With all the talk about pre-workout supplements, it’s easy to get confused and think every workout requires one.
That’s simply not true! If you look closely at the ingredients in many pre-workouts, you’ll see that they contain substances called stimulants, which are designed to amp up your energy before your workout.
But if you haven’t been working out for very long or if you experience certain health conditions, taking a stimulant-based pre-workout supplement can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Related: How to Gain Muscles
Why Choose a Stim-Free Pre-Workout?
Reducing stimulants in your pre-workout formula has its pros and cons. Weighing out which is more beneficial to you is important in choosing your product.
Choose a stim free pre workout if you want to try something new, are tired of feeling jittery, or have trouble sleeping. Remember that everybody is different, so what works for some won’t necessarily work for others.
When is the Best Time to Take it?
The best time to take a pre-workout is right before you work out. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and well-fed beforehand so that you won’t feel nauseous during your session.
You can also take stimulant-free pre-workouts during your workout; it will give you energy and keep you going when your body gets tired. If you are working out in a hot environment, then it is better to wait until after your workout before taking it.
How Much Should I Take?
Some pre-workouts can contain anywhere from 100 to 300 milligrams of caffeine, which might be too much for some users.
If you have any underlying health conditions or are just sensitive to stimulants, look for a pre-workout that contains less than 100 milligrams of caffeine.
The bulk of your research should focus on whether or not you should take a stim free pre workout at all and how much you should use.
What Makes Up a Good Stim-Free Blend
It should not just consist of stimulants such as caffeine, L-Tyrosine, and Theanine. There is more to any pre-workout formula than just these three ingredients.
According to Legion Athletics, “Other synergistic ingredients will also make your workout more effective, even without stimulants such as Beta-Alanine (Carnosyn) and Creatine Monohydrate.”
Pre Workout Benefits
- Increased energy, strength, and stamina without stims;
- Less risk of side effects;
- No withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it;
- Longer lasting effects than regular pre-workouts that wear off quickly or contain stimulants
- Maybe safer to take if you’re on medications, as some stims can interact with them;
- If you have health problems, such as heart trouble, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes or asthma—or are pregnant—you might be better off using a non-stimulant product;
- Stim free products tend to be less expensive and more environmentally friendly since they don’t require artificial sweeteners and preservatives;
Even though some pre-workouts are marketed as stim-free, many still contain substances that stimulate your heart rate and may cause you to feel jittery or anxious.
Look for products with ingredients like beta-alanine, which won’t give you an immediate rush but will help boost endurance.
