Pre-workout powders, ready-to-drink shots and capsules to take before training, sorted by how they are built. Choose Stim Pre-Workout for caffeine-led formulas, Non-Stim for caffeine-free options, or Pump for citrulline, arginine and beetroot-based products. Brands include DY Nutrition, Redcon1, 10X Athletic, LEVRONE and Trec Nutrition.
Caffeine is the main active in most stimulant pre-workouts, and the amount varies widely. UK food safety guidance for supplements is no more than 200 mg of caffeine in a single serving and 400 mg a day from all sources for healthy adults, which includes coffee, tea and energy drinks. Products with added caffeine are not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Start with half a serving, never double-scoop, and avoid stimulants within about six hours of bedtime. If you have a heart condition or take medication, ask your GP or pharmacist first.
Common pre-workout ingredients such as caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, arginine and beetroot have no authorised health claims, so we list what each product contains rather than promise effects. Some formulas also include creatine, which increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise, with the benefit obtained from a daily intake of 3 g. Save on combinations in Pre-Workout Bundles, or see Pump & Nitric Oxide for single-ingredient pump products.
Stim pre-workouts contain caffeine or other stimulants; non-stim formulas do not. Non-stim suits evening training, caffeine-sensitive people and anyone who wants to keep their coffee separate.
Most labels say 15 to 30 minutes before training. Follow the timing on your product.
Count both towards your caffeine total. UK guidance is no more than 200 mg in one serving and 400 mg a day for healthy adults, so many people skip coffee on pre-workout days.
Products with added caffeine are not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. A non-stim product is not automatically suitable either, so ask a GP or pharmacist first.
That is usually beta-alanine, a common pre-workout ingredient. The tingling is harmless and tends to ease with regular use or a smaller serving.
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