It’s that time of the year again when everyone feels like it’s time to start a new chapter of their lives and begin afresh.

Even if you aren’t very fond of making resolutions and promises every year, only to break them halfway through the year (if not sooner), it’s still a good time to motivate yourself to reach the goals you’ve always wished to attain, including your fitness goals. 

On that note, you may be wondering what all the hype is about the use of pre-workout, and how it benefits the body in general.

You’ve come to the right place because we’re going to walk you through all the details you need to know about pre-workouts, and why and how you should use them during your fitness journey. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. What is a pre-workout?

If you’re new to this, you may assume a pre-workout is a bunch of warm-up exercises that you perform before you get started with the actual workout.

While that is true, pre-workouts also refer to a type of drink that you can ingest a little before your workout, to boost your stamina and give you more energy to have a more fulfilling workout session.

There is no particular set of ingredients that go into pre-workouts because different people prefer using ingredients that benefit them in different ways. However, the ingredients used are generally packed with nutrients and help boost the physical fitness of the body. 

2. What is it made up of?

Pre-workouts have a range of different nutrients and ingredients, but we’ll take a look at some of the most effective and popular ingredients:

Caffeine

The most popular element that people depend on to give them a boost and wake them up in the morning.

Pre-workouts contain a small amount of mg per serving, which acts as an energy-giver and improves the overall workout which is to follow soon after its consumption.

Research shows that people who ingested caffeine were able to see a peak in their stamina and perform better at physical tasks than people who didn’t.

Beta-alanine

A common compound found in most of the products that are packed with protein. The main benefit of this ingredient is that it increases the power output of individuals and gives their working capacity a heavy boost. Is there any better way to have a great workout?

Creatine Nitrate

Though it’s found naturally in our bones, this ingredient is used to promote the building of strength and lean muscle. Which is one of the reasons why boxers, athletes, and other sports persons rely on pre-workouts when trying to get on a lean bulk lifestyle.

3. Should you use it?

Like everything, it all boils down to personal choice and needs. If you’re doubtful about whether or not you should get on a pre-workout, you can begin by first asking yourself what your needs are, and see if it fits in with the pre workout benefits you get from ingesting the drink.

Here are some ways to know whether or not a pre-workout is for you:

• Are you a beginner? If yes, then getting on a pre-workout can help you get a boost of energy, strength, cognitive focus, and endurance. Just remember to take the pre-workout 30 to 40 minutes before you begin, so your body has time to digest all the ingredients and help you feel the results.

• Do you work out intensely? If you’re in the intermediate or advanced stage of your workout, or if you’re working out with a specific goal in mind, then a pre-workout is going to aid you in your journey. One of the main reasons why pre-workouts are so popular is because it helps people achieve their goals within a limited period, and also improves the overall quality of their time at the gym. 

To conclude, yes, a pre-workout (customized in terms of quantity and ingredients) to suit your preference and need is definitely going to be of great help, whether you’re a beginner who needs a stamina boost or a full-time trainee who wants to increase their endurance.