What Is Pre-Workout?
The purpose of a pre-workout is to boost energy levels and optimise performance during your workout. This supplement is usually in powdered form, mixed with water. They usually have a combination of ingredients. This makes them an easy alternative to taking several different supplements before going to the gym.
What Does Pre-Workout Do?
However, it is important to know that pre-workout does not yield results on its own. Instead, it’s an energy-producing supplement. The idea behind pre-workout supplements is that your body will produce better results when you are more energized. These means have the endurance to work out longer and harder. As a standalone supplement, pre-workout does not seem to trigger weight loss or muscle growth. However, it does provide a boost of energy that helps you focus and endure as well as enhance your physical performance. Additionally, you’ll likely be more motivated to go to the gym.
What are some of the main ingredients?
Caffeine
Caffeine is mainly found in coffee, energy drinks, tea, and even some pain medications. Because of this, we may not think of caffeine as a drug since it is widely consumed. However, it is, caffeine reduces drowsiness and fatigue by stimulating the central nervous system. Furthermore, research indicates that it can increase muscular strength and endurance. As well as improve exercise performance as well. Some research suggests that it helps delay the onset of fatigue during the exercise
Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in muscle cells. During heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise, it helps your muscles produce energy. The results of studies suggest it can increase strength, muscle mass, and exercise performance. For this reason, creatine is becoming increasingly popular among athletes and bodybuilders. Research suggests Creatine may have extra health benefits, such as preventing neurological conditions.
β-alanine
Beta-alanine is not an essential amino acid. However, as a result of its combination with histidine, it produces carnosine. Consequently, exercising becomes more effective. You then store carnosine in your skeletal muscles. Athletes may also benefit from it because it reduces the accumulation of lactic acid in their muscles during exercise. This in turn helps improves performance. Studies show that supplementing with beta-alanine increases carnosine levels in muscles by 80%.
Branch chain Amino Acid
BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are essential nutrients. They consist of three specific amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Their chemical structure is what gives them the name branched chain. It is a type of protein found in food. Foods rich in protein, such as eggs, meats, milk, and dairy products, contain BCAAs. BCAAs are commonly used to increase muscle growth. A study suggests that BCAAs can decrease muscle soreness post-workout. In addition to reducing muscle soreness, BCAAs may also help reduce fatigue caused by exercise.
