What is a Pre Workout?

Pre workout supplements are crucial if you want to perform at your best in the gym. They provide you with more energy and strength, better concentration, and higher endurance. Based on the positive effects of amino acids, caffeine, and other natural stimulants, these supplements have been developed to make each new workout more efficient and satisfying than the last.

Is a Pre Workout bad for you?

Pre-workout supplements can vary in how they affect individual people. They often contain ingredients like caffeine and creatine that are intended to boost energy and focus during exercise. But just like with everything, they can cause side effects in some people, such as a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, stomach issues, or headaches.

The most important thing is to understand how your body reacts to these supplements. People who are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants may be more likely to experience side effects. It is also wise to look at the ingredient list and check if there is anything in it that you might react negatively to.

Although pre-workout supplements work well for some people, it is always wise to be cautious and consult a doctor before using them, especially if you have health issues or are taking medications. Safety always comes first!

Pre Workout without caffeine 

Most substances in a pre-workout are not very dosage-sensitive, but there is one ingredient for which the desired dosage is different for everyone, and that is 'caffeine'. This substance suppresses the feeling of fatigue and provides an energetic feeling. Ideal for during exercise, but it also has a number of disadvantages. For instance, this substance remains in the body for hours, which can lead to sleep problems. There are also people who are sensitive to caffeine; these individuals may experience side effects such as palpitations, anxiety, nausea, and stress.

This is the reason why we offer our Pre workouts in a variant with caffeine, and a variant without caffeine. Two identical formulas except for the caffeine. This makes it possible to mix, for example, half a dose with and half a dose without caffeine. This way, the dosage of all ingredients remains the same, only the caffeine dosage is halved. 

How to choose a pre-workout supplement?

"All types of training require extra support from various bodily functions. For example, muscle-building sessions will benefit from testosterone and growth hormone boosters, while a cutting cycle is not something you want to associate with carbohydrates and sugars. You can also choose supplements with or without caffeine, depending on how focused you want to be."

Choose supplements that have been tested in a laboratory or by a third party. Be sure to also check the ingredient list and avoid pre-workout supplements with complicated chemical substances that you can find little information about, 'empty' fillers that add no value, and of course unwanted calories.

What is in a Pre Workout?

Pre Workout contains various ingredients that give your training a boost. But which ingredients are they, and what do they do?

Caffeine: It is the most well-known ingredient. It is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and so on. It improves performance by stimulating the central nervous system. This results in a feeling of energy that enhances your physical performance.

Citrulline Malate: Provides a nitric oxide experience in your body. It dilates the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to be transported to your muscles. This is what we call a pump.

Beta-alanine: Is a non-essential amino acid that helps to lower the acidity in your muscles. This results in less acidification in the muscles during exercise and thus increases endurance.

AAKG: Consists of L-Arginine and Alpha-Ketoglutarate. It dilates blood vessels and ensures better blood flow to the muscles. 

Glycerol: Ensures that your kidneys absorb more fluid in your body. Hydration is very important during exercise. Dehydration can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Glycerol counteracts this by allowing the kidneys to absorb more fluid and reducing urine production.

Betaine HCL: Hydrates the muscle cells and ensures that there is temporarily more fluid in your muscles that you need during a workout. This increases endurance!

L-Tyrosine: Helps to maintain focus in stressful situations. When you are doing an exercise and you reach the last repetitions, the alarm bells in your body start ringing. Your body tells you to stop the exercise. This can be very detrimental because you actually stimulate muscle growth in those last repetitions. L-Tyrosine makes it easier to push for one more repetition.

L-Theanine: Manage the boost of caffeine effectively. Caffeine can sometimes cause a panicky and anxious feeling. L-Theanine counteracts this; it is an organic compound that occurs alongside caffeine in tea.  

When do I use Pre Workout supplements?

Most pre-workout boosters are best taken 15-30 minutes before the sports activity, but don't forget to always consult the label for the manufacturer's instructions. 

How long does a Pre Workout last?

Pre workout consists of a mix of different ingredients, each with a specific effect. If we look at caffeine as an example, it halves every 5 hours. This means that if you take 400mg of caffeine, you still have 200mg of caffeine in your body 5 hours after consumption. After 10 hours, you have 100mg left, and so on. Almost all Pre Workouts also contain Beta-alanine, which causes a tingling sensation and helps against acidification. These tingles can last for 60-90 minutes, but this varies from person to person.

Can I take my supplement on an empty stomach?

Yes. Most pre-workouts are designed to be safe on an empty stomach, so if you take yours without eating first, you are unlikely to experience side effects such as bloating or a heavy feeling. However, if you do feel discomfort, combining your supplement with a snack will not negatively affect the outcome. Just keep an eye on your calorie intake to avoid exceeding your desired limit.

Can I take pre-workout on rest days too?

Although some people do it to experience the benefits of sharper focus and more energy throughout the day, this habit may not be a good idea, as your body can develop a tolerance to the stimulating ingredients.

 Are pre-workout supplements good for weight loss?

"Well, not all supplements are the same. Some are made to build muscle, which may not help with weight loss. That's why it's important to check the labels carefully. Look for supplements that contain no additives or that have ingredients that help burn fat. So yes, pre-workout supplements can help with weight loss, but it's crucial to choose the right one."

At 17 Nutrition, we offer pre-workout options that fit your dietary preferences or any personal intolerances. Whether you are a vegan or looking for supplements without caffeine, you are in the right place.