###What are pre-workout supplements in Australia?
If you are looking for that extra boost for training or when you get to the gym, a pre-workout powder is for you. It’ll give you an uptick in performance just when you need it, so you can go the distance, work out longer and maximise your productivity. We have a range of pre-workout supplements for your consideration, and these are our top 10 recommended products.
###Are all of these pre-workout supplements the same?
All pre-workouts will help you achieve your primary goal — to last longer in the gym and maximise your productivity. However, there are many different formulations to choose from.
For example, with Faction Labs' Disorder — the high-stimulant and high-energy, pump and focus pre-workout — you’ll get a big hit of caffeine with beta-alanine and citrulline malate. These supplements will help with your nitric oxide production, reduce lactic acid build-up and boost your energy. Or why not consider GAT Nitraflex? This combines a range of pre-workout ingredients like resveratrol with testosterone support to boost anabolic muscle-building potential.
We understand that some people prefer a stimulant-free solution, and that’s why we offer products like Elemental Pump. This contains creatine monohydrate, creatine HCL and beta-alanine for muscle and power development, but it has no caffeine and is perfect for late afternoon workouts.
You can also choose an RTD Pre-Workout Drink. These are formulated to boost energy, sharpen your focus, and increase your performance during everyday exercise. For example, we have Amino Energy + Electrolytes by Optimum Nutrition. This will give you energy on the go plus hydration, will replace lost electrolytes and support endurance and performance goals. It’s got zero sugar, just 1 g of carbs, five calories, and is ready to drink.
###What’s the best time to take a pre-workout supplement?
We recommend taking a pre-workout supplement between 20 and 30 minutes before your session. You’ll get a nice boost of energy, will be able to sharpen your concentration and keep your focus throughout your workout. We also suggest that you take a protein shake after you finish to help your body recover from the activity. After all, you want to maximise those gains and be ready to make even more improvements the next time you visit the gym.
###Aren’t pre-workout supplements the same as protein shakes?
While both of these products come in powdered form, there is a distinct difference. The protein shake is designed to help you recover once you have finished your exercise regimen. It’ll help to rebuild those muscles being damaged during your session and keep you moving in the right direction. Some people take them as a meal replacement if they want to lose weight and improve their physique, while others consume them as a nutrient in a dietary programme.
On the other hand, a pre-workout is specifically designed to give you a significant energy boost before your workout. This will help you maximise your performance every time you go to the gym and make the most of your valuable exercise time. However, you shouldn’t take a pre-workout as a dietary supplement, as they are specially designed for one purpose.
###Can I use a pre-workout for weight-loss purposes?
While pre-workout products are not specifically designed to help you manage your weight in this way, we do stock a variety of fat-burning supplements. These use active ingredients like L-carnitine, CLA and acetyl L-carnitine as successful carb blockers to help you lose body weight throughout the workout regime. They can also function as appetite suppressants. For more information, check out Underground Labs' No Fat, EHP Labs' OxyShred and other great products here.
###Are pre-workout supplements safe?
Thousands of athletes use Australian pre-workout supplements every day, and when they are used correctly and in accordance with the directions on the label, they should be perfectly safe. Still, you may notice a few side effects when taking a pre-workout as part of your routine. If you are a professional athlete, make sure that you monitor the ingredients on every product before you go ahead.
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, but it can have unwanted side effects and lead to an interrupted sleep cycle for some. Others may have a caffeine allergy or need to think about this approach due to health conditions. In addition, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid too much caffeine consumption and should always check with their family doctor before taking a pre-workout supplement. So, if you’ve noticed issues with coffee or other sources of caffeine in the past, you may want to opt for a stimulant-free solution instead. We have a range of these available for your needs.
Some people who take a pre-workout product may suffer from stomach discomfort. This is often due to the use of xylitol as an artificial sweetener in these supplements as, in some people, this could cause diarrhoea or stomach upset if consumed in large amounts.
For the majority of people, the use of a pre-workout should not result in any adverse effects. If you’ve never taken one before, have a good look at the label and ingredients first and discuss your goals with a health professional so that they can give you advice based on your current state of fitness. Remember, a pre-workout is an additional aid to help you maximise your gains in the gym so that you can hit your goals more quickly