Sport has long become a part of the life of most people, but everyday work does not always leave energy for visiting the gym. And if you still manage to tune in to the training, then it will not be as effective as we would like. And in such cases, people involved in sports resort to the help of specially designed sports complexes that tone up the work of the muscular system and not only.
What is a pre-workout complex
The so-called pre-workout complex is a sports supplement consisting of a wide range of components that act as stimulants for the muscle and nervous system. After using such additives, after about half an hour, the athlete begins to feel their effect, which is expressed:
- in improving mood;
- the appearance of cheerfulness;
- the work of the cardiovascular system improves.
After taking the product, the person has a feeling of an energy surge, which leads to the fact that the workout is more intense.
Main components
The impact on the human body depends on the elements that make up sports nutrition, among the main ones are:
- Creatine or nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid is responsible for energy metabolism in muscle and nerve cells. This acid accumulates in the muscles and is consumed during physical exertion;
- Caffeine, an alkaloid that stimulates the human central nervous system, increases the rate at which fat is burned by converting it into energy. Also, the substance synthesizes such a hormone as adrenaline, which acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system and maintains activity during physical exertion;
- Guarana is a plant component, which contains tannins, essential oils, vitamins B, PP, E, A, zinc, magnesium, as well as taurine, theobromine, most of them accelerate metabolism, reduce fatigue and activate a person's working capacity;
- DMAA, or so-called geranium extract, is synthesized in special laboratories and has nothing to do with the flower. The substance speeds up metabolism, increases resistance to physical activity, and improves mood. The additive belongs to the category of psychotropic substances and therefore is not allowed for use by professional athletes;
- BCAA is a combination of substances consisting of important and essential amino acids (leucine, valine, isoleucine), which are not synthesized by the body, but obtained with food or with sports nutritional supplements. These amino acids are involved in the structure of muscles, protect them from destruction, are an additional source of nutrition and contribute to a rapid recovery process after exercise;
- Taurine sulfonic acid into which the amino acid cysteine is converted. This substance can be used as a food supplement or a drug, doctors have found that it has a beneficial effect on the work of the brain and the restoration of its cells, also has anticonvulsant properties and has a cardiotropic effect.The ingredient helps to enhance energy processes;
- Citrulline is also an amino acid, but not involved in protein synthesis. Nevertheless, it has a number of beneficial properties for the body, for example, it removes toxins and lactic acid from the body, enhances endurance, and improves immunity. In people involved in sports, citrulline promotes rapid recovery after exercise;
- Beta-alanine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is used as a sports supplement. Continuous use results in increased resistance to fatigue and reduced pain that occurs after intense exercise;
- Arginine is an amino acid involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide in the human body, which is responsible for blood pressure, vascular tone and the supply of nutrients to cells. Arginine also helps to enhance erectile function, stimulates the production of growth hormone and enhances the pumping effect (muscle swelling) after loading it;
- vitamins and minerals are indispensable for any person, but for athletes they are doubly important. They are involved in building muscle, losing weight and restoring the human body. Lack of certain minerals and vitamins can lead to disruption of the internal organs, which will negatively affect the whole body. For those involved in sports, supplemental intake of a complex of vitamins and minerals is mandatory, it will support overall health and contribute to more effective sports.
The considered list of components is not complete, but they are the main and most effective. Some manufacturers include up to 20 different ingredients in the complexes, but as a rule, most of them act as effect enhancers, so when choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of the main components.
Why do you need
Sports supplements in the form of pre-workout nutrition are designed to increase workout productivity, which depends on the substances in the sports nutrition. It has been proven that the components included in the structure of such sports supplements have an effect on:
- strength;
- the energy of the athlete;
- his endurance;
- and the possibility of increasing muscle mass.
Thus, it turns out that the complexes increase the growth of muscle mass due to the fact that efficiency in training increases.
How to choose and accept
When choosing a suitable pre-workout complex, you should be careful, the correct approach will depend on what effect a person will receive, positive or negative. So, when choosing, you should consider the following points:
- the presence of cardiovascular diseases or disorders in the central nervous system in order to exclude this, you should consult a therapist;
- what the product consists of, it must be carefully studied in case there are allergic reactions to any products;
- the purpose for which the product is purchased, since the composition for professional athletes and those who are just starting a sports career or planning to engage in fitness will differ significantly;
- Before you start taking supplements, you should consult with a trainer, he will be able to recommend a more suitable mixture.
There are also rules for taking complexes, they should be followed in order to get more benefit:
- almost all of them are taken half an hour before the start of training, so the components that make up the composition will have time to dissolve and begin to act accordingly during training;
- not taken less than seven hours before bedtime;
- if there is caffeine among the food components, then it is worth remembering the possible excess of the substance in the body, if consumed in conjunction with other foods containing caffeine.
It should be remembered that substances of this kind are addictive, therefore, after a while, the complex will have to be changed or the portion should be increased at regular intervals.
Important: it is also necessary to pay attention to the composition, because quite often manufacturers add dangerous stimulants that are similar to amphetamines, and various doping that destroy the liver.
Rating of the best pre-workout complexes for 2024
There is a fairly large selection of pre-workout complexes on the market, but a list of the most popular ones has been compiled among athletes and specialists:
- Stimul 8;
- Black annis;
- Psychotic;
- Madness;
- Jack 3D;
- Amino Energy;
- C4 Original;
- NO-Xplode 3.3;
- Platinum Labs Defcon 1;
- Assault.
Sports complexes have a different composition and are selected depending on who they are intended for, a professional or an amateur. And this should be taken into account before purchasing.
Stimul 8
The drug is common among professional athletes, it has been tested for years and is considered quite effective. But many characterize the reaction rather ambiguously, as some consumers noted that after consumption they do not feel tired after exercise. Also, many felt emotional swings, psychological excitement after taking. Use this product with caution, taking into account all the characteristics of the body.
Stimul 8
Advantages:
- actively affects the burning of fat mass;
- charges the body with energy for a long time;
- contains stimulants and antioxidants;
- stimulates muscle growth.
Disadvantages:
- a fairly wide list of contraindications, because of this, it can have an adverse effect on human health.
Blak annis
A new formula that simultaneously affects the psychological, emotional and physical state of the athlete during training. Included in the composition of caffeine, increases the production of adrenaline, creatine promotes muscle growth, and also contains geranium extract, which affects concentration. Due to its prevalence, the complex is often faked, which affects the quality of its constituent components.
Blak annis
Advantages:
- quick effect on the body;
- promotes post-workout recovery;
- does not cause feelings of depression.
Disadvantages:
- may be hazardous to health due to frequent counterfeits;
- should not be taken by those who are just starting to play sports.
Psychotic
A fairly strong complex that quickly energizes, it should be taken half an hour before the start of the lesson. Due to the fact that the composition is considered aggressive and potent, it is recommended to be taken only by healthy people over 21 years old. Many athletes have noticed that after taking this supplement, or rather after its effect wears off, headaches and mood decline appear. Reception is also recommended under the supervision of a specialist.
Psychotic
Advantages:
- cheers up;
- increases physical abilities;
- valid for three hours.
Disadvantages:
- addiction appears;
- badly affects the digestive tract;
- increases blood pressure;
- affects the human nervous system.
Madness
Among the components of the complex there is caffeine extracted from Arabica beans and green coffee, as well as from green tea and mate varieties. But, despite this, the volume of the components is calculated so that after taking it, unpleasant sensations do not appear. But for those who have been playing sports for a long time, it will be necessary to increase the dose to obtain the desired effect, this can be done only under the supervision of a doctor.
Madness
Advantages:
- a structure that is quite soft and quick on the body.
Disadvantages:
- dissolves poorly;
- the more experienced have to increase the dose.
Jack 3D
The drug has a rather calm effect on the body, that is, there is no strong overexcitation, which encourages you to train without stopping and therefore is perfect for those who are just starting to play sports. Previously, geranium was included, but after the introduction of a ban on it in the United States, it was excluded.
HJack 3D
Advantages:
- in the food structure, there are components such as lemongrass extract and radioli, which act as good adaptogens.
Disadvantages:
Amino Energy
It is an excellent stimulant due to the amino acids that make up the complex and the caffeine supplement. The components are involved in the building of muscle tissue and enhance the athlete's endurance.
Amino Energy
Advantages:
- great for beginner athletes;
- good composition.
Disadvantages:
- there are quite a few amino acids in one serving.
C4 Original
The ingredients in the meal are added in the right doses, making the meal suitable for beginners. The main ingredient is beta-alanine, which improves physical endurance. Arganine affects muscle growth, creatine increases the amount of energy in the body, caffeine and tyrosine act as stimulants and focus attention.
C4 Original
Advantages:
- successful composition;
- safe if you follow the proportions recommended for admission;
- do not overload the nervous system.
Disadvantages:
NO-Xplode 3.3
The sports supplement includes not only five main components, but also a vitamin and mineral complex. Creatine increases strength, beta-alanine and betaine increase endurance. Among the ingredients is also sage extract, which improves nitrogen balance, tyrosine and caffeine enhance the ability to concentrate during exercise. DMAE is the tonic component in this product.
NO-Xplode 3.3
Advantages:
- saturated composition, which includes a vitamin and mineral complex;
- suitable for beginners.
Disadvantages:
Platinum Labs Defcon 1
A powerful supplement for those looking for a faster workout, ingredients like caffeine, higenami, synephrine, which are plant-derived and act as neurostimulants, can be highlighted. The complex also includes amino acids such as taurine, choline, tyrosine, which affect the growth of muscle mass.
Platinum Labs Defcon 1
Advantages:
- unusual composition;
- the ability to focus mentally during classes;
- strong stimulants are not included in the diet, which does not irritate the central nervous system.
Disadvantages:
Assault
One of the popular sports complexes, which includes vitamins, minerals and five main components. In addition to the classic components, choline, glucuronolactone, pterostilbene, caffeine are also added, which increase neuroconductivity, improving the connection between muscles and the central nervous system.
Assault
Advantages:
- an excellent composition, which includes herbal ingredients that enhance the effect of each other;
- increases strength and endurance, allowing for more strenuous workouts.
Disadvantages:
Harm of pre-workout complexes
The use of pre-workout complexes can cause quite serious problems for the human body, since many of the components that make up them are harmful. So, what are the more popular problems people who use this product face:
- insomnia or sleep disturbance, can be caused by late intake or by the fact that the number of components is significantly higher than the norm. To avoid this effect, the dose should be calculated and not taken shortly before bedtime;
- disruption of the heart, the appearance of tachycardia, an increase in pressure, disturbances can occur in case of exceeding the dosage, as well as in case of contraindications;
- decrease in sexual activity, some of the substances included in the composition cause vasoconstriction in the groin area. In order to avoid this, the doses should be strictly observed and the composition should be carefully read, as vasoconstriction is caused by strong stimulants, for example, geranium, ephedrine;
- irritability and aggression, depression appear as a result of prolonged use of the drug or exceeding the indicated doses;
- addiction, that is, without doping, a person becomes drowsy and there is no desire to exercise, this occurs as a result of a long intake or exceeding the indicated doses.
Athletes should remember that long-term use and exceeding the recommended norms lead to side effects.Therefore, experts recommend taking breaks between doses, for example, a month of taking a half-month break. And also, be sure to consult a doctor and a trainer who will advise a suitable medication before starting to take supplements.
You should know: taking such supplements is not recommended for persons under 18 years of age.
Pre-workout complexes help to increase strength and endurance, due to this effect, the athlete exposes the body to great stress during training, and this increases muscle growth. The choice of supplements should be careful to exclude substances that adversely affect the body. Also, you should not abuse such food and take it strictly according to the instructions.