Factors to Consider When Buying Pre-Workout for Women
Pre-workout supplements can be beneficial, so long as you choose a pre-workout supplement or product that’s right for you. Ingredients like caffeine matter, of course. You’ll also want to understand the basics of what some more popular substances have to offer.
Ingredients to Consider When Buying Pre-Workouts for Women
Pre-workout supplements often contain the following ingredients, beyond the energy jolting caffeine choices on the market.
BCAAs vs EAAs
These two components make for popular amino acid groups that you’ll often find on ingredient lists.
Branched-chain amino acid, or BCAAs, includes three parts: valine, isoleucine and leucine. These help in the protein production process and muscle repair post workout [8]. This indicates it helps combat fatigue and soreness/stiffness, too.
EAAs also make for a group of amino acids that support muscle recovery, endurance and physical performance at large. Studies are still out on this, but many think that EAAs work better than BCAAs do, although they’re very similar.
Beta Alanine
Beta alanine is another amino acid you’ll often see on ingredient lists. Beta alanine is an organic compound already existing in the human body. It might help with building lean muscle and it also helps support the levels of carnosine in your body, aiding in endurance.
L Citrulline
This naturally occurring chemical makes for one of the non-essential amino acids. The body converts citrulline into nitric oxide, an imperative process for the heart.
L citrulline relaxes your vessels and veins, benefitting blood flow [9]. This also means it helps with transporting and absorbing nutrients for muscle growth.
Glutamine
Glutamine is another amino acid, like the nitric oxide form above, that aids in the production of protein. This nutrient also supports the digestive and immune systems, making it beneficial for those with a disciplined workout regime.
L-Arginine
You’ll find L-arginine, an amino acid, in a variety of foods from red meat to dairy, fish and poultry. Studies show that it supports the hormone and immune systems [10].
Caffeine
You probably know by now that most pre-workouts contain caffeine. It’s not the same as you’ll find in a cup of tea or coffee, the exact form of caffeine differing from product to product.
Regardless of the specific caffeinated ingredient, caffeine not only provides energy but motivation as a result, which is a very necessary component when it comes to pumping iron.
Some caffeine forms will be cleaner than others, and opting for a supplement with L-theanine can help smooth out the process and decrease any jitteriness.
Theacrine
Theacrine is an essential component in many teas and coffees, making it a stimulant. Beyond that, it’s known as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, too. This indicates it helps the body in lowering swelling and pain, aiding in recovery post workout.
Nitrosigine
Nitrosigine is a proprietary blend created for boosting physical performance. This compound includes a variety of ingredients such as potassium, inositol and arginine, the latter listed above. Two benefits of Nitrosigine include enhanced energy levels and better blood flow [11].
Adaptogens
Adaptogens make for a classified group of plants and other organic matter used as herbal remedies. They include licorice, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca, among others. People use adaptogens to help the body lower stress at large.
Sweeteners Used
Pre-workouts often include sweeteners to help with brief energy boosts and flavor, too. One supplement may contain natural sugars, whereas other supplements feature synthetic options like Stevia and Aspartame.
Artificial sweeteners, in particular, are often debated over in the health world because they come with a list of potential dangers like weight gain, heart palpitations and possibly even cancer. Another issue associated with these sweeteners is that they can cause you to desire unhealthy ingredients over other options [12].
If you can, avoid supplements that contain artificial sweeteners and opt for a more balanced substance instead.
Aframomum Melegueta
Grains of paradise, or aframomum, is another herbal remedy that comes from the ginger family. Some believe that aframomum boosts immunity and testosterone as well, but research is inconclusive.
Ingredients to Avoid
Most of the supplements on this list feature natural ingredients such as adaptogens, l carnitine, and caffeine anhydrous. It’s important to note, though, that one pre-workout supplement can vary greatly from the next and there are many on the market that feature ingredients with horrible side effects.
A good pre-workout won’t contain any of the following:
DMAA
DMAA is also known as methylhexanamine, a common ingredient in nasal decongestants. It’s also used for athletic performance and losing weight because it boosts energy as an amphetamine.
In the United States, this group of drugs is illegal as it’s linked to dangerous consequences, including heart attacks, breathing difficulties and tightening of the chest.
DMHA
DMHA is similar to DMAA insofar as it’s also a kind of methylhexanamine. The legality around this drug is more complex, not to dismiss any consequences that might arise from using it. It’s still an amphetamine, and you should avoid it at all costs.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a stimulant, and medication designed for people with breathing problems. The substance is illegal in the United States, after being classified as dangerous if used in dietary supplements. Common side effects with this drug include gastrointestinal pain, insomnia, headaches and heart problems.
Phenethylamines / Phenylethylamines
This group of drugs also falls under the stimulant category. Individuals use phenethylamine for its euphoric affect and it works similarly to the amphetamines listed above. People have used it for dropping fat, but it could result in anxiety, irritability and a rapid heart rate among other things.
2-aminoisoheptane or Aconitum Kusnezoffii
If you find a supplement with this ingredient, it might indicate that it’s actually DMAA in disguise. It’s made to be an energy booster, stimulant and appetite suppressant, though given its amphetamine nature, you should avoid it.