People nowadays are aiming to have a well-defined body. This calls for an excellent exercise routine that will make the muscles grow stronger and firmer. Attaining your desired physique also requires taking the right nutrition. Aside from the carefully selected meals, consider also taking some pre workout supplements at the same time.
Consuming a pre workout drink before you begin your exercise routine is very beneficial because it contains all the natural compounds that you need to enhance the efficiency of your body to utilize fats and calories as source of energy. This will allow you to have an enhanced stamina that will enable you to endure more strenuous routines for a longer period of time. Pre workout supplements can also help your muscles recover faster.
There are different types of pre workout drink to choose from, and the most popular choice are the whey protein shakes because they are easily digested and used by the body. Whey protein is also more efficient in facilitating muscle development as compared to other types of protein. Antioxidant supplements are also beneficial because they can improve your immune system, and they help repair muscle cells as it goes through a lot of stress during strenuous exercises.
When you are exercising, you also need to remain focused. So, use a pre workout supplement that will keep you stimulated throughout the fitness routine. This is possible by taking the BSN Hyper Shred. Its main ingredient is caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. In addition, it also promotes faster metabolism, which will increase your ability to burn fat. BSN Hyper Shred is available in capsule form, which contains 180 mg of caffeine each. It is best to take one capsule 30-45 minutes before you take your first meal or protein shake.
Keep in mind though that choosing a pre workout supplement should be based on your needs or goals. Determine if you want to gain more muscle, boost energy levels, or if you just want something that can help you recover faster from the cellular damage that comes with exercising. There are different options available, and you can combine them to achieve all of these effects.
If you want to learn more about the best pre workout supplements, check out some online forums or you can go to the website of the manufacturer to get more of the product information. Getting an excellent supplement nowadays is easier because you can also buy supplements online.
Click here for prices, flavors, and availability on
top pre workout drinks from bodybuilding.com
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I tried Ext:Go and had a really bad reaction to it. Here is the backstory in regards to supplements taken… I had taken BSN Hyper FX & the 2011 formula of MP Assault with no problem. I decided to cycle off, then life happened and I wasn’t able to go to the gym for a few months. I decided to try the Ext:Go (1/2 a serving) and I had a nasty reaction to it… bad anxiety which led to chest pain for 2 days.
I am going to slowly try a few different PWO again, but I have mostly been mixing GNC Brand BCAA with Beta-Alanine & MP Assault Creatine with some good results. Is there anything else I could mix with this current blend? I was also wondering how the new BPI Clinical series is. It looks pretty clean ingredient wise.
Looks like a good mix to me. You can try adding some Glutamine to it with some juice. Are you doing anything for energy? You can buy some caffeine pills and take em for that if you want, but if you are avoiding stims than obviously don’t include it. I haven’t researched BPI Clinical series, but from the looks of it, it does look decent. Ill take a deeper look and see whats up.
in the previous list the assault was in sixth place if I’m not mistaken, and scream in the first place, why the craze scream and fell both in ranking and the assault was to top rick?
Just temporary due to new format. I will have a new updated list in a few days.
I’m looking forward for the new list because the lists take much consideration when buying my supplements, I tested it, M5, Shotgun, C4, Jack3d, No explode, Assault, Neurocore. In my opinion the best was the M5, I think the price should not interfere with quality ranking just quote the price is good. Heard the well, Enhanced and hemo rage if you can evaluate them. I’m from Brazil, my english is not so good sorry
Thanks for the feedback Felipe! I think M5 Extreme rocks too!
When I typed “Best pre-workout” I see why this article came up…great job Rick….
I’m currently on C4 extreme and No3 Chrome ,both Cellucor products… I’m also on Animal Cuts, P6 Red (V3), ON Whey Gold Standard and Casein , and ON’s Creatine., one scoop pre-workout and post-workout with my whey shake….. My questions are if you believe I’m consuming to much caffeine and/or creatine? If I decide to switch to the new M5, can I continue with the same supps besides C4 extreme and No3 Chrome or will I then be consuming to much caffeine and/or creatine?
Hi Rick
I have been doing Crossfit for 14 months now. I have tried Jack3D / C4 / Poseidon and now I would like to try something that has carbs as my energy level is not as high as before and I am reaching a plateau. My goal is to gain muscle mass but also keep my energy level stable. What do you recommend?
Thank you
I guess my post was too long, so I’ll just strip it down to the questions:
1) Which pre workout do you recommend for basketball players who train in the weight room and on the court?
2) How long should I cycle off C4 after having taken it for roughly 15 weeks (1 week off in between)? I have already taken 10 days off, during which I have had a few cups of green tea and coffee for school.
Thanks
I’ve referred to this article a number of times over the past couple of years and really appreciate the time you put into sharing your knowledge in an overwhelming category such as preworkout supplements.
I have tried around 5-8 different PWOs over the past 4 years (I’m 22) and benefited greatly from them. As a former student athlete (basketball, DIII) with some nagging lower back injuries, I attribute a lot of my rehabilitation to the overall strength gained from the extra intensity I put in the weight room.
I am currently trying to walk on the basketball team for the school I just transferred to. I have been training since last summer with the training philosophies and workouts of Core Performance (btw, I recommend ALL athletes try their workouts out at coreperformance.com. free trial). I am considering going through their basketball program for the 3rd consecutive time after I finish my 2nd week of rest.
I am very conscious of my supplement and nutrition routine and would at least like to settle my preworkout/stimulant question here. I used C4 for roughly 15 weeks straight (1 week off in the middle I think) and have taken the last 9 days off from working out or using any PWOs (I have had a few cups of green tea and coffee though). So……
1) How long should I cycle off C4? (considering the caffeine I still drink for school as well as keeping my metabolism high during rest)
2) Which PWO would you generally recommend to athletes, specifically basketball players who train in the weight room? (btw, hooping after a PWO-induced workout feels so good, it’s like cheating)
Thanks for the help. you da man
I know this post is already pretty long, but I should mention my workouts consist of medicine ball tosses, plyometrics, movement work, and weights, followed by either 14 minutes of cardio at 159 bpm, or pickup basketball.
The weights section is divided into 5 3-week intervals. Each interval has a different goal (foundation, get stable, get strong, work, and get powerful). I think it could use a deloading phase, but anyways, my goal throughout all of these phases is to gain FUNCTIONAL strength while also cutting fat.
P.S. – You should get paid to answer long-winded questions like this…
Hey Chase,
First off, thanks so much for your kind words. I work my ass off trying to present the best supplements I can.
Next, to answer your questions:
1. Regardless of the STIMULANT-based supplement or even caffeine for that matter, it is always best to stop ALL caffeine for a good 3-4 weeks. It is difficult to do this believe me I know, but once you’ve done it a few times, it gets easier to do, and you actually begin to enjoy the time off. If you cannot for what ever reason, at the very least drink naturally brewed green tea. 1 tea bag is about 40-60mg of caffeine so try to have no more than 3 per day.
2. Athletes is a very broad term, but for basketball players and people who do alot of cardio, I would recommend an all-in-one pre workout supplement that contains bcaas and glutamine. Assault is a good example, but there are others that would work as well.
Being that you are in college, you are young and your body is working at optimum performance, but take my word for it, if you do not cycle your stimulants, the side effects will steadily get worse over time. Also, be VERY careful mixing alcohol with these supplements, its not a good match and will strengthen the side effects.
Check this article out, you may find it useful…
Thanks for the support and writing in!
Alright cool, this reinforces my previous thoughts about cycling off.
About your recommendation of Assault, I have tried it before and it is a solid product, but I see in your review that the ingredients are somewhat outdated. Do you have any other specific products with up-to-date formulas that are also good for bball players with the BCAAs and glutamine?
Thanks man
Have you tried Scream yet? Its a great product and has the best ingredient profile for all in one pre workouts. Other than that you got Muscleprime, Bullnox, and Assault are the other ones I can think of off the top of my head that have similar ingredients.
Scream costs $1.50/serving while Assault is almost half at $.83/serving. Work > supplements. Going with Assault. Thanks
Hi Rick
Thanks for the great article.
I have been using couple of pre-workouts over time, the latest being n.o. explode 2.0. (on my second tub). It worked incredible well for me, but think my tollerence levels have become a bit high. I am finishing my 6week usage next week and will be giving n.o. explode a rest to ensure that my tollerence levels get back to normal.
To get to my question: I would like to know if alternating it with C4 (haven’t used it before) would be a good option, something with similar or even beter characterisitcs. Other product that I have been looking at is neurocore, M5, and assault.
Look forward to hearing from you
There should be no problem alternating any of those pre workouts because they do have similar characteristics. Although it is more expensive, I would choose M5 Extreme over C4 Extreme simply because it is more powerful and you can adjust the servings for both the energy and creatine formula. Neurocore and Assault are also good options so either way you go, you should be covered, but just make sure you take a break from any stimulants for a solid 3-4 weeks. Try drinking some green tea (not a ton) to help with the withdraws, it works great for me.
I have been taking cellucor c4 extreme for a while now and i’m not getting any affects from it anymore, I loved and highly miss the effect and extra push it gave me at the gym. Do i need to switch to something different?
You’re probably not feeling the effects of the caffeine which is typical of any stimulant-based supplement. You can either switch to a stronger one where the caffeine is 200-300mg per serving or you can take a break for 3 weeks to allow your tolerance to go down so you can get the rush that you miss. Either way, the more caffeine you take, the more water and veggies you need to consume regularly.
Hey Jesse,
Try C4 Extreme by Cellucor. The energy is good and the No3 works well for people just starting on pre workouts.
Hi,
what do you think about NO Shotgun? A little bit outdated? I’ve bought fierce and ext go ( mainly, because of your good reviews!) and received no shotgun as a gift. Can i use these 3 together ( cycling, of course)?
Hi
I have lost a huge amount of weight but need to get toned and ripped, I do a lot of cardio. However,my energy levels are low. What do you recommend I take for energy and fat burning to get ripped.
You might need a break to be honest. Many people over-do it and do not give their bodies enough rest so that would be the first point. As far as supplements, any pre workout supplement or fat burner on my “Best Of” lists will give you energy and help you get cut, as far as which one, that is really up to you.
Im trying to figure out whats the best pre workout to take i really just want to get pumped up and i have to get some kind cause im going to join the marines and i will need to run alot and lift alot as well…. any suggestions on the best one?
im trying to burn fat and get muscle tone
Establish a solid workout routine first before you jump on a pre workout supplement because you may develop a dependency to it and only workout while being stimulated. Any of these supplements on the list will get you pumped up, but is that what you really need?
I need motivation ha I have it sometimes but lately its been going down so I’m thinking that I’ll take pre workout to get pumped up as a replacement for motivation
I use to run everyday and lost quite a bit of weight and now what I lost was motivation and that’s what I really need but also I heard that preworkout could get you pumped up and make you burn twice as much calories… I guess what i really need again is motivation.
Hey Andrew if you’re planning on joining the marines you should continue without any pre workout. Reason being they wont let you take any supplements when in basic training and marines do the most running of all the branches.
Thoughts on PurisLabs Condense? I don’t need anything to crazy, SCREAM seems like to much for me, I just need a little bit to get me over the edge. I’m stalling and getting tired way to quickly during my workouts.
Condense looks like garbage to me, not much in the ingredient profile to make me think twice. You may be doing to much in the gym. Rome wasn’t built in a day so take your time and do what your body is capable of handling. BTW- there’s nothing saying you have to take a full dose of any product. You can take half a serving and see how that works for you.
Hi,
Tried a few pre-workout supplements like sci-mx xplode hardcore and jack3d but didn’t really find that these gave me a good pump, just seemed to give me more focus.
was wondering if you could recommend a stronger pre-workout supplement?
thanks
Keep in mind that the more you use these products, the more ineffective they will become due to your tolerance for stimulants increasing. Always take 3-6 weeks off of these products to readjust. CRAZE is a good one to try if you haven’t already.
Which low caffine pre workout would you reccomend for people who are sensitive to caffine?
I like Essential Amino Energy by Optimum because it uses natural caffeine instead of the anhydrous form. Look for any pre workout supplement that has its dose of caffeine at around 100-150 mg per serving.
Good reviews. Are there any non-caffeinated pre-work out blends you recommend? I know it sort of defeats the purpose, but I work out typically around 8 PM, taking caffeine at 7 PM keeps me up til 12, and I gotta wake up everyday at 6.
Also, not to sound like a troll. But i found really good pricing (cheapest compared to all) on a majority of these workout supplements at drvita.com. Maybe add a link there too.
Hi,
Firstly great article! I was using 1mr before an 8km run and then the gym and found it good, but since the ban haven’t bought anything else, my stash is run out so needing a new product. I have heard good things about the new mesomorph? What would you recommed, im looking for focus energy and pump and and endurance and strength but not so much the gains?
Cheers
Hey, solid article, sounds like you guys know what’s what. I’m in the ROTC program at my college, so my goals are just straight up strength and muscular endurance. What do you think the best pre-workout/protein combo would be for that? Also, would anything show up on a drug test? They test for everything here and I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot. I’m 5’11″, 183 lbs at 19 years old
Most pre workout supplements these days are concentrated and will kick your ass if you realize how strong they are. Craze has a strong pump to it but the caffeine is lower than most people think. Any of the above supplements will do the trick but start at a half dose and see how you feel. Adjust to suit your preference.
Be careful with stimulants and martial arts because if you have to much you will get nervous energy that may distract you. Start off with a low energy level pwo like amino energy. You should probably use an intra workout supplement like extend or restoraid that will keep feeding your muscles and provide you with electrolytes. Check out both here: best post workout supplements
You need one with 10-0 calories, creatine optional, with 150-250mg caffeine. Electrolytes and BCAAs are also important so get plenty of them. Your post workout supplement will play a more pivotal role. Check out the top 3 on my post workout supplement list, they are all great for P90X. Good luck
People are different so it is a matter of personal preference but one thing you can count on is that the supplements that I post on my list are the very best in the industry. Try one with Creatine HCl and/or Creatine Magnesium Chelate.
amino energy, n0 extreme, jack3d micro. All of these have caffeine in them with very little to no calories and no creatine. I think women should keep their caffeine level to 200-250mg per day for optimum health and results.
For protein you need to increase your calories so grab a protein weight gainer and use that. Remember that you build muscle when you rest, not in the weight room so make sure you rest your body and get good sleep. You are going to build up a tolerance to pre workout supplements eventually so cycle them every 2-3 canisters. As far as a stronger pre workout supplement, anything that is 300mg or over is strong so if you need more than that then its time to take a break. Good luck.
Sounds good but without knowing your physical condition, bf, and goals its hard to determine how to advise you. If there is no particular reason as to why you do weights in the am and cardio pm then I would suggest switching that because if you don’t eat in the am then I would do cardio then, and do your weights in the afternoon when you have some food in your system. You may see an automatic increase in strength and better fat loss results. Consider adding about 150mg caffeine for your morning cardio if you have issues with energy. Otherwise, looks good so far.
Oh, great to hear, thanks so much! I do gym in the am only beause its not as crowded and i can get in and out before work. My cardio is usually cross training or interval sports plyo type training so I dont need the gym.
Thanks agaon for all the great reviews and info!
Hi there,
First of all, thank you for all the great info you posted.
Im from a small island from Spain (Canary Islands) and not much of nutricional goods arrive here
I have tried Launch from S.A.N. (really GOOD), JAK3D (did nothing to me), 1.M.R. (not a thing) and i was wondering if you could recommend me a STRONG pre-work out. I train after 8 hours strong work and l would relly help a BOOST of power.
Waiting for your comments.
Best regards
Hi Rick,
Thanks for the great page, been following it for over a year now.
Craze is amazing, got my second tub yesterday, but how long to you suggest I should take before I get back on it? I do loads of research to avoid a disappointing PWO.
I double scoop Craze, will I need to do it with EXT: Go as well or is it a stronger PWO than Craze (most reviews I’ve seen people even taking halve a serving of Go as it is too strong)? I am still deciding if I should try Go as well.
Thanks
Hey Matt,
Thanks for the support!
Craze has about 80-90mg of caffeine per scoop so 2 has 160mg-180mg. This isn’t that much as far as PWOs are concerned. EXT Go has about 300mg in 1 scoop from what I can tell so it is way stronger. Try 1/2 to 3/4 scoop to see how you feel. Make sure your cycling off of caffeine regularly to maintain optimum health. I just wrote a post about it here =====> Safely Cycle Off Of Caffeine
Go has some similarities to Craze so I think it would be a good change up. Give it a shot, after all Jay Cutler approves
Hi there!!! thank´s much for the list. I still confuse and unsure on what to take. Am a woman of 36year old, about 56kilograms. I am a runner and this year got into fitness. Love it and I want to get in the best shape ever. So I want a pre workout suplement without 1,3 Dimethyl (which I have read it is very bad). During the summer I took a fat burner from CELLUCOR it work for a while but after 2 weeks felt nothing. I have good tolerants with cafeine.
Hope to heard you recomendention any time soon.
Thank´s much.
Kisses from Spain.
Hello Nayibeth,
Im not sure if you want Creatine in your supplement, but if you are just starting out and want a complete pre workout supplement that has Creatine in it, is good for running, sports, and weight training than try Muscle Pharm Assault. Most women tend to shy away from Creatine so some good creatine free pre workout supplements are Jack3d micro and Cellucor N0 Extreme. If you are very tolerant to caffeine than I would recommend actually stopping all use of caffeine, including coffee for at least 3 weeks to allow your tolerance to go down and to give your body a rest from stimulants. Its a best practice to take breaks like this every 2-3 months to maintain optimum health.
Thanks for writing in!
Rick, I am currently on betancourt d stunner, awesome pump, energy, etc… but mix ability is a 2 in my book. Have you tried this at all and if so what would you consider close to this but with better taste. I am going to cycle off for a few weeks so my adrenal glands don’t crash out on me but looking for something new next time at the nutrition store
Thanks andrew
Taste/mix ability… It’s the consistency of sandy bitter juice
Haven’t tried it, but ill look into it later on because I am off of stimulants now. I think a real good one to try that is similar would be Craze. Tastes great and has comparable ingredients.
Comparable to the d stunner?
Yep
What is the best pre workout supplement for adrenelene to pump you up?
Congratulations for the work, optimal list! Here in Brazil somo deprived of such PRACTICAL INFORMATION. After seeing the list I di 1.MR for muscle pharm assault, gtande difference and surprising results. grateful! Hugs!
Hi Niander!
Thanks for the great compliment! Im really glad I could help out.
Axiom?????
Ive never heard of it so im not sure. Perhaps there are others who have tried it…
Hello,
What about Betancourt’s Bullnox Androrush? I’ve read so many good reviews about the product but never saw on the list…
What’s your opinion about it? Is it worth a shot?
Thank you.
Androrush is good, but its a little out dated as far as all of the others are concerned. My list is for “the best pre workout supplement” so unfortunately, I only focus on the top products I can find. I did have Androrush on the list about 8-12 months ago when it was newer, but now there are so many good ones that I had to take it off. If you’re curious about it, give it a shot. These supplements only last about a month so you can always switch it up afterwards.
Hey,
Im really into my soccer, so endurance and strength are key factors.
I’ve been using Super Pump Max, but its harsh on the stomach and leaves me fatigued after a workout; It also lacks stimulants.
Your review on Scream looks great, but Assault and M5 have really caught my attention as they contain the Nitric Oxide boosters; which are essential.
With this in mind, Which pre-workout do you feel would be most beneficial for me?
Hello Luke,
Scream has a far superior nutrient in it for Nitric Oxide production called L-Citrulline. Its my new favorite pre cursor for N.O. and will be the new standard in supplements in the near future. Regarding Assault or M5, I figure that since you do ALOT of running then I would focus on Assault over M5 because it contains bcaas, glutamine, and electrolytes. 3 things that are essential for athletes that have a high cardio workout work load.
Thanks for writing in!
thank you great response
which would you recommend jack3d micro, crazo,go or juggernault ?
Hey Matt,
Hard to say really because they are all great supplements. Jack3d micro doesnt have any creatine in it so thats a distinct difference there. Crazy and Go are similar in ingredients so that’s a toss up. Juggernaut has a 4 blend creatine source so it’s good for muscle building. If you don’t need creatine in your pre workout supplement that go for Jack3d micro. If you want a strong stimulant than Crazy or Go work, but if you are receptive to creatine and are into intense bodybuilding the Juggernaut is the way to go.
Great article, workout supplements is something that it seems more and more people are overlooking with the economy looking rough, but is definitely something that can provide you some reassurance. I’ve never heard of workout supplements until now, it is worth looking. Thanks
You guys should also review ACG3 I have found it giving me more gains in strength than no xplode and nano vapor.l Aslo I can run after using this product and not feel sick to my stomich after I am done.
You should review Barthel Fitness Unleashed ( No prop. blend) and Fahrenheit Volatile… I’d like to see your opinion on these products..
Jack3d has DMAA in it which is a strong stimulant that has been banned in several countries like Australia and Canada I believe. Other than this substance, it really contained some pretty standardized pre workout ingredients. People liked Jack3d because of the stimulants, I personally thought it was ok. USPlabs just released there newest product: Jack3d micro and this supplement is a very good pre workout supplement with creatine. You can read my full review of Jacked micro here.
Does MP assault contain nitric oxide? or what other substance in MP promotes vasodilation?
Nitric Oxide is produced by L-Arginine which causes the vasodilation to occur. Assault and many others on this list contain L-Arginine.
this and the post workout thread are good and solid reviews..thanks in advance..
a suggestion…what about a protein review..lots of good protein powders..how about a review like you did on these products..maybe by tipo of protein..isolate and so on..
cheers mate.
Thanks for the kind words!
I got a protein supplement review page my friend: http://nitrofatburners.com/the-best-protein-supplement/
Some great protein powders there including casein, whey, and blends! Check it out!
What’s the best female pre workout supplement for leaning out & not retaining water?
Curious if anyone has thoughts/experience w/ the new pre-workout supp “Warpath” by American Muscle (americanmuscle.us)
Been taking CarnoCre along w/ MP Assault and have been considering Warpath as a strong possibility for my next PWS.
What about ACG3?
I tried to Juggernaut and I wasn’t to impressed. I went back to MP Assault. Is it alright to switch straight to Cellucor C4?
Devo,
Sure that should be no problem, just be aware of your tolerance level to the stimulants and be sure to cycle your pre workout supplements every 2-3 canisters.
I have been on the 40 serving formula of MP Assault for a while now, I tried the new formula and I just don’t feel much from it. I have tried cycling it too. I have also tried Juggernaut, and DS Craze (made me feel weird so I stopped taking it). What are some good alternatives for those that use MP Assault?
Well if “feeling” a pre workout supplement is what is important to you than try the #3 ranked pre workout supplement. That should give you a nice kick in the pants.
What about Superpump Max?
i have tried Superpump 250 and i had serious stomach issues, just want to know if the new version has the same problems for people??
Thanks for the info. I’ve never used supplements before, and I want to start using them to get better, faster and greater gains than with traditional exercise. Is it recommended to start using MPAssault? Or should I take something less stronger?
I work out a lot, but it’s taking time to see big results.
Thanks!
@Jonathan,
That depends on whether or not you want stimulants in your supplements. Supplements today are very versatile and address the needs of many different individuals. MP Assault is the best all around pre workout supplement with stimulants, however it does not contain the strongest amount caffeine, just the right amount. I do have 3 different lists here: with stimulants, without stimulants, without creatine. Check them all out and decide which is the best for your needs. Thanks for writing in.
I’ve have tried M5 and it had an ok pump. C4 was decent but hardly no gains. Jack3d has been my all time favorite for over 1 year and M5 or C4 doesn’t even come close the the energy, gains, and the feeling of never wanting to stop working out. Im just done with a cycle of 1MR but the crash after a working got me wanting to take a nap. I started Assault and I agree with the comments but lost a pump after 2 weeks. of course with any pre-workout you have to cycle off of it so your body doesn’t get use to the supplement your taking. Jack3d is still the best in my opinion
what about lit-up?
I haven’t tried Lit up yet, how was it for you? I looked over the ingredients and it has some decent stuff in it, but its hard to tell with a proprietary list.
Assault is a good supplement, but it isn’t the strongest.
Love the reviews.
I love the list, I wanted to try M5 Extreme, but got Assault instead.
@ Jeff
That’s great. I love Assault and have had some real positive gains from it. M5 Extreme is a beast so if you get the chance give it a shot.