The Best Time To Drink Pre-Workout
Whether you need help getting motivated to go to the gym or you want to power through a difficult lifting session, there are plenty of reasons to take pre-workout before exercising. Typically found in powder form, pre-workout supplements promise to boost athletic performance during exercise (via Self). Pre-workout supplements can contain a variety of ingredients including caffeine, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Depending on the ingredient layout of the product, taking pre-workout can boost your energy levels, improve focus, and increase muscle stamina during a workout.
However, you will only see these benefits during exercise if you take pre-workout at the right time. According to Gainful, you should take pre-workout anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes before you plan to begin exercising. This will give your body enough time to process and begin using the ingredients so you can reap the benefits while you're at the gym or on a run. The perfect time to take pre-workout will vary for each person and the type of supplement they take, so finding that sweet spot will take some trial and error on your part.
Pros and cons of pre-workout supplements
As with any supplement, pre-workout has its pros and cons. The supplement industry in the United States is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which can make it difficult to know exactly what you're ingesting when you take pre-workout (via Self). This can be especially concerning for people who take large doses of this supplement every day. The best way to stay safe when buying pre-workout is to only purchase brands that have been third-party tested by organizations like NSF or Informed Choice.
However, even third-party tested pre-workout supplements can be harmful to some people. According to Healthline, common side effects of pre-workout include jitters, insomnia, digestive upset, and headaches. If you experience any of these effects when taking a pre-workout supplement, consider reducing your dosage, trying another formula, or finding another way to boost your energy levels before working out.
That all being said, pre-workout can offer many benefits to people who take appropriate doses from vetted brands. According to Men's Health, pre-workout has been shown to improve athletic performance, increase concentration and focus during exercise, and improve stamina during strength-training and cardio workouts. These benefits can be immensely helpful not only to professional athletes, but to anyone looking to push themselves a little harder during their workout. When you listen to your body and do your research, pre-workout can be a great addition to your exercise routine.