Caffeine-based pre-workouts for experienced gym-goers, from moderate everyday formulas to high-stimulant powders. Choose Dorian Yates Blood And Guts, Redcon1 Total War, 10X Athletic STIM, Applied Nutrition ABE, Universal Animal Fury, LEVRONE Scatterbrain, Skull Labs Angel Dust or Trec Boogieman powders and ready-to-drink shots.
Powders and shots
- High-stim powders: Dorian Yates Blood And Guts 380g (seven flavours, Mojito the signature), Redcon1 Total War 441g, 10X Athletic STIM 600g, LEVRONE Scatterbrain and Skull Labs Angel Dust. These are aimed at experienced users.
- All-rounders: Applied Nutrition ABE, Universal Animal Fury, BAD ASS Pre Workout, FA Core Neuro, OstroVit Freak Fighter, Snap Pre Workout and Trec Boogieman 300g.
- Ready to drink: Trec Boogieman Shot 100ml in packs of 12, Bubble Gum or Tropical, for training straight from work with no shaker.
- Capsules: Trec Nitrobolon Caps, if you prefer not to drink a pre-workout.
Using a stimulant pre-workout sensibly
- Find the caffeine per serving on the label and count it with coffee, tea and energy drinks. UK guidance for healthy adults is no more than 200 mg in a single serving and 400 mg a day.
- First time with a product? Take half a scoop to test your tolerance. Never double-scoop.
- Take it 15 to 30 minutes before training, and not within about six hours of bed.
- Products with added caffeine are not recommended for under-18s or pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or take medication, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
Caffeine has no authorised health claim, so we describe these products by their contents. Many experienced users save high-stim products for their hardest sessions to keep tolerance in check, and use a Non-Stim Pre-Workout on other days. Pair Blood And Guts with creatine in the DY Nutrition bundle, or browse all Pre-Workout.
Stim Pre-Workout: your questions answered
What does high-stim mean?
High-stim describes pre-workouts with a large caffeine dose per serving. Check the label for the exact amount, count it towards the 400 mg daily guidance and start with half a scoop.
How late in the day can I take a stim pre-workout?
Leave at least six hours before bed, as caffeine can disturb sleep. For evening sessions, a non-stim pre-workout is the better choice.
Should I take breaks from stim pre-workouts?
Many regular users save them for hard sessions or take a week off now and then, as tolerance to caffeine builds with daily use. Training without one on easier days is fine.
Boogieman Shot or powder: which should I buy?
The 100ml Boogieman Shot is ready to drink with no mixing, which suits training straight from work. The 300g powder costs less per serving if you train at home.
Can I drink an energy drink with my pre-workout?
It is best not to. Energy drinks add more caffeine, which can easily take you over the 400 mg daily guidance.
