So, you are determined to level up your fitness goals this year. From planning your daily meals down to developing new workout routines, you are most likely hyped up to make a difference. However, like previous years, being consistent and disciplined on this matter comes with certain challenges.

There are times when you might lack the motivation to work out and focus on training yourself hard. Well, it is not unusual for a person to experience a plateau at the gym. This is where a pre-workout supplement can come into play and help you overcome any form of training gain hiatus.

Pre-workouts may not be new to you, but given the wide-ranging options out there, it is easy to get lost and miss the most effective ones. Thus, read through this guide if you want to be more well-informed on pre-workout supplements for 2021.

What Are Pre-Workouts?

Before you start, it is important that you have knowledge of pre-workouts, meaning what they can do and how you should use them.

Pre-workouts, a shorter term for pre-workout supplements, are multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to improve energy and athletic performance. As the name implies, it is typically a product that you must take at least 30 to 60 minutes before going commencing training, exercise, marathon, or any other physical workout.

The body needs the energy to exercise to its maximum potential. Regardless of the intensity of the training, you would need high energy levels so your muscles will not feel fatigued prematurely. This is the role of pre-workout supplements. They supply your body with the nutrients that will give you the energy and power to endure longer workouts with more reps and intensity.

Most pre-workout supplements are supplied in powder form that you have to mix into a drink. But there are also other options on the market. Some are in a capsule form like a multivitamin, while others come as a flavoured drink. It is up to you which one you prefer the most.

Finding The Best Pre-Workout Supplements

Knowing what these pre-workout supplements can do to your body, you probably want nothing but the best one for your fitness goals. Although some pre-workouts may work better than others, it greatly depends on the kind of boost you are looking for.

With this in mind, here is the list of essential ingredients to look for in a pre-workout supplement:

Caffeine

Irrespective of workout and exercise, caffeine is already known to have an impact on fatigue, endurance, and metabolic rate. Being the main ingredient in most pre-workout supplements, it is also largely responsible for that boost in energy and the focus you are looking for.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is wise to read the label and know the amount of caffeine in each serving size. You can also find a pre-workout without caffeine in its contents but will still get your blood circulating to increase energy.

Creatine

The majority of pre-workout supplements contain creatine. This is the ingredient that will help most by having an impact on muscle size, strength, and speed. With creatine, you can make multiple sprints at a higher intensity without seeing a decline in performance (or at least that is how it feels).

Therefore, if you are an avid weightlifter, bodybuilder, or power athlete, then maybe this could be one of your top ingredient priorities in a supplement. It is going to help most with your lower-rep workouts.

Amino Acids

Branched-chain amino acids, more commonly known as BCAAs, are essential in terms of pre-workout effectiveness as it helps regulate protein metabolism in your body. It increases protein synthesis and minimises protein breakdown at the same time.

These ingredients are unnecessary for muscle growth. However, they give you some protection from muscle soreness damage. Note that you can work out longer and more often with stronger and refreshed muscles.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine helps in the production of carnosine, a compound that plays a role in increased muscle endurance. It gives you the ability to perform high-intensity exercises for longer periods. Note that the enemy of performance is fatigue. But with this ingredient, you can do a lot more sprinting and weight lifting before getting exhausted.

There are other ingredients in a pre-workout supplement, and each has multiple benefits in various scenarios. But as much as possible, think about the ingredients mentioned above and how they may aid effectiveness in your pre-workout.

Other Factors To Look For

When it comes to the best pre-workout supplements, it is largely down to your personal preference. What is important, is that you look specifically for the ingredients that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

But in addition to ingredients, here are other factors to consider when looking for the best pre-workout supplements:

Side Effects

The ingredients in pre-workouts are beneficial, but some may have side effects. When taking these supplements, it is essential to be mindful of the ingredients and monitor how your body responds. Take note of any undesirable effects on your body.

If you have certain medical conditions, it would be best to consult a medical professional before using any of these pre-workout supplements. Safety should be your number one priority when taking these pre-workouts.

Effectiveness

Bear in mind that these pre-workout supplements are not magic pills or powders that will make your workout or fitness goals smooth and easy. They contain ingredients that will give you support in your workout. However, they may only work if you also make the right and healthy lifestyle choices.

Company Reputation

When buying a pre-workout supplement, it is also vital to consider the manufacturers of the products. There are always new products making their names known to the fitness world but do not forget to check the company that manufactures the product. Take some time and effort to research and go for the ones with an excellent reputation.

Summary

When it comes to choosing the best pre-workout supplement, it is always essential to consider the ones that are most beneficial to you. Although it may help you look at the products with the best reviews, it still boils down to what you really need and prefer. Remember to take into account your safety and fitness goals when making the decision.