What is Pre-workout?
Pre-workout is a type of supplement that can be in the form of a powder, capsules, or gummies that people tend to take before exercising. The ingredients frequently used in pre-workout are caffeine, vitamins, and amino acids that can temporarily give or restore an engery boost. These products are designed to increase energy and to help you feel more focused and awake during your workout. Imagine you just got off a long day of work, but you still need to go to the gym. Using a pre-workout could allow you to feel more energized, allowing you to push through your workout.
Should you choose to use a pre-workout supplement, there are both positives and negatives for you to consider and to watch for, to monitor how these products affect your health. Keep reading to learn more about each.
Benefits of Using Pre-workout
Energy Boost: Pre-workout supplements often contain ingredients like caffeine to give you a burst of energy. This is similar to somebody drinking soda or a cup of coffee for a kick of energy; however, these supplements contain more caffeine than your typical cup of coffee. The average cup of coffee contains about 80-100 mg of caffeine. Pre-workouts, though, usually contain 150-400 mg of caffeine in each serving.
Increased Blood Flow: Some of the ingredients in pre-workout, like Betaine, can increase blood flow in the body. Increasing your blood flow allows oxygen and nutrients to enrich your muscles which allows them to perform better during your workout. This will also aid in post-workout recovery.
Increased Focus and Alertness: Pre-workout flips a switch in your brain that helps improve your alertness and increases your mental focus on your exercises while working out.
Better Performance: That extra energy and focus allows you to better perform exercises during your workout. You can give a hundred percent and push yourself harder in your exercises, which could be lifting heavier weights or increasing your amount of reps.
Potential Negatives of Using Pre-workout
Possible side effects caused by ingredients: There is a chance for someone to experience side effects from certain ingredients when taking pre-workout. Caffeine is one ingredient to be aware of and to watch for potential issues. Listed below are the some of the different symptoms and side effects that could come from caffeine or other ingredients that could take a toll on your health.
- Anxiety
- Jittery feelings
- Migraines/headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Sleep disruption
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Cardiovascular issues
- Digestive issues
Most pre-workouts are not reviewed by the FDA: When it comes to pre-workout, the FDA does not have much control over this product. These products do not need to prove they are safe to use and could contain some unknown ingredients. It is important to be careful of the unknown ingredients because you won’t know how they could react with your body.
Dependency: Regularly using pre-workout could result in your body getting used to the supplement, potentially leading to a high tolerance level. After using the product regularly over time, you might feel you can only perform your exercises well with pre-workout and will continuously rely on the product for a successful workout session.
Not designed for children: Pre-workout is generally marketed towards and made for adults. To be more specific, these products are designed for adults doing intense workouts, serious training, and frequent fitness routines—they are not safe for children. It is important for children to be focused on healthy eating, being active most days of the week, and getting plenty of rest as they are still developing and growing.
Ultimately, if you are eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting the proper amount of sleep, it is not necessary to rely on pre-workout supplements as part of your fitness regime. Individuals with medical conditions or those who are taking medications should always consult a doctor before deciding to use pre-workout supplements. If you decide that pre-workout supplements improve or enhance your exercise, responsible use and awareness of how they affect your body is key to making them a safe component of your routine.
