Stimulants or non-stimulants, pre-workout have become quite popular in the fitness industry. They have become symbols of people going to the gym and concentrating on refining their bodies.
However, in the last couple of years, it seems that the industry has been divided into two different parts. Some support stimulant-based pre-workout supplements, while some are against the side effects and prefer non-stimulant pre-workout.
This article will discuss the difference and help you choose what suits you the best.
Contents
What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?
As the name suggests, pre-workout supplements are supplements one takes before doing work. They are basically multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to give your energy while working out.
Pre-workout supplement literally comes in powder form that can be easily mixed in water and consumed before exercise.
Where there are different brands of pre-workout supplements, there is little consistency maintained in the ingredients.
For instance, you will find –
- Caffeine.
- Amino Acids.
- Beta-alanine.
- Creatine.
- Artificial sweeteners.
While these are the common ingredients used in making pre-workout supplements, many brands are still yet to be tested.
Talking about pre-workout supplements, you can divide them into two different categories: Stimulants and Pre-Stimulants Pre-Workout.
Both types of pre-workout are meant to give energy during the workout. However, they may do it differently.
This article will take you through the differences and will help you better understand its effects.
Source: healthline.com
What Are Stimulants Pre-Workout?
Pre-workout supplements are powdered form substances with all the nutrients your body needs while recovering. It has all the vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
But along with all the necessary ingredients, there are some other ingredients that help you give energy. These additional ingredients are called stimulants.
For instance –
- Caffeine.
- Theobromine.
- Theacrine.
– are a few ingredients that act as stimulants.
Now, you must be wondering what the use of adding these ingredients when it doesn’t have to do anything with building muscles is.
Well, they are not exactly meant to help you with muscle building. They are more for giving you that extra push while working out.
The primary purpose of stimulants in your pre-workout is to give you energy, push your cognitive abilities, and enhance your physical performance and stamina.
Source: healthline.com
What Are Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout?
Non-Stimulants Pre-Workout supplements don’t contain any ingredients that can be considered stimulants. They might not be able to deliver the same kick like stimulant pre-workout.
But, if we compare the things we get with non-stimulant pre-workout and things we don’t get, anyone will choose non-stimulant pre-workout from brands such as AML over the side effects of a stimulant pre-workout supplement.
Just because non-stimulant pre-workout does not have any stimulants, it varies with different ingredients and has different attributes based on the formula used.
One of the most important ingredients of non-stimulant pre-workout is a vasodilator to increase the blood flow.
An increase in the blood flow ensures that more blood is pumped into your muscles, more nutrients are transferred, more oxygen is transported to the muscles, and increases natural energy level.
Source: thefitwizard.com
Stimulant Vs. Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout: Which Is Better
As we have already said, stimulants are the ingredients that boost your activity. With the stimulant pre-workout, you will become more focused, proactive, and energetic, and you will always find that extra energy to complete your last drop-down set.
Talking about stimulants, caffeine is one of the most common stimulants used in many pre-workout supplements.
While stimulants are good in bringing out that extra energy, there are a few side effects that you need to be aware of. For instance, you might experience abdomen cramps.
On the other hand, non-stimulant pre-workout is free from such ingredients. Over the last couple of years, non-stimulant-based pre-workout supplements have gained a reputation for offering a good alternative without any side effects.
Yes, you might not feel the same drive, but you can certainly make the most out of it.
Source: annex-labs.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that our readers asked. We thought of taking this opportunity to answer some of the most dominantly asked questions in the comment box.
Q1. How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?
Pre-workout comes with several ingredients and hence lasts a varying length of time. However, studies have shown that the effect of a pre-workout last somewhere between 60 mins to 90 mins.
As a pre-workout is made up of different ingredients, the exact duration of effects will depend on –
- Your body masses.
- Your activity levels.
- Sensitivity to caffeine.
- Amount per serving.
- A number of servings.
Q2. Are Pre-Workouts Without Caffeine Better?
No matter what pre-workout you intend to buy, you will find caffeine in them. After all, it is a substance that gives you that additional energy to complete the last count of the reps.
Despite being effective, excessive caffeine consumption can result in severe side effects. This is where people prefer caffeine-free pre-workout.
But are caffeine-free pre-workout better?
Well, not exactly better if you compare only the aspect of how effective they are while working out. You might think caffeine-free pre-workout is better when you consider the side effects.
Q3. Is Creatine Better Than Pre-Workout?
It is no secret that people going to the gym are really after the GAIN! While scientist is yet to prove that creatine is needed for muscle growth, muscle tissue certainly showcases creatine in them.
So, yes! Having creatine in your supplement may help you gain some results with your workout regimen. By how much? Now, that is something you need to find out for yourself.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that both types of pre-workout supplements offer energy and enhance your physical ability. While most pre-workouts are considered safe and healthy for adults, they are necessarily good for your health.
While you find some common ingredients like caffeine, creatine, and amino acids in pre-workout supplements, there is no standard formula for pre-workouts.
If you are thinking of taking a pre-workout supplement, you should do so after consulting your doctor. And above all, ensure that even after taking supplements, you are on a balanced diet.
