What does pre-workout do?

Pre-workouts are popular supplements that can boost your training sessions. When taken properly, they can increase the effectiveness of your workouts significantly. These supplements are a good choice both for those, who want to drop on weight, and for the bodybuilding masters. But, what do pre-workouts do? You can learn that by reading this article! Here we will explain everything you need to know – from what pre-workouts are to what it feels like taking them. Are you intrigued? Then read on!

• What are pre-workouts?
• Pre-workout – what does it do?
• What should you know about taking pre-workouts?
• The takeaway

What are pre-workouts?

Before digging into what pre-workouts do, we need to understand what pre-workouts are. They are dietary supplements taken before trainings with the aim of increasing the efficiency of the training sessions and reducing the feeling of fatigue. There are different types of them – depending on why you are training, you should opt for different kinds of pre-workouts. The most common division between these supplements is into stimulating and non-stimulating pre-workouts. 

• Stimulating pre-workouts – They usually contain caffeine, thus what these pre-workouts do is increase your energy levels. However, not everybody likes caffeine, plus some people prefer training in the evenings. In the second case, taking stimulating pre-workouts could decrease the quality of sleep, which is an important element of proper training routine. This is why many people opt for non-stimulating supplements.
• Non-stimulating pre-workouts – These are the perfect solution for those who are caffeine-sensitive or prefer training close to their bedtime. While they might not give you the same kicks as their stimulating versions, what the non-stimulating pre-workouts do for you is decrease the feeling of fatigue. This way, you will still be able to complete all your weekly training sessions and feel good afterward.

When it comes to the ingredients, there is no set list of what a pre-workout should consist of. However, there are some usual elements that might be found in most of these supplements:

• Caffeine – it is present in most stimulating supplements of this kind. The amount of it varies depending on the product: some pre-workouts have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, while other might even have twice as much of it. It also should be mentioned that there are three different types of caffeine used. It is so because the best effects are achievable only by mixing several types together.
• Beta alanine – this is one of the most common ingredients that is responsible for what a pre-workout does for you – it improves performance, recovery and is even known to have some anti-aging effects.

• B vitamins – the vitamins from this group are necessary for the energy producing processes in our bodies. Thus, they are also a common ingredient of pre-workouts. After all, one of the aims of these supplements is to provide you with more energy.

• BCAA – branched-chain amino acids are an important part of pre-workouts. Since many types of these proteins are used, it is more likely that you will come across their particular names such as leucine, valine, etc. Depending on the type of BCAAs, they might have different effects: reducing muscle soreness, decreasing fatigue or even improving your internal organs, such as liver.

Pre-workout – what does it do?

There are two main desired effects of taking pre-workouts: an energy boost and a decrease in fatigue. However, since pre-workouts are complex supplements, they come with many other benefits, depending on the ingredients of each product. What pre-workouts can do for you are:

• Increase your energy levels – stimulating pre-workouts will give you kicks to complete even more intense workouts than usual. This way, you will be able to achieve more in shorter time. Taking this supplements means both longer training sessions and more effective ones – you will be able to train on slightly heavier weights.
• Decrease the feeling of fatigue – regeneration and recovery are a crucial part of a proper training routine. You need to feel good and have your muscles in shape, if you want your next workouts to be effective. What training after taking pre-workouts feels like, is much different than the usual – their ingredients significantly reduce the feeling of fatigue, so you don’t have to worry about not having energy for anything after an intense training session.

• Increase focus – if you want your exercises to be effective, you have to keep a flawless technique. To do so, you need to stay focused. This is why most pre-workouts are also aimed at increasing your concentration. Taking them will help you eliminate any possible mistakes and squeeze as much as possible of your time at the gym.

• Aid fat loss – what some pre-workouts additionally do, is aid you in dropping on weight. The supplements which serve this function consist of ingredients that accelerate fat burning. They might also be able to block your appetite – so you won’t have to worry about snacking after your workout.

• Boost your mood – pre-workouts may also have a significant effect on your mood. By taking them, you will feel better, more powerful during your training, which will motivate you to work even harder.

What should you know about taking pre-workouts?

Since now you know what does a pre-workout do, it is important to learn about taking them properly. The first aspect that you should consider is the type of the supplement. Consider whether you prefer stimulating or non-stimulating pre-workouts, and think about your aims. Moreover, select a product adequate for your proficiency – you do not want your supplement to be too strong or too weak.

Additionally, you need to keep to proper pre-workout timing. This kind of supplement needs to be taken 30–45 minutes before your training session. Otherwise, its effects might wear off before the end of your workout.

The takeaway

Pre-workouts are supplements taken before training sessions that are supposed to make your workouts more efficient. They consist of different ingredients and are divided into stimulating and non-stimulating. The former usually consist of caffeine, while the latter don’t.

What does a pre-workout do? It increases your focus and energy levels, reduces the feeling of fatigue, and might help you boost your mood or lose on weight. If taken 30–45 minutes before your workout, it can significantly improve the effectiveness of your training.

If you are interested in the topic of pre-workouts, you might like our discussion on pre-workouts vs. energy drinks.