Skip to main content

Do pre-workout drinks work? What you need to know

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pre-workouts are touted for their ability to improve your performance and energy levels while you exercise. They come in a lot of forms, all generally referred to simply as “pre-workouts,” but one of the most popular is drinks, either premade or in powder form.

Although formulations can vary and some of the ingredients can seem a little unfamiliar, they are all designed with one stated goal in mind: helping you get the most out of your workout.

But do they actually work? And what about those ingredient lists? Do they do what they say they’re going to do, or is this all just marketing hocus-pocus?

It is essentially impossible to generalize because there are so many out there, but here are a few basic tenets you need to know about pre-workout drinks. With this information, you’ll be in a much better position to know what you’re putting in your body before you go crush that workout.

There’s a lot of caffeine in them

And when we say a lot, we mean a lot. Generally speaking, pre-workout drinks contain an average of 200-300 milligrams per serving. For comparison’s sake, one eight-ounce cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams.

This high caffeine content isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although too much caffeine makes some people jittery, it is generally considered very safe. But it’s still worth noting the massive amounts that are contained in pre-workouts. To put it bluntly, if pre-workouts make you feel energetic, it’s probably the caffeine talking.

That’s not to say it doesn’t have workout benefits — quite the opposite. According to 2021 analysis appearing in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the benefits of caffeine use include better performance in “muscular endurance, movement velocity and muscular strength, sprinting, jumping, and throwing performance, as well as a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic sport-specific actions.”

For those with caffeine sensitivity, it might be worth paying particularly close attention to your pre-workout ingredients and consumption. And for others, it’s good to know the basic (and rather unglamorous) building block on which pre-workouts are founded.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

They aren’t regulated by the government

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government agency responsible for evaluating and approving all the drugs sold in America. The intent is to ensure that the drugs are safe and that they do what their makers claim they can do.

But nutritional supplements, including pre-workout drinks, are not considered drugs, meaning supplement companies aren’t subject to the same level of oversight. Unless there is a specific reason, like a major safety breach or health issue, to pull a supplement off the shelves, the FDA typically doesn’t get involved. This lack of oversight also means that manufacturers can make claims about their product’s effectiveness that haven’t been confirmed by the FDA, whose one and only job is to protect American consumers (not sell them things)

So what does this mean for you? In short: buyer beware. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that supplement makers are properly making or labeling their products. And while most supplement makers prioritize quality and customer satisfaction, there are always bad actors in any space. Be sure you trust the source of your product, and monitor its effects on your body closely, especially when you first begin to use it.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beetroot juice: a secret weapon

Most pre-workout drinks contain some combination of four main components: the aforementioned caffeine, some form of carbohydrate, amino acids, and a perhaps slightly less-familiar ingredient: beetroot juice.

As it turns out, beetroot juice is a bit of a secret weapon when it comes to amping up your workout.

A 2017 analysis found that beetroot juice can increase the body’s levels of nitric oxide, which is a gas that helps your body dilate or enlarge blood vessels, which helps build protein and, most importantly for workout purposes, improve cardiovascular performance.

While there’s not an abundance of evidence surrounding beetroot juice, it appears to be a safe and effective addition to the pre-workout recipe.

Getting the most out of your workout can be difficult, and sometimes that means simply finding the motivation and the energy to get up and get it done. If pre-workout drinks help get you going before and during exercise, then they are worth the investment. Still, it’s worth paying attention to anything you put in your body, especially when they aren’t necessarily being closely scrutinized by a third party. But if you’re careful about what you buy and where, and pay close attention to the benefits, there’s no reason you can’t use pre-workout drinks with confidence to improve your athletic output.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Scott Harris
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
Up your look with these 5 belt types
men belts

What is the first thing that you notice about a man? It is his attire, isn't it? You will be surprised to know that the first thing that many women notice about a man is his belt. These are among the most versatile fashion accessories. They adorn your outfits, hold up your pants and even accentuate your shoes. Still, most people wear belts only at the most. Now, you don't need to wear some exquisite, leather belt to prove your mettle. Just get up, pick your favorite belt, and wear it with a stylish outfit. Here are 5 essential belt types that you should consider wearing if you want to look your best.

Belt types are as unique as the men who wear them. While all belts give an air of fashion, we've learned that you can never go wrong with the classic belt and a timeless pair of dress shoes. Take care to choose a belt that complements your style and never be afraid to try something new. Tell us which one you liked the most?

Read more
Barn door must-haves for a proper upgrade
a wide shot of a large, full pantry

Barn doors are known for their vintage, stylish, and niche decoration. They add a whole new atmosphere to your home to make it look better than ever before. However, its old and vintage feel has its drawbacks. It could be too old-timey to be properly utilized at times and can use an upgrade to attain that much-needed modern touch.

You don’t have to have a boring old barn door anymore. Instead, check out the following items to ensure a smooth and efficient opening and closing process. Whether you’re looking to install some barn doors or upgrade, you can be sure we got you covered.

Read more
Bring these products when you travel
solo travel benefits flatlay of gear

When traveling, getting from Point A to Point B can be stressful if you’re not fully prepared. It’s important to plan ahead for unexpected issues that can arise when you're traveling. Chaotic baggage claims and crying children on red-eye flights are just some of the many issues that can arise. To minimize travel-related stress, you can keep some handy tools on hand when these common inconveniences pop up. There are many available products that you can use to help you better prepare for your next getaway. Here are some helpful products for making your travel experience more convenient:

Having some essential items with you as you travel can make your experience even more enjoyable. A quiet sound machine can minimize internal and external distractions such as noisy hotel guests so that you enjoy a calm, tranquil night’s rest. Additionally, a contactless thermometer can certainly come in handy should you or someone you know fall ill during your trip. Although traveling can be exciting, it can quickly create feelings of frustration and anxiety if you’re not prepared for some common setbacks. You can make the most out of your travel experience with the help of some of these products. By adding some of these items to your itinerary, you can make your next vacation, your best one yet.

Read more