Pre-Workout: a simple buying guide

Pre-workouts are drinks, shots and capsules taken before training. Most are blends, and the same few ingredients appear again and again: caffeine, citrulline (often as citrulline malate), beta-alanine, betaine, arginine and tyrosine. Because the formulas differ so much, the label matters more than the brand or the flavour.

The range runs from high-stimulant powders such as Cellucor C4, Mutant Madness, Naughty Boy Menace, JNX The Curse!, SciTec Hot Blood, Olimp RedWeiler, Skill Pre-Workout and Raw Nutrition CBUM Essential Pre, to ready-to-drink cans and shots, and caffeine-free pre-workouts for evening training or caffeine-sensitive users. The first thing to check is caffeine per serving, which varies a lot between products and sometimes between a single and double scoop. Beta-alanine commonly causes a tingling sensation on the skin, which some people like and others do not. There are no authorised health claims for caffeine, citrulline or beta-alanine, so compare the amounts per serving rather than the marketing. If a pre-workout contains creatine, remember to count it towards your daily creatine. Our best pre-workout guide compares popular options.

Shop the range: Pre-Workout at NE Commerce

How to choose a pre-workout

  • Caffeine: start with the lowest caffeine that works for you and never exceed the label directions.
  • Stim or non-stim: choose caffeine-free if you train in the evening.
  • Doses, not ingredient lists: compare grams of citrulline and beta-alanine per serving.
  • Format: powders give the most servings; shots and cans are ready to go.

Related ranges and guides

FAQs

What is the best pre-workout in the UK?

It depends on how much caffeine you want and which ingredients matter to you. Our best pre-workout guide compares popular products by caffeine, citrulline and beta-alanine per serving.

How much caffeine is in a pre-workout?

It varies widely by product and serving size. The caffeine per serving is on every label; start with a half serving if you are new to a product, and count caffeine from coffee and energy drinks too.

Is there a pre-workout without caffeine?

Yes. Our caffeine-free pre-workout range lists products that state caffeine-free, stim-free, non-stim or zero stimulant in their name.

When should I take pre-workout?

Most labels suggest taking it shortly before training, often 20 to 30 minutes beforehand. Avoid caffeinated pre-workouts late in the day if they affect your sleep.

Ready to compare? Browse our full Pre-Workout range.

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