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What, Why, and How to Use Pre-Workout Supplements

What, Why, and How to Use Pre-Workout Supplements

Is there any question at all that pre-workout supplements have become quite popular over the past 5-10 years?

There was a time, way back when, where you would simply ingest some carbs, in the form of a banana, toast, etc. with maybe, a little protein, and get your butt into the gym for your workout.

Not anymore. Now it seems like without a pre-workout in your system, working out is impossible. Sad, but thankfully, not true.

Can a pre-workout be of benefit to most? Absolutely!

Is it a necessity? Hopefully, not.

But, if by chance it is, there are probably a few other things wrong nutritionally that need to be cleared up.

Now, if you are a little confused as to whether or not you need a pre-workout, or what the benefits could be, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to quickly learn all you need to know to make the right decision on using, or not using, pre-workout supplements.

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements

In simple terms, pre-workouts are multi-ingredient supplements that are created to improve athletic performance and boost the user’s energy levels. They are usually found in liquid or powder form that can be mixed in water or beverage.

While there are countless pre-workout formulas available today on the market, the majority will include some basics such as creatine, caffeine, B-vitamins, amino acids, etc. but the amounts of these well-used ingredients will vary considerably from product to product.

IMPORTANT NOTE: One serious misconception we want to squash right now before we dive any deeper into pre-workout supplements…the need to “feel them” in order for them to be “working.” No, no, no!

You DO NOT want or need a pre-workout filled with sugar, too much caffeine or other ingredients that make you feel as though you are coming out of your skin or about to bounce off the walls.

You do not “feel” protein working in your body, yet you know and trust that it does. You do not “feel” Vitamin C, or multivitamins, etc. but you take them anyway because the science says it is a good idea.

A well-formulated pre-workout will provide the benefits you will see below, but not do so without the crazy, uncomfortable jitters that almost nobody likes or wants to experience.

Now, with that word of caution out of the way, let’s dive deeper.

Why Would You Use a Pre-Workout Supplement

As we think you will see after reading through the below, there are some very good reasons one would consider a pre-workout supplement.

With that said, you will see below, we do not believe that everyone, nor every workout, should require one.

Increased Energy Levels

There is little chance we need to explain how or why increased energy levels during training would be beneficial, right? We can probably also assume that almost everyone would love more energy when working out, no?

Good news. Every pre-workout will include one or more ingredients that will increase energy levels. In most cases, caffeine, in some form, will be the catalyst for this energy boost.

Caffeine will typically behave as the stimulant that leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle anything, including your workout. Combine caffeine and some important, energy-enhancing B-Vitamins and boom, you have quite a powerful, safe stimulant.

Needless to say, greater energy levels will likely lead to more effective training sessions.

Boost to Metabolism

Have you considered that a good pre-workout could, in fact, aid in weight loss too? This rarely crosses the mind of most, but yes, it is true.

See, a number of ingredients often included in pre-workouts will actually stimulate your metabolism. A higher metabolism means greater calorie-burn.

For example, caffeine has been proven to aid in weight loss. After the intake of caffeine, your body’s thermogenesis, and fat oxidation increases. This leads to an increase in your metabolic rate, which, in turn, also delays hunger pangs. Win-win!

When you consider the increased stimulation from the ingredients themselves, coupled with the almost certain further increases from better workouts…heck yeah, more fat-burning, more weight loss.

Who doesn’t want this? Even if you are not trying to “lose weight”, these benefits can make staying fit and lean a bit easier.

Improve Recovery

While pre-workouts are taken before you hit the gym, they do assist in the recovery process that follows later.

We all know that exercise intensity is key and therefore, muscle soreness is inevitable. Thanks to ingredients like creatine, caffeine, electrolytes, etc. soreness will decrease, while insulin and glucose levels and system recovery will increase.

The faster we feel recovered after training, the faster we can train again, right?

Better Concentration and Focus

Does anyone disagree that the mindset you take, into your training session, has an impact on the manner in which you will actually train?

Study after study has shown that your mindset is very important when it comes to killing your workout — and who doesn’t want to do that?

To achieve peak performance, it is important you remain locked and focused on your objective of maximizing gains. Properly formulated pre-workout supplements should do wonders to not only the overall increases in energy levels, but also enhancing clarity, concentration, and focus.

Imagine being totally locked into every rep of every set? No matter what your goals, the ability to perform at peak levels will help you dominate the session and get the best out of it.

We might be crazy, but for us, this increased focus would be reason enough for us to go with something like NitroMode on our more difficult training sessions.

How Should I Use a Pre-Workout Supplement

Now some really good news. There really isn’t much that is easier than implementing the use of a pre-workout supplement. Truly so easy…a “caveman” could do it.

Whether you have chosen a pre-mixed liquid or powder version of pre-workout, you should simply try to ingest it 30-60 minutes, or as directed, prior to your training session.

It is important, once you have chosen a pre-workout, to follow the specific usage instructions on their label. Different ingredients will act and react in different ways.

Additionally, depending on the formulation and the individual, some may find some pre-workouts too strong or impossible to take on an empty stomach.

In our opinion, this should not happen and should raise a red flag. You’ve been warned!

3D Labs Nutrition to the Rescue

All pre-workouts are NOT created equal! To be honest, this is quite the understatement.

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of bogus, sometimes downright dangerous pre-workout supplements floating around the market.

Most of these “bad boys” either contain insane amounts of sugar and/or caffeine, or they include ingredients that lack any level of real testing. Neither scenario is acceptable.

As is the case with all 3D Labs Nutrition solutions, our pre-workout, NitroMode is clean and clear.

Not only is NitroMode calorie and sugar-free, but it is also formulated with electrolytes, which, unfortunately, is quite uncommon in pre-workouts.

Including ingredients such as Sodium, Potassium, B-Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium, Caffeine, Dicreatine Malate, L-Arginine, Beta-Alanine, L-Taurine, Betaine Anhydrous, Waxy Maize, L-Citrulline and more, in appropriate amounts, make NitroMode one of the best pre-workouts available.

If you are looking for something that tastes great, mixes easily, and will not cause you to climb the walls, we are confident you will be happy once you try NitroMode (Watermelon or Fruit Punch).

Don’t forget, all 3D Labs Nutrition products come with our unheard of 110% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Always Remember…

You only have one life to live, one body to live it in…so take care of it. Progress, not perfection.

Good, better, best with your food intake, and some form of “movement” daily.

Get your nutritional foundation from food, supplement where necessary, and drink plenty of water.

We are here to help so feel free to drop us comments or questions as often as you’d like…

And, don’t forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regiment.

Live a 3D Life…Decisions Determine Destinations!

8 Comments

  • We couldn’t agree more Ismeglamour! As we stated in our article, not everyone, and not every workout or type of workout should require a pre-workout.

    Ismeglamour on
  • Hello there,Pre-workout formulas aren’t for everyone. If you frequently lack energy or have difficulty making it through your workout, you shouldn’t automatically resort to supplements.Thanks for sharing this awesome article i know this tipe would help a lot as many people dont really know how to use pre workout supplements.

    Ismeglamour on
  • Cal, we are thrilled that you found some benefit in this article. NitroMode is our product, intentionally formulated to provide what the science suggests is needed and done in such a way that even those who intermittent fast can use. Hope this helps.

    The 3D Labs Support Team on
  • Hi 3D Lab Team,

    Your post on Prework out Supplements is very interesting. In fact, I gained from reading it and therefore happy to offer my comments.

    I agree with you that many years previously, for a good walk, people started the day by eating some toasts, bananas, or some starchy food. The thought of proteinous food was rare. Remember, walkout needs ‘only’ energy?

    I enjoyed your explanations of the need and benefits of workout. And I learned a lot about preworkout supplements particularly about how they increase athletic performance, boost energy and recovery. You went further and enumerated most of the ingredients like caffeine, vitamins, etc.

    You have your doubts about the efficacy of workout supplements available in the market. But you recommended Nitromode because they are calorie and sugar-free and formulated with electrolytes. They have good taste, mix easily and will not cause you to think you can fly like a bird.

    Here you are, gimnesiun enthusiastic. I am sure a lot of your questions are answered by this post. But my question is how did you ascertained the authenticity of your recommendation – Nitronode?

    Over all, I like the post because it has a lot of information to offer. Good luck.

    Cal.

    Cal on
  • We have all seen those individuals Payton! Just be careful you don’t become one. As we tried to explain, the fake or temporary SURGE or RUSH of energy does NOT make a good pre-workout! 💪🏻

    The 3D Labs Support Team on
  • Ah, good post, good advice. I love my body a lot and I am obsessed about taking good care of it. Your post really explains all I need to know about pre workout supplement. Sometimes when I go to the health center to workout, I see people who do it such a rush with so much burst of energy. I didn’t know until someone gossiped to me that it’s the use of some supplements. This is good stuff. Thanks

    Payton on
  • That is correct Joy. You nailed it. A good pre-workout will keep the body and mind ready to go!

    The 3D Labs Support Team on
  • Hello there! this is an amazing review you have got here. As energy levels deplete during exercise, your muscles can tire and become exhausted prematurely. When pre-workout nutrition comprises of the correct nutrients, you are setting your body up for optimum performance with high levels of energy.

    When your body has energy readily available to burn, your body can make every rep count without tiring early.
    Joy on

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