It’s the end of a long day, and you still need to get that workout in. But, ugh, you’re dragging. It would feel so much better to go home instead. 

BUT WAIT. What if you took a pre workout supplement for some energy? Let’s go over some pros and cons of using a pre workout supplement.

Pros of Pre Workout Supplements

• They’re more than just caffeine - a quality pre workout supplement gives you far more than that can of Red Bull. Most formulas contain nutrients like amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes. Some, like AminoLean from RSP Nutrition also have ingredients to support weight management and mental focus.

• They can block pain - research has found that caffeine blocks muscle pain during workouts

• They can increase your stamina - the sustained energy you get from this type of supplement helps you stay on task throughout your entire workout.

• They can improve your anaerobic power - a 2016 study found that consuming a pre workout supplement 20 minutes before exercising led to “significant improvements in anaerobic peak power.”

Cons of Pre Workout Supplements

• They can contain dangerous and artificial ingredients - lower quality pre workout supplements cut corners when it comes to ingredients. These ingredients can include artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners at best and ingredients similar to dangerous diet pills at worst. 

• You can dehydrate easily - pre workout supplements are stimulants by nature, like coffee, green tea, or Diet Coke. Stimulants are diuretics, so make sure to drink more water if you consume them. 

• That can make you jittery - stimulants affect people differently, so if you’re sensitive to caffeine, they probably aren’t for you. If you are new to pre workout, start with half of the serving and see how you feel. 

The Verdict

I feel that the pros outweigh the cons for using a pre workout supplement. When I use mine, I find that I have just enough energy to make the workout productive, but not so much that I feel overstimulated or feel the effects long afterwards. It’s more like a little boost - like getting a star in Super Mario for a burst of speed and energy!

Remember that pre workout is a tool for workouts when needed and not something for you to rely on to keep your energy levels up. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself with good energy maintenance behaviors like consistent quality sleep, good nutrition, focusing on lower everyday stress, and eating to keep your blood sugar steady.

I’m very, very careful about the energy supplements I take and recommend. A lot of them give you an awful jittery feeling that makes you feel like your brain is vibrating. Or, they have sugar in them or dangerous ingredients similar to diet pills. 

I really like RSP Nutrition’s AminoLean Pre Workout because it doesn’t make me feel gross and shaky. Unlike other pre workout and energy supplements, RSP’s AminoLean has everything all in one serving to help you with energy (for a workout or just life) as well as focus. I think it’s the best pre workout for women out there. It’s sugar-free, calorie-free, carb-free, and is a great all natural vegan pre workout supplement.

They are also great quality and priced well for what you’re getting - especially if you do their subscribe and save program because you save 15% on each order of your pre workout. They also have their RSP Rewards Program where you earn points for lots of activities and can use them to save!