What you should know about taking pre-workout

These days, you can find a supplement for almost anything. From vitamins to dietary supplements to fads that don’t usually work, these supplements are readily available over the counter at most pharmacies and health stores, without consideration for the medical implications.

However, the topic that usually gets the most attention is usually pre-workout. Designed to boost performance and energy, pre-workout supplements are multi-ingredient formulas that are ingested before an intense training session.

Are these supplements necessary? Do they actually do anything constructive and can you manage to work out effectively without them? As with any supplement, there are pros and cons that need to be considered before making an educated choice as to whether you actually need to use a pre-workout formula to succeed on your fitness journey.

There are a number of formulas available, but there seems to be little consistency in terms of ingredients. Amino acids, B vitamins, caffeine, creatine and artificial sweeteners are often included.

Research on the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements is also very limited. Nonetheless, some studies suggest that certain ingredients may benefit athletic performance.

Most pre-workout supplements include caffeine, which is proven to increase your energy and focus as well as aid in weight loss. Creatine is an ingredient that is somewhat controversial. Creatine is stored in your skeletal muscle and also improves energy production whilst increasing muscular strength. Further to these main ingredients, most formulas also include nitric oxide. Some studies show that the nitric oxide precursors boost oxygen and nutrient transportation to the muscles, which will also enhance your performance.

However, these studies have also primarily been performed on younger men, so it is unclear if the same effects will be visible to other ages and genders.

Bear in mind that All these compounds can cause side effects, which is where the cons come in. Caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, headaches and restlessness. It is a stimulant after all. Creatine can cause water retention and digestive upsets. The amino acids in nitric oxide can cause migraines.

Therefore, it’s important to consult a trusted professional before deciding on what pre-workout supplement you should be taking, if any. Due to the complex nature of the formulas, be sure to make sure you don’t have any sensitivity to the ingredients. If you are taking a supplement and experiencing some unpleasant side effects, you should consider minimizing your dose to see if the side effects subside.

At Body20, our Champs (personal trainers) are experts in their field and will advise you on the best way forward regarding supplements that will enable you to be the healthiest you can be and not cause any medical issues.

Remember, there is no fast track to fitness. Many of the benefits from pre-workout supplements can be found through a correct eating plan and consuming fresh, healthy foods which is where the Nutrition Doctor comes in.

As a Body20 Member, you have access to the Nutrition Doctor who will devise a personalized eating plan for you that will best enhance your performance.

Avoid falling for the supplementary fads and always consult a trained professional or medical expert before taking any supplements.

Book a free demo at your nearest Body20 Studio on our website to start your personalized and holistic fitness journey.