Supplements
The 10 Best Pre Workouts for Beginners
Which are the best pre-workouts for beginners?
Figuring out which pre-workout to use as a beginner can be an absolute nightmare.
There are literally thousands to choose from, and they all claim to contain the secret sauce to massive gains.
Fortunately for you, we’ve tried and tested hundreds of different pre-workouts over the years and know exactly what makes a good pre-workout for beginners.
In this article, you’ll find a roundup of the best pre-workouts for beginners and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions beginners have around pre-workouts.
Here’s a list of the 10 best pre-workouts for beginners on the market right now:
Top 10 Pre Workouts for Beginners Compared
Our supplement lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable companies and web sources.
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. HardBody Supplements – O.M.G
Hardbody Supplements O.M.G pre-workout is scientifically crafted to boost energy, stamina, mental clarity, focus, and performance.
Each tub contains 15 servings, all providing you with 1500mg of Beta-Alanine, 1000mg of L-Citrulline, 1000mg of Creapure Creatine, 200mg of Organic Caffeine, 150mg of N-Acetyl Tyrosine, and 50mg of CoQ10.
Other ingredients include Natural Flavoring, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Silicon Dioxide, and Organic Stevia Leaf Extract.
The supplement is Non-GMO, third-party tested and manufactured in an FDA registered facility, and is free from artificial colors and illegal substances.
The brand suggests that using O.M.G may help keep your muscles oxygenated and balance your metabolism so you can recover and grow more efficiently.
HardBody Supplements recommends mixing one scoop with 4-10 oz of your favorite beverage, consuming 15-20 minutes before exercise, and then again post-workout.
9. Sheer Strength Labs – Rise
Rise pre-workout by Sheer Strength Labs is formulated to provide steady energy and lasting endurance throughout your workout.
Each tub contains 25 servings. Per serving, you’ll receive 6000mg of L-Citrulline Malate, 1500mg of Beta-Alanine, 1000mg of Betaine Anhydrous, 150mg of Caffeine Anhydrous, 100mg of L-Theanine, 150mg of Coconut water powder, 100mg of Red Ginseng Root Powder, and 50mg of Theobromine.
Other ingredients include Silica, Xylitol, Stevia Extract, Natural Flavors, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, and Vegetable Juice Coloring.
The supplement is Non-GMO, manufactured in the USA, and third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
The brand suggests that taking Rise may also help with mental clarity and focus without an unpleasant crash or giving you the jitters.
Sheer Strength Labs recommends mixing one scoop of Rise pre-workout with 12-16oz of water approximately 20-30 minutes before working out for best results.
8. Alani Nu – Pre-Workout
Alani Nu’s pre-workout is designed to provide men and women with the energy they need during workouts and training sessions.
Each tub contains 30 servings, all providing you with 6g of L-Citrulline Malate 2:1, 1.6g of Beta-Alanine, 500mg of L-Tyrosine, 200mg of Caffeine, and 200mg of L-Theanine.
Other ingredients include Sodium Citrate, Silica, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Beet Root Extract, and Acesulfame Potassium.
The pre-workout does not contain any proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you’ll be consuming, and it’s tested for banned substances, purity, and potency.
Alani Nu recommends mixing half a scoop in 6-8oz of water 20-30 minutes before your workout for best results.
Once you’ve assessed your tolerance, you can then move up to a whole serving.
7. PEScience – Prolific
PEScience Prolific pre-workout is formulated to enhance mind-muscle connection and optimize energy performance.
Each tub contains 40 servings or 20 servings, depending on how many scoops you prefer.
Each serving provides you with 3g of L-Citrulline, 1.25g of Betaine Anhydrous, 750mg of Taurine, 160mg of Caffeine, 125mg of Citicoline, 100mg of L-Theanine, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea (Root) Extract, and 50mg of Coffee Fruit Extract.
Other ingredients include Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Malic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Silicate, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium.
The brand suggests that supplementing with Prolific may help dial in focus, enhance workout performance, and provide you with ultra-powerful pumps.
PEScience recommends starting with one scoop to determine your tolerance and mixing it with 8-10 ounces of cold water for best results.
6. Vega Sport – Sugar-Free Energizer
Vega Sport’s Sugar-Free Energizer pre-workout is designed to support energy, focus, and performance.
Each tub contains 35 servings of high-quality, premium ingredients, including Caffeine, Green Tea, and Rhodiola Rosea.
Other ingredients include Coconut Water Powder, Natural Flavors, Organic Beet Root Powder, Malic Acid, Stevia Leaf Extract, and Citric Acid.
The supplement is Non-GMO, gluten and sugar-free, and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
The brand suggests that the pre-workout may also help restore electrolyte balance due to its focused sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ratio. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Vega Sport recommends following their recommended serving guidelines for best results.
5. Garden of Life – Organic Plant-Based Energy+Focus
Garden of Life’s organic plant-based pre-workout is designed to give you a fast burst of energy and sharpen mental focus.
Each tub contains 40 servings of the brand’s proprietary blends of ingredients.
Due to its ingredients, this is an ideal pre-workout for vegans or anyone following a plant-based diet.
The brand suggests that supplementing with their pre-workout may help provide you with an immediate boost of energy and mental clarity, as well as helping to improve your performance during exercise.
Garden of Life recommends mixing one level scoop of pre-workout powder in 8oz of cold water and consuming approximately 30 minutes before working out for best results.
4. BSN – N.O.-XPLODE
BSN N.O.-XPLODE is formulated to support explosive energy, intense focus, extreme pumps, and maximum performance.
Each tub contains 30-60 servings, depending on how many scoops you have, and provides you with ingredients like Creatine, Beta-Alanine, and Caffeine Anhydrous.
Other non-active ingredients include Citric Acid, Calcium Silicate, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose, Malic Acid, Salt, and Acesulfame Potassium.
The brand states that N.O.-Xplode is designed for athletes of all levels to help maximize workout performance, making it a great pre-workout for beginners.
BSN recommends mixing one scoop with 4-6oz of cold water and consuming approximately 20-30 minutes before working out for best results.
3. RSP Nutrition – AminoLean
RSP Nutrition AminoLean pre-workout is designed to increase energy and mental focus.
Each tub contains 30 servings, or 60 scoops, all providing you with a blend of high-quality performance-enhancing ingredients, like Caffeine.
The supplement is free from sugars, calories, and carbohydrates, and each serving contains approximately 5g of Essential Amino Acids, which help speed up muscle repair and promote fast recovery.
As AminoLean uses natural Caffeine, you won’t experience any jitters or a severe crash, and it can be taken as a pre-workout, post-workout, or anytime you need a boost of energy.
RSP Nutrition Recommends following their recommended serving guidelines for best results.
2. Cellucor – C4 Sport
C4 Sport by Cellucor is formulated to help build lean muscle mass, maximize performance, and increase overall strength.
Each tub contains 30 servings of Cellucor’s blend of performance and energy enhancing ingredients, along with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.
The brand has added ingredients like Beta-Alanine to help support muscular endurance and fight fatigue and Creatine Monohydrate to support strength and muscle gains.
The supplement is NSF Certified and rigorously tested by a third party for quality and safety.
Cellucor recommends taking one serving with 6-8 fl oz of water approximately 20-30 minutes before working out for best results.
1. Huge Nutrition – Wrecked
Wrecked pre-workout by Huge Nutrition is designed to help you take your workout to the next level.
Each tub contains 25 servings of high-quality ingredients formulated to help you achieve skin tearing muscle pumps, extreme focus, and superhuman power.
Main ingredients include Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Citrulline Malate, Beta Alaine, Betaine Anhydrous, Agmatine Sulfate, and L-Tyrosine.
Other ingredients include Natural and Artificial Flavors, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium.
Huge Nutrition recommends taking one serving approximately 20-30 minutes before working out for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre Workouts for Beginners
Q: What Is A Pre Workout?
A pre-workout is a dietary supplement designed to provide you with a sudden boost of energy, strength, and focus before a workout.
Pre-workouts contain a combination of ingredients like Caffeine, Creatine, Beta-Alanine, and Amino Acids and typically come in a powdered form that you mix with water.
They are designed to be taken approximately 30 minutes before exercise and come either with or without stimulants.
Q: What Are The Benefits of a Pre Workout For Beginners?
Pre-workouts are beneficial for beginners as they can help improve exercise performance and provide the energy you need to workout efficiently.
If you can work out for longer under greater intensity, you may likely accelerate your results and reach your exercise goals sooner.
Typically, pre-workouts help increase physical performance, strength, and endurance while also helping to prevent premature fatigue.
Depending on the type of exercise you do, pre-workout supplements can be used solely for specific purposes, like building strength or enhancing endurance and stamina.
Q: Do Pre Workouts For Beginners Have Any Side Effects?
Pre-workouts are generally considered safe to consume when following the manufacturer’s recommended serving guidelines.
However, pre-workouts containing caffeine may cause side effects like jitteriness, nausea, headaches, and heart palpitations for those sensitive to caffeine.
Also, if taken in the evening, some people may find pre-workouts disrupt falling asleep due to caffeine and may therefore be better off using a non-stimulant pre-workout instead.
Some pre-workouts contain artificial ingredients that may cause intestinal distress and discomfort, like gas bloating and diarrhea.
Before adding any supplement to your diet, check with your doctor or healthcare provider first for peace of mind.
Q: How Do I Take A Pre Workout Supplement As A Beginner?
To get the most out of your pre-workout as a beginner, you should take it approximately 30-60 minutes before your workout, following the manufacturers’ recommend serving guidelines.
If it’s your very first time using a pre-workout, or particular brand of pre-workout, then we suggest reducing the recommended serving size in half until you’ve assessed your tolerance.
Depending on your preference, we suggest either consuming your pre-workout on its own with water or mixing it with other supplements you can consume before a workout like creatine, protein powders, or BCAAs.
Just make sure to take it within 30 minutes of your workout; otherwise, it won’t have enough time to absorb into your bloodstream and take effect.
You will more than likely feel the effects of the caffeine within several minutes of taking the pre-workout, especially if you’re a beginner, but other ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine take longer to kick in.
Q: Which Pre Workout Supplement Should I Choose As A Beginner?
With so many options to choose from, picking a pre-workout as a beginner can be overwhelming, and you may have to try several before you find one that works well for you.
In general, you should always pick supplements that have been manufactured by brands that have a strong reputation for making high-quality supplements.
They should also manufacture their supplements in an FDA-registered facility following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as this ensures a certain quality and standard.
Next, you want to make sure that all the ingredients are listed individually on the Supplement Facts label and not as a proprietary blend because then you know exactly what you’re getting in each and serving.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, then choose one with a low caffeine content, or go for a stim-free pre-workout instead.
Lastly, be sure to compare the cost per serving and how often you’re going to need to purchase a new tub, as some provide a lot better value than others, particularly when it comes to servings, ingredients, and overall results.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 best pre-workouts for beginners.
If you’d like to learn more about other beneficial supplements, check out our latest guides.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best pre-workouts for beginners:
- Huge Nutrition – Wrecked
- Cellucor – C4 Sport
- RSP Nutrition – AminoLean
- BSN -N.O.-XPLODE
- Garden of Life – Organic Plant-Based Energy+Focus
- Vega Sport – Sugar-Free Energizer
- PEScience – Prolific
- Alani Nu – Pre-Workout
- Sheer Strength Labs – Rise
- HardBody Supplements – O.M.G
