefore best taken at least 6 hours before you want to sleep. Therefore if you tend to train in the evening, pre-workout might not be the best thing for you to take.
To summarise, pre-workouts can give you a boost before you train, but no more than having a strong coffee. There is likely a placebo effect with a pre-workout, making you think it is working more than it is.
If you enjoy a pre-workout before your session, they’re perfectly safe to have if you know what’s in them. However, they aren’t a magical pill that will revolutionise your training.
