Does A Pre Workout Make You Stronger?

If you’re wondering whether a pre workout makes you stronger, then you’re probably considering whether to try one of these supplements or not.

Pre workout supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look to get the very most out of their time spent in the gym.

But can a pre workout actually make you stronger?

The answer to this question depends on a number of different factors – and we’re going to go through all of them in this article.

We going to take a close look at pre workout supplements, their benefits and downsides as we look to answer this question.

So, with the introductions out of the way, let’s start taking a closer look at pre workout supplements overall.

What Is A Pre Workout?

You’re probably already familiar with pre workout supplements, but let’s take a quick look at the basic reasons for using one.

Simply put, pre workouts are supplements which are designed to be consumed before hitting the gym or playing sport.

The basic idea is that a pre workout will help to support you through periods of exercise so that you can perform at your best.

Most pre workout supplements also contain stimulants such as Caffeine, although there are also plenty of ‘stim-free’ options on the market as well.

The large majority of pre workout supplements come in a flavored powder that is designed to be mixed with water into a drink and consumed before your training or exercise session.

Pre workout supplements are some of the most popular fitness-focused product out there and there is a huge range to choose from when picking a product.

So, now that we’ve taken a basic look at pre workout supplements and what they’re used for, it’s time to answer the main question in this article – does a pre workout make you stronger?

Does A Pre Workout Make You Stronger?

There is no ‘simple’ answer to this question.

When it comes to pre workouts, or any supplements for that matter, it’s all about the ingredients they contain and the potential benefits that these individual substances may bring to the table.

Most pre workout supplements, unless you go for a ‘stim free’ option, contain at least a little bit of Caffeine.

Caffeine is a popular stimulant that really needs no introduction, as it’s consumed by millions of people on a daily basis.

There are some studies that suggest that supplementing with Caffeine can help to improve exercise performance.

In fact, this study from 2006 pointed to an increase in upper-body strength in people who supplemented with a Caffeine-containing supplement.

Another study from 2008 focused on people who took a supplement containing Caffeine, Branched Chain Amino Acids, Creatine, Taurine and Glucuronolactone. It found that taking this supplement before training may result in “enhanced acute exercise performance”.

Creatine is another common ingredient used in pre workout supplements.

You’ve probably heard about it before as it’s one of the most well-researched supplement ingredients out there and has a range of potential benefits.

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Creatine is famous for being a supplement consumed after training – it’s probably one of the most popular fitness supplements around. But it may also be useful as a pre workout ingredient.

Studies have shown that supplementing with Creatine may help to reduce fatigue and tiredness, which is a considerable benefit if you’re looking to get the most out of your time spent at the gym.

There are also plenty of studies which suggest that Creatine may help to boost energy output during high intensity exercise.

Other ingredients often found in pre workout supplements include Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids.

To summarize, some of the ingredients used in pre workout supplements may help to support you through your training sessions.

If you pick a pre workout that contains Creatine and Caffeine, then there is at least some scientific evidence to suggest that it could help you to get the best out of your time spent in the gym.

Are There Any Downsides To Pre Workouts?

Before taking any new supplement for the first time, we always advise consulting your doctor and doing your own research into the ingredients.

Pre workouts are one of the most common type of supplements in the health and fitness space, but that doesn’t mean that some people will not experience side effects from certain products.

(Photo: Adobe Stock)

For example, some pre workout supplements contain high amounts of Caffeine.

Although Caffeine can be a useful ingredient when used in sensible amounts, you probably also already know that too much Caffeine can cause side effects such as the Jitters, Energy Crashes and Increased Anxiety.

For this reason, and especially if you’re already consuming other Caffeinated foods and drinks such as Coffee, it’s best to choose a pre workout with a smaller dose of Caffeine – or at least start with one to begin with.

There are also some pre workout supplements that don’t contain any Caffeine at all. These would be a good choice if you’re sensitive to stimulants, but obviously they will not have benefits that Caffeine brings to the table.

Simply put, it’s important to do some of your own research into each of the ingredients shown on the label of the supplement you’re considering taking.

Anything Else To Consider?

Before thinking about any kind of supplementation, it’s always best to make sure that your diet and training regime are both on point.

That means making sure that you’re sticking to a healthy and balanced nutrition plan, while also exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest.

It’s common sense, but too many people turn to supplements before getting the basics right, and that only leads to disappointment.

We also always recommend speaking to your doctor before thinking about trying any new supplement for the first time.

Conclusion – Our Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of our look at Pre Workouts and strength.

We’ve walked you through the basic things that you need to know about pre workout supplements, and also looked at some of the scientific studies into certain ingredients such as Caffeine and Creatine.

Simply put, these two ingredients have at least some scientific evidence behind them to suggest that they can bring some benefits to the table to help support you through your training.

Pre workouts can be a useful tool for people who are looking to take their gym workouts to the next level and ensure that they are regularly ‘in the zone’ while lifting or playing sport.

However, it’s important to remember that you’ll still have to put in plenty of hard work yourself to see the results you are after.

You can see our selection of some of the leading pre workout supplements on the market right now via the link shown below.