Here at Matrix Lids, we’re proud to be the go-to source for sports hydration and supplement shaking. One of the most popular uses for our Matrix Lid and Shakers is to blend pre workout, the supplement for performance enhancement. That’s why we’ve decided to compile a list of the top ingredients in pre workout and what they do, so you can be informed and get optimized, with Matrix Lids.
Let’s get started!
What is pre workout?
Pre workout is arguably the most popular sports supplement, and it’s a market that keeps growing. The market share of pre workout is set to grow by 8.3 percent from 2020 to 2017, which is astounding considering the market size is currently 12.6 billion. It’s safe to say that this supplement is in demand.
Pre workout is a supplement that contains a combination of multiple performance-enhancing ingredients to help you with endurance, energy levels, focus and strength. This ultimately helps you achieve your fitness goals, whether that’s building muscle, losing fat or improving aerobic fitness.
The theory is that the ingredients in pre workout enhance your performance, so you work harder than ever, which increases the likelihood you will make progress. No more flat, repetitive workouts!
What are some of the common ingredients in pre workout?
Betaine anhydrous
This amino acid works similarly to creatine. Like creatine, it increases intracellular fluid, resulting in an increased cell volume. The result is that your muscles look pumped and your cells are in a state of hyper-hydration which makes them more fatigue-resistant and able to work for longer.
A 2011 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research journal observed the effects of betaine on the athletic performance of resistance trained men. Betaine was associated with an increase in total repetitions and total volume load during a workout. This can help maximize muscle growth and endurance.
Beta alanine
Beta-alanine is another amino acid, a precursor to carnosine, a peptide that promotes muscle movement and motor function. It reduces lactic acid build up in the muscles during exercise. As shown in a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, this increases workout duration and intensity, increasing reaction time and set-to-set recovery.
L-citrulline
L-citrulline, another amino acid, removes ammonia (a toxic byproduct of amino acid synthesis). In this process, l-citrulline produces nitric oxide, which in turn, increases blood flow and transports oxygen and energy to the working muscles. This helps endurance.
N-acetyl l-tyrosine
This ingredient has nootropic properties - enhancing cognitive function and clarity. It does this by triggering a release of endorphins and neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin, dopamine, cortisol and adrenaline - all responsible for energizing you and helping you stay focused.
L-taurine
L-taurine plays a key role in motor regulatory functions, allowing you to contract your muscles during exercise and generate force and body strength. In pre workout, l-taurine prevents muscle fatigue and accelerates recovery intra-workout, as examined in a study published in the journal Antioxidants in 2017.
Caffeine
Caffeine is in 86 percent of pre workouts on the market today. It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure, as well as blocking the adenosine receptor in the brain, which prevents you from feeling sleepy. Just like your morning cup of coffee, caffeine in your pre workout will make you feel energized and focused.
It may come under many names including: caffeine anhydrous, dicaffeine malate, caffeine citrate, caffenium and more.
Huperzine serrata extract and piperine
Huperzine is a herbal extract and piperine is derived from black pepper. These ingredients boost the bioavailability of the other ingredients, to ensure maximum absorption.
We hope this has helped inform you on the common pre workout ingredients and their functions. All the ingredients listed above are used in our own preworkout PEAK. We use the same brand name ingredients as our competitors, but without the "brand name" price. Click here to shop our preworkout PEAK.