The fast-paced lifestyle has made taking care of our bodies difficult. Working out and squeezing in time for exercise is an essential part of taking care of our physical health. It is a known fact that your diet plays a key role in a successful workout. Some people consume a banana before a workout to help them exercise better. But gone are the days when this was sufficient as a pre-workout intake. Today, there are supplements available to make these workouts more effective and make the most of the time we can take out. These pre-workout supplements help you exercise with more energy. But, what exactly are pre-workout supplements, and why do you need them? In this blog, we will answer all your questions to provide you with clarity about these supplements.
Pre-Workout Supplements – An Overview
Pre-workout supplements usually come in the form of powdered drink that boosts workout performance when consumed beforehand. These supplements contain energy-boosting ingredients. They are consumed by mixing the powder with water and are said to improve athletic performance and help you power-through high-intensity workouts.
Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements
Now that we have an idea of what pre-workout supplements are, the next question is, why should we consume them? We have listed the various benefits of pre-workout intake below –
1- Fuel your Body with Necessary Carbs
We all know carbohydrates are our go-to source of energy, and they are expertly recommended to fuel our bodies before a workout. When we do high-intensity exercise, like cycling and lifting sessions, our body uses glucose and stored carbohydrates for energy. Hence, topping your carb levels before starting the workout regime makes sense.
3- Caffeine for Alertness
Caffeine is a known energy booster. It also helps with alertness during workouts. Studies and reviews have concluded that caffeine supplements enhance aerobic endurance, muscle strength, jumping performance, and speed. You need to take between three to six mg of caffeine for every kg of your body weight for the caffeine to work correctly.
3- HMB for Workout Recovery
Buy pre-workout products containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate for better workout recovery. Your body already produces HMB out of the amino acids found in protein-rich foods but can only use about 5% of it. Hence, a supplementary form of HMB is essential for reducing muscle breakdown and promoting muscle growth.
4- Lower Heart Disease and Risk of Depression with Creatine Monohydrate
One of the well-researched ingredients found in pre-workout formulas is creatine monohydrate. A derivative of three amino acids, this ingredient helps you exert more during high-intensity intervals and build strength over time. Linked to improved cognition, decreased risk of depression, and lower risk of heart disease, you can consume creatine even after your workouts.
When and How to Consume Pre-Workout Supplements
Most pre-workout supplements include instructions on how to consume them properly. If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller serving to assess your tolerance levels. Most of these products can be taken about 30-60 minutes before your workout to allow enough time for the ingredients to be absorbed in your bloodstream. While buying pre-workout powder online, if the formula includes caffeine or other stimulants, you should consider the time of the day to intake the product since it may disrupt sleep. If the supplement includes beta-alanine, you might notice a tingling sensation which is entirely normal.
Who Should Consume these Supplements?
If you are wondering whether you should consume pre-workout formulas, the truth is, these supplements are not for everyone. You do not need to consume them daily, however, if you have trained consistently for at least six months, these products might help increase your exercise capacity. The supplements are a good idea if you are into high-intensity training or you are working out on weak body parts. If you experience low energy levels or find it difficult to make it through your workout, consider lifestyle factors first. The supplements are a great source for developing endurance and boosting energy and you can try these supplements to see if they help you exercise better.
Myths about Pre-Workout Supplements
Let’s address some common myths about pre-workout formulas to help you get clarity.
Myth – Pre-workouts should be consumed every day
You don’t need to consume pre-workout supplements daily. They should be taken only on days when you work on your weakest body parts or are doing a high-intensity training session.
Myth – Pre-workouts can be taken at any time of the day
Pre-workouts are most effective when consumed before 5 pm, especially if the ingredients include caffeine. This is to make sure that the supplement does not affect your schedule and that you have a good sleep.
Myth – Only men can consume pre-workout formulas
These supplements can benefit both men and women and provide that extra bout of energy and motivation to help improve the overall quality of your exercise regime.
The Best Pre-Workout Supplement and Why Should You Take it
Talking about the pre-workouts available in the market, shoot-up extreme pre-workout is one of the best ones. The product provides great energy and improves focus for better workout results. It helps in building extreme endurance and helps sustain energy. The formula comes in a powder form, and each serving has about 6gms of the supplement. It contains all the essential ingredients, including beta-alanine. You can buy shoot-up extreme pre-workout online from HFN to add a whole new dimension to your workout regime and achieve your goals in a better way.
Conclusion
Pre-workout supplements are a great addition to a solid nutrition foundation but are not a substitute for them. A good lifestyle will always be the most important prerequisite for a proper workout. Make sure you are well-hydrated, have a proper diet, and are sleeping properly. The formula adds to your workout experience and helps you get through difficult training sessions. Check the ingredients properly, and if you are a beginner, we recommend you start with small portions first.