Top Pre Workouts For 2020
Top Pre Workouts For 2020
It’s nearly the end of March 2020. How far into your resolutions are you? Don’t worry if you’re falling behind schedule. Sometimes all you need is a boost of motivation to get you where you need to go! If your 2020 goals involved fitness, maybe that motivation can be found inside a shaker cup—pre workout. Pre workouts come in all different flavors and potencies. So whether you’re a stim-junkie or sensitive to caffeine, there’s a pre workout you can try to help you complete your goals. In this post, we’re going over the new year’s top pre workouts.
*Please note these reviews are in no particular order. While we do our best to review each product as accurately as possible, our reviews are based on anecdotal feedback and the label. Individual results and experiences will vary.*
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Stimulant Free
When deciding on a pre workout, there are a ton of things to consider from flavors to ingredients. One of the first things you need to check off is whether or not you want a pre workout with stimulants. Stimulants can make the difference in your pump, motivation, and how late you go to bed that night. This first section addresses our top stim-free pre workouts.
Who should opt for a stim-free pre workout?
Anyone with a sensitivity to stimulants like caffeine or individuals that workout late in the evening. But, stimulant free pre workouts can also make an awesome addition to your stimulated pre workout. So if you like your original pre workout, but want an extra oomph for your pumps–this is also a great section for you.
PSP
PSP, or Physique Stimulating Pre-workout, is a popular non-stimulant pre workout. In fact, this isn’t it’s first time on our best pre workouts list!
Before we get into the breakdown, we need to address the prop blend. Prop blends or proprietary blends consist of multiple ingredients and only disclose the amount of the whole blend, instead of each ingredient. In this scenario, we are not able to determine how much of each ingredient is in the blend and therefore won’t be able to determine if the dosages are at optimal levels. Instead, our critiques will be based on the ingredients itself.
Beta Alanine
The first ingredient in this blend is beta alanine, which is one of the most popular ingredients in pre workouts. This is partially due to having research to back up its benefits. As for the benefits, beta alanine aids in buffering away lactic acid build-up. Lactic acid builds up in our muscles when we workout, causing the “burn” effect. With beta alanine, this effect is delayed. Allowing you to continue your workout (1).
But lactic acid isn’t all bad, lactate can be used by the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) for energy. Additionally, it may also be beneficial for muscle growth (2).
Glycerol
Glycerol is recognized for aiding in pumps, giving your muscles a more full look. But aesthetics aside, glycerol can also aid in performance. Studies suggest that supplementing with glycerol can aid in aerobic and anaerobic exercise (3).
However, this ingredient does come with a negative effect, it tends to increase the clumpiness of powdered supplements. While the clumping is generally easy to break apart and won’t affect the performance of the product, it can be annoying.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is a combination of 3 amino acids that are naturally occurring in the body (L-arginine, Glycine, L-methionine). It’s another ingredient that’s maintained popularity throughout the years and again has a ton of research on it. This research suggests creatine is beneficial for ATP production and cell hydration. A fully hydrated cell is more anabolic, meaning there’s an increase in muscle protein synthesis (4).
Tri-Pep™
This ingredient is actually another product from Metabolic Nutrition. It’s their Tri-Pep™ BCAAs, which is similar to other BCAA’s, but is engineered for faster absorption and delivery†.
Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine is a metabolite of to Arginine. Current research suggests it may promote nitric oxide (NO) synthesis better than arginine, as well as properly regulate cellular energy. This makes agmatine sulfate a popular pump-inducing ingredient, but further research is needed on this ingredient (5,6).
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline is a common and effective ingredient for increasing blood flow to muscles via vasodilation (7).
Arginine Silicate
Arginine silicate contains arginine, silicone, and inositol. Research suggests Arginine Silicate can benefit exercise performance in a few ways. For starters, like other arginine based ingredients, it’s going to promote blood flow. But, it can also aid in increasing cognitive function and focus, muscle recovery, and even joint health (8).
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is a common focus-enhancing ingredient found in pre workouts. So it’s used to promote improved cognition. That includes attention, focus, memory, and even mood. Interestingly, researchers have found that these effects may be more prominent in individuals who are sensitive to stressors (9).
Choline Bitartrate
There are a bunch of benefits of Choline, but what it’s most recognized for is it’s role in cell structure, messaging, fat transport and metabolism, and DNA synthesis and nervous system maintenance. What this translates to is improved brain functions like memory and focus (10).
L-Norvaline
This is a form of the BCAA amino acids L-Valine. L-Norvaline improves circulation and nitric oxide levels, which adds to the pump you feel in the gym (11).
3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione (Theobromine)
Theobromine is an interesting ingredient to include in PSP. Mostly because it’s not as common in pre workouts as it is in fat burners. Theobromine is used as a bronchodilator and a vasodilator (12).
Norcoclaurine (Higenamine)
Higenamine is a beta-receptor agonist that is often compared to Ephedrine and Synephrine. But, Higenamine shows properties of a vasodilator, which leads to increased blood flow to the muscles. Unlike in most stimulants that are vaso-constricting (13).
Review:
“I’m so impressed with the product and service. I placed my order on Monday, got my package by Wednesday! PSP has helped give me the extra push I need for the gym. And the pumps have been great too. I like to add a scoop of PSP with my other pre workout. This combo has helped me hit PRs and increased my endurance.”
Review by Beck
Nitraflex Pump
Nitraflex Pump is one of the newer versions of Nitraflex. Unlike the original Nitraflex, this one is stimulant free! By looking at the label you can see several ingredients that are shared between Nitraflex Pump and PSP, these include:
That leaves us with:
- Taurine
- Masson Pine Bark Extract
- Calcium Fructoborate
Taurine
Taurine is effective for promoting endurance, increasing alertness and enhancing recovery (14).
Masson Pine Bark Extract
Research suggests Pine Extract may be effective at reducing effects related to oxidative stress. This includes muscle soreness and damage (15).
Calcium Fructoborate
Calcium fructoborate is a form of boron that could aid in naturally boosting testosterone (16).
Review:
“Gives a great pump on it’s own. Sometimes I like to stack it with the regular nitraflex too. I would say I get a better pump from this over the pmp too.”
Review by Hector
Intermediate
If you’re familiar with pre workouts and ready to up the ante, this section may be for you.
Nitraflex
Our first product is Nitraflex, which has maintained its popularity for several years. It features a proprietary blend full of ingredients aimed to increase endurance, focus, and energy. The ingredients we already went over include:
What’s left:
- L-Arginine Malate
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- Resveratrol
- Pterostilbene
- Caffeine
- Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE) Bitartrate
- Theanine
- Raulwofia Canecenes
L-Arginine Malate & L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Like Citrulline, Arginine is going to convert to nitric oxide, as a result, we get an increase in blood flow and better pumps (17).
There are claims that AAKG may be better absorption†. However, there is not enough research comparing these two ingredients to support this.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts like an antioxidant in the body (18). There are a bunch of potential benefits from Resveratrol, such as easing joint pain (19).
Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene is another antioxidant, which is similar in structure to resveratrol (20). But, some researchers suggest that Pterostilbene may be better absorbed by the body†.
Caffeine
Caffeine is great for increasing/improving metabolism, appetite suppression, energy, mood and even cognitive functions like memory (21).
DMAE Bitartrate
DMAE Bitartrate is a cognitive booster. That means it can aid in increasing focus, attention, and some mood boosting effects (22).
Theanine
Theanine is considered an anti-stress amino acid, often noted as a relaxation without sedation. But, when combined with Caffeine, there may be a synergistic effect. Research suggests that this combination may promote heightened focus, awareness, and energy (23).
Raulwofia Canecenes
Raulwolfia Canescenes shares similarities to yohimbe, which is another common stimulant/thermogenic. The main way yohimbe works are by blocking the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells. By blocking these receptors, yohimbe could increase fat loss. But, these effects are varied and more research is needed (24).
Review:
“Just went through my first container of this stuff and am starting my second! I never was a stim-junkie, normally a cup of coffee is a perfect. But I decided to give it a try and not only am I impressed by Nitraflex. I’m impressed with my results since using it. It by no means is magic, you still have to put in the work. But I feel like the amount of work I can put in has doubled. For me, I felt focus, energy and even a little bit of a mood boost as well.”
Review By Bradley
Psychotic
While we have Psychotic as an intermediate pre workout, this is one of stimulant oriented pre workouts. So, if you’re sensitive to stimulants this is not the pre workout for you.
The ingredients previously gone over include:
The Breakdown:
- AMPiberry
- Hordenine HCl
- Dimethylethanolamine
- Rauwolfia Vomitoria Extract (Yohimbe)
- Huperzine Serrata Leaf
AMPiberry
AMPiberry, aka Juniper Berry, is actually more prevalent in diuretics. So if you find yourself losing some water weight while taking this pre workout, you have the Juniper Berry to thank. But there is also some evidence that it promotes a smooth energy curve when paired with caffeine and other stimulants. Meaning, AMPiberry will help increase the effects of stimulants, which may promote long lasting energy at a smoother rate (25).
Hordenine HCl
Hordenine HCl is another common fat burner ingredient. It’s chemically similar to Bitter Orange Extract (Synephrine). This is may promote an increase in energy and may play into some mood enhancement (26).
Dimethylethanolamine
DMAE or DMEA promotes improvements in cognitive functions. That means more focus/concentration and some more mood boosting effects (27).
Rauwolfia Vomitoria Extract
Rauwolfia Vomitoria is another ingredient similar to yohimbine. Yohimbine is a great thermogenic. There are a couple of ways yohimbine functions. The main way is through blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells. Once yohimbine has bound with a fat cell, it “turns off” the alpha receptor. Which allows the fat cells to mobilize and burn off. But yohimbine is also a mild stimulant. For a pre workout, this means you’ll get the benefits of a stimulant and it may help you sweat more (28).
Huperzine Serrata Leaf
Huperzine Serrata Leaf Extract is common in both fat burners and pre workouts. It is actually considered a natural anti depressant, but it is also useful in improving focus. In fact, it’s been used to help treat Alzheimer’s disease (29). It’s also known as a nootropic that increases the level of acetylcholine. As a result, mental alertness, focus, and concentration are increased (30).
Reviews:
“The first time I tried this product I wasn’t sure what to expect as I don’t take Pre workouts often. While I was working out, I was blasting through reps and was able to increase the weight of my lifts. I’m very happy with this product and I recommend it.”
Woke AF
The Breakdown:
- AlphaSize Alpha GPC
- Dendrobium
- Deer Antler Velvet Extract
- Synephrine HCl
- Astragin
- Actagin
AlphaSize Alpha GPC
Alpha-GPC, aka Alpha-Glycerophospholine, contains choline at higher doses than found in food products. This nootropic may have cognitive-enhancing properties and may reduce the rate of cognitive decline in older adults (31).
Dendrobium
Dendrobium is a stimulant previously expected to replace DMAA. It’s secret is the presence of phenylethylamine (PEA), which sends out important neurotransmitters, giving you that “runner’s high” effect many athletes feel when working out.†
Deer Antler Velvet Extract
Deer Antler Velvet Extract is believed to increase your testosterone levels and help increase muscle growth too.† However, more research is need on this ingredient.
Synephrine HCl
Like Hordenine, Synephrine (Bitter Orange Extract or Citrus Aurantium) may promote an increase in energy and may play in cognitive enhancement (32).
Astragin
Astragin is a compound that may increase the absorption of important nutrients (33). However, more research is need on this ingredient.
Actagin
Actagin is believed to improve your recovery times and maximize muscle growth†, but again more research is needed.
Reviews:
“This is my STUFF!! It’s great for energy and killing it at the gym. My workouts have never been better.”
Noxipro
The Breakdown:
- Fibersol
- Pathergy
- Infinergy (DiCaffeine Malate)
Fibersol
Fibersol is a digestion-resistant maltodextrin corn fiber. This ingredient can act as a low-calorie bulking agent and lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels (34).
Pathergy
Panthergy™ may aid in increasing mood, well-being, focus, and helping produce a euphoric feeling†.
Infinergy
Infinergy™ aka DiCaffeine Malate is a buffered version of caffeine that has an extended half life. The benefit with DiCaffeine Malate is that the energy may be there longer and there is less of a “crash” when the stimulant wears off†.
Reviews:
“Honestly my favorite pre workout! Clean energy, great taste, doesn’t clump, and at a great price.”
Review By Frank
Endurance
This section is for individuals looking for a pre workout with a focus on improving performance. Now, this doesn’t mean stimulant free. If that’s what you’re looking for, go back to the top of this post.
Mr. Veinz
Our first product in the endurance category is Mr. Veinz, which actually contains all ingredients that we’ve previously gone over with the exception of two. Eria Jarensis and Beet Root Extract.
The Breakdown:
Eria Jarensis
Eria Jarensis a plant in the orchid family. And it is the only plant (that we know of) to supply N-phenethyl dimethylamine. This is another DMAA-like stimulant. DMAA is alpha alkylated which helps it resist breakdown by MAO enzymes for a long time. Whereas Eria Jarensis’ is dialkylated, which works but is less effective. This ingredient has grown a reputation for its euphoric effects and as a DMAA replacement. †
Beet Root Extract
Beet Root Extract, is a great source for natural nitrates. Nitrates are said to improve physical performance similarly to nitric oxide. By being a natural source of nitrates, beet root extract may increase nitric oxide availability (35).
Review:
“Mr Veinz is one of my favorite pre workouts. I don’t like something that has a lot of stimulants but, still look for pump and focus. Mr Veinz delivers!”
Review By Tommy
Smokin Guns
Smokin Guns is not new to our top pre workouts list. In fact, it makes a spot for itself every year. Like Mr. Veinz, Smokin Guns is a performance-focused pre workout. But, unlike Mr. Veinz, Smoking Guns doesn’t contain heavy stimulants. Instead, it’s energy sources may boost a natural, clean energy feel.
The ingredients previously gone over include:
The Breakdown:
- Dicreatine Malate
- Coconut Water Complex Powder
- Rhodiola Root Extract
- L-Phenylalanine
- Glucoronolactone
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl
- Green Coffee Bean Extract
- Chocolate Bean Extract
- Velvet Bean Seed Extract
- Inositol
- Phosphatidylserine
Dicreatine Malate
Di-Creatine Malate is a combination of creatine and malic acid. Research suggests that creatine malate may be more easily absorbed from the digestive system and be more soluble in water (36).
Coconut Water Complex Powder
Coconut Water Complex Powder is packed with electrolytes and nutrients, which may be beneficial for hydration and to replenish lost mineral salts (37).
Rhodiola Root Extract
This is an interesting ingredient that’s not too common in pre workouts. Rhodiola Root Extract is an adaptogen with a wide range of benefits, most of which that have scientific backings. This extract is most commonly used for stress relief but it’s also may promote: performance improvement, relieve fatigue, enhance learning and memory (38).
L-Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid that may improve mood, which is why it is seen being used to help depression (39).
Glucuronolactone
The combination of Glucuronolactone with other stimulants such as caffeine, it may improve performance, particularly on tasks that require large amounts of focus and attention. However, there is not much known on this ingredient (40).
Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR) is a form of carnitine, but it serves a different purpose than the other forms. ALCAR is often used for improving cognitive functions, like attention and focus (41).
Green Coffee Bean Extract
This extract contains chlorogenic acids and caffeine, which may aid in weight loss (42). However, the energy provided by Green Coffee Bean Extract may have more of a natural energy boost feel, rather than the energy boost you feel from a cup of coffee.
Chocolate Bean Extract
Flavonoid antioxidants from chocolate bean extract may be beneficial in preventing cell damage (43).
Velvet Bean Seed Extract
Velvet Bean Seed Extract is another ingredient with an ample of benefits. These include anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anti-oxidant properties (44).
Inositol
Inositol may be beneficial as a vasodilator and may aid in reducing blood pressure (45).
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a nootropic supporting cognitive function and it may aid in elevating post exercise testosterone levels†.
Review:
“Works great. I get a clean energy feeling which doesn’t give me a crash. Then in the gym I feel like my endurance is improving. Overall would recommend!”
Review By Alice
Assault Sport
Assault Sport is a classic pre workout. Its been here for years and the formula has remained pretty consistent (which we always love). Unlike some of the other pre workouts here, Assault features an extended release caffeine ingredient. While this can result in long lasting energy for some, for others, you may not notice the effects. So if you’re looking for a lot of energy and pumps this isn’t the pre workout for you.
Here are the ingredients we’ve previously gone over:
The Breakdown:
- L-Aspartic Acid
- Dimethylglycine HCl
- Dextrose
- L-Glycine
- Ribose
- Cinnulin PF® Bark Extract
- CreNitrate
- ArgNitrate
- BCAA Nitrate
- PurEnergy Matrix
- L-Glutamine
L-Aspartic Acid
L-aspartic acid may aid in increasing testosterone, however, research shows conflicting reports (46, 47).
Dimethylglycine HCl
Dimethylglycine HCl or DMG is an amino acid found naturally in the body. It may be useful as an adaptogen, however, more research is needed†.
Dextrose
Dextrose may aid in exercise performance by replenishing ATP stores (48).
L-Glycine
Glycine is used by the body for multiple purposes, including to make glutathione, creatine, and collagen, to improve sleep, and even protect your muscles for muscle loss (49, 50).
Ribose
Ribose, like dextrose, may be beneficial for enhancing ATP recovery. This may result in increased muscular strength and overall exercise performance (51).
Cinnulin PF® Bark Extract
Cinnulin PF® Bark Extract or Cinnamon Bark Extract may help increase antioxidant capacity and show protective properties against oxidative damage. However, more human studies will need to be done to see if these effects are as prominent in humans as they are in animal studies (52).
CreNitrate (Creatine Nitrate)
Creatine Nitrate is a more water-soluble version of Creatine. Meaning the body may be able to use it more readily than regular Creatine Monohydrate. However, more research is needed to assess this property (53).
ArgNitrate (Arginine Nitrate)
Similarly to Creatine Nitrate, Arginine Nitrate is a more bio-available version of Arginine. This may make it a more optimal choice for pumps, however, research currently has not directly compared L-Arginine and Arginine Nitrate (54).
BCAA Nitrate
The opinion on BCAAs being beneficial for exercise performance has been a wavering opinion for many years. Adding nitrates to a BCAA complex may aid in its absorption in the body, but overall this ingredient may help with endurance and muscle fatigue (55, 56).
PurEnergy Matrix (Pterostilbene-Caffeine)
Pterostilbene-Caffeine is a combination of caffeine with the antioxidant pterostilbene. This combination may be beneficial for slowing the absorption rate of caffeine, which lengthens its half life. As a result, you may feel more energized for in and out of the gym and are less likely to get a crash (57).
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is generally used in post workouts formulas for its properties in recovery and reducing soreness (58).
Reviews:
“Assault has been one of those consistently good pre workouts for me. Its definitely something I come back to often. The energy and pumps are great. ”
Review By Brent
Focus
Are you getting to the gym and feeling totally lost? It can be the worst feeling to take a pre workout, get all the energy, and none of the focus. An hour’s workout turns into an hour on your phone in a different setting. But, luckily it doesn’t have to be. There are a ton of pre workouts with focus enhancers and even supplements just centered around improving focus and concentration.
Infinite Brain
Infinite Brain is one of our new “pre workouts”. At first glance, you can probably tell this isn’t your regular day-to-day pre workout. In fact, its not even advertised for that. Infinite Brain is great for replacing your morning or late night energy drink. So if you’re a late night gamer, this might be your new favorite supplement.
Below are the ingredients we went over in other products:
- Taurine
- Alpha GPC
- Caffeine
- Infinergy™ DiCaffeine Malate
- Theanine
- Citrus Aurantium (Synephrine)
- Yohimbe HCl
- Huperzine A
The Breakdown:
- Kanna Extract
- CDP Choline
- Noopept
Kanna Extract
Kanna Extract is a new ingredient we’re seeing from Psycho Pharma and we’re excited to see it used in a range of products. It may aid in boosting focus and mood (59,60).
CDP Choline
CDP Choline or Citicoline is a nootropic compound that converts to both choline and cytidine. Along the lines of most nootropics, it may aid in boosting cognitive functions like memory and learning (61).
Noopept
Noopept is a famed “smart drug”, but it also may contain neuroprotective properties. It can aid in boosting cognition; including focus, attention, memory, and mood (62).
Review:
“This stuff is wild. Best nootropic I’ve ever taken by far. I use this stuff when I need to study for school and it gets me in the zone. I can focus for hours on end and I can feel the increased cognition.”
Review By Scott G
Crit
Crit is similar to Infinite Brain, but it contains fewer nootropics and a little more stimulants. So if you’re looking for a simple energy and focus booster, Crit might be the better option if the two. All the ingredients in Crit have been previously reviewed in other products, with the exception of 1.
This includes:
Black Pepper Extract
Black Pepper extract also known as Bioperine or just Piperine is an alkaloid of Black Pepper. Many studies suggest piperine has the ability to enhance the absorption of drugs and natural compounds (63).
Review:
“Works pretty well. helps me stay focus and in a good mood. Plus the energy boost is nice.”
Review By Zane
Brain Wave
Brain Wave is our last product in the focus category. Unlike Crit and Infinite Brain, Brain Waves is a pill. So for anyone looking for energy on the go–this is your mess free solution. The blend in Brain Waves features more nootropics and adaptogens and even an intense stimulant.
The ingredients we’ve previously gone over include:
The Breakdown:
- KSM-66 (Organic Ashwagandha)
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Cat’s Claw
- Bacopa
- 2-Aminoisoheptane
- Vinpocetine
- PQQ
KSM-66 (Organic Ashwagandha)
Ashwagandha is our first adaptogenic/anti-stress ingredient in Brain Waves. But its not just good for cognitive functions, it also may be beneficial for improving endurance. But in terms of cognitive functions, it has neuroprotective properties and may even be useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease (64).
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
In a similar fashion, Lion’s Mane Mushroom also has neuroprotective properties. Some studies show it may improve mental clarity and functioning (65) and animal studies show it may be beneficial in preventing neuronal damage (66).
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw has a lot of claimed health benefits, such as boosting your immune system and relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. But these claims and others need more research to back them up (67, 68).
Bacopa
Bacopa Monnieri may promote a reduction in anxiety and improve memory formation (69).
2-Aminoisoheptane
2-Aminoisoheptane is a DMAA-like stimulant. But DMHA actually shares similar structures to 3 compounds:
- DMAA
- DMBA (AMP Citrate)
- and tuaminoheptane (2-aminoheptane)
It may promote mood-enhancing effects and feelings of euphoria. Along with boosting your energy, and appetite suppression (70).
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine may be beneficial for improving memory and concentration (71).
PQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), may be useful for protecting against damage caused by oxidative stress. Medicinally it may be useful against osteoporosis and inflammation (72, 73).
Review:
“I feel focused and in a better mood overall whenever I use this. It easily become a stack must have. But I do feel I may get tolerant of the effects so I plan to cycle it.”
Review By Chris
Stimulant Heavy
Alright, its here, 2020’s stimulant heavy pre workouts. This section is not for those with a sensitivity for caffeine or stimulants, but if you’re feeling brave, start off with half a scoop.
Venom
Venom is one of our new pre workouts, but it has received several formula changes since we’ve carried it. The formula we’re reviewing today is the formula we currently carry as of this blog publishing. Venom features a relatively classic formula, which is noted by the fact all the ingredients have been previously mentioned. What makes Venom a stimulant heavy pre is the dosages. In the smaller scoop alone you have Caffeine, Caffeine XR, Eria Jarenis, Julgan Regia and Theobromine for a total of 437.5 mg of stimulants. For perspective, a cup of coffee has around 90.
- Citrulline Malate
- Beta Alanine
- Taurine
- L-Tyrosine
- Caffeine
- Choline Bitartrate
- Black Pepper Extract
- Eria Jarensis
- Julgan Regia (2-Aminoisoheptane)
- Extended Release Caffeine
- Theobromine
Review:
“I was taking meso for a very long time. It was my tried and true pre workout. Then I out of pure intuition I changed my order and picked up a venom instead. And I don’t think I will be switching for a while! Great energy, pumps, and endurance.”
Review By Kevin
Jack3d
Jack3d is back! And it’s about time. Jack3d was everyone’s go-to pre workout, then it had a formula revision and soon after disappeared. Now its back and most similar to its OG formula. It features mostly ingredients that we’ve previously reviewed, with the exception of 2.
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Beta Alanine
- Caffeine
- 2-Aminoisoheptane HCl
- Yohimbe Extract
The Breakdown:
- Geranium Extract
- Schisandra Chinensis Extract
Geranium Extract
If you didn’t know, Geranium Oil is actually the source of DMAA (74). But, this doesn’t mean DMAA is in the new version of Jack3d.
Just to be clear:
There is no DMAA in Jack3d as of March 2020.
While Geranium Extract is featured in this formula, it’s stripped of the DMAA Alkaloids. So what you’re left with is a potentially similar, but weaker version†.
Schisandra Chinensis Extract
Schisandra Chinensis extract may be useful like an adaptogen and performance enhancer (75, 76).
Review:
“I was wondering how this new formulation stacked up against the meth-laden original release that we all loved to abuse years ago. I’m pleasantly surprised to say that this stuff is pretty amazing. Not AS intense as the original, but about 85% of the way there. 2 scoops is the sweet spot for me. 1 isn’t enough and 3 is so much caffeine that it doesn’t even feel quite right. 2 scoops packs a huge punch. I’m 5’10, just over 250 pounds, and I’ve been using pre workouts for years. This stuff still kicks me hard.
I’ll admit, though, that it only lasts about an hour and a half or so before the energy rush starts to fall down. It crashes too. Not as bad as the original, but after a few hours you want to sleep. Nevertheless, awesome product and I’ll gladly pay the mildly expensive price to keep this as my pre-workout supplement. Hopefully they don’t ban this one too.”
Review By Chris
Mesomorph
Mesomorph, AKA the King of Pre Workouts, has been a customer favorite for nearly 5 years–in a row. As you can imagine, that means we’ve gone over it before and some of its ingredients have been reviewed in this post:
- Beta Alanine
- Citrulline Malate
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- Taurine
- Agmatine Sulfate
- Glucuronolactone
- Methylxanthine (Caffeine)
- Theobromine
- Creatine Nitrate
The Breakdown:
- Di-Creatine Malate
- Ascorbic Acid
- Creatinol-O-phosphate
- Senegalia Berlandieri Extract
- Naringin
- Isopropylnorsynephrine HCl
Di-Creatine Malate
Creatine Malate is beneficial for generating muscle power and compared to monohydrate, it may be better at avoiding water retention (77).
Ascorbic Acid
Asorbic acid or vitamin C may reduce oxidative stress and provide other health benefits without impairing training adaptations (78).
Creatinol-O-phosphate
Creatinol-O-phosphate acts like a buffer that prevents acids in your muscles from raising. It was originally created for its cardioprotective properties, now, however, it is often confused as another creatine. Whereas it should be viewed as different from creatine (79, 80).
Senegalia Berlandieri Extract
Senegalia Berlandieri is an effective stimulant commonly compared to Acacia Rigidula Extract. It’s great for increasing energy and suppressing appetite, while also providing a feeling of euphoria (81).
Naringin
Naringin helps burn fat by increasing the production of a fat burning hormone, adiponectin. When combined with synephrine, it may even increase energy expenditure (82).
Isopropylnorsynephrine HCl
Studies on Isopropylnorsynephrine are limited, it has been seen to increase lipolysis (or fat loss) better than other forums of synephrine, while boosting energy and mood (83).
Review:
“It’s the best one I have had since the original jack 3D went off the market. It give a great pump, and tastes great!!!”
Review By Michael
Dust X
Dust X is one of our top heavy stimulants pre workout and the proof is right on the label, 350 mg of Caffeine and 150 mg of 2-Aminoisoheptane, all in 1 scoop. This is currently the most 2-Aminoisoheptane in a pre workout that we carry. So if you’re looking for pre workout with a lot of energy, that doesn’t sacrifice pumps and endurance, this is for you.
All of the ingredients in Dust X have been previously reviewed, with the exception of one:
-
- Citrulline Malate
- Beta Alanine
- Agmatine Sulfate
- L-Tyrosine
- Dimethylethanolamine(DMAE)
- Caffeine
- 2-Aminoisoheptane
- Nelumbo Nucifera (Higenamine)
- Huperzine A
Phenylethylamine
Phenylethylamine is an alkaloid often represented as PEA. PEA plays an important role in the body and dispersion neurotransmitters. This alkaloid triggers the receptor TAAR-1 in the brain. TAAR-1 then activates the release of the neurotransmitters:
- Serotonin
- Epinephrine(adrenaline)
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
Which then promotes the increase in
Review:
“Focus and motivation are on roof top .. Dust X is the best”
Review By Eldho S.
ESP Extreme
ESP Extreme is our last pre workout in the blog and definitely one of our top stimulant pre workouts. For starters, you can go up to 3 scoops, which totals up to 1,068 of the Extreme Energy Matrix. That consists of Caffeine, Theobromine, DiCaffeine Malate. But, these aren’t the only stimulants in the formula. ESP Extreme also contains Eria Jarensis, which is a stimulant known for its mood enhancement properties. In 3 scoops, there is 300 mg of Eria Jarensis on top of all the caffeine. Safe to safe, this isn’t for everyone and you’re going to want to take it slow.
All the ingredients in ESP Extreme have been previously discussed:
- Caffeine
- Theobromine
- DiCaffeine Malate
- Choline Bitartrate
- N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
- Eria Jarensis
- Beta Alanine
- Black Pepper Extract
Review:
“The energy I get from ESP Extreme is intense, sometimes too intense. But its perfect for getting through my workouts and leaving me some energy to get through the rest of the day. Just newbies be warned– start off with half scoop.”
Review By Calvin
Please Note:
†The intention of the information provided is for reference only and we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. The information provided in this post is based on anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While it is our goal to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest formulation of the product or information. Therefore, if you have any concerns, please visit the manufacturer’s website. Also, the information above is not a representation of our views at Same Day Supplements. Rather, these are the views and information provided by manufacturers and users. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, the intention of these products is not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.
