What Does Pre-Workout Do and 5 Reasons to Start Using It

Pre-workout is essential for reaching your fitness goals, but many people don’t understand what pre-workout does and if they should be taking it.

Don’t pass up pre-work benefits because you don’t understand them. Instead, keep reading to learn what does pre-workout do, and why you should add it to your workout routine.

What Does Pre-Workout Do?

Pre-workout is a supplement that provides you with energy to help you get through your workout. They come in various types, such as pills, powders, or premade drinks.

If you’ve ever been to the gym and saw someone with a drink that looks like a milkshake – that’s pre-workout.

The main purpose of pre-workout is to enhance your workout. It contains various supplements that help you lift more, increase your muscle mass, or even lose weight.

Do I Need Pre-Workout?

For most people, the answer is yes. Pre-workout helps you get the nutrients you need to fuel your body. 

If you don’t already take a pre-workout, these are some of the biggest reasons you should start.

1. More Energy

If you don’t have enough energy, you won’t be able to get through an entire workout. If you’ve just woken up or had a long shift, you may be tempted to skip your workout. That’s why you should always reach for your pre-workout to give your body the boost it needs to start training.

Pre-workout supplements help you get through your exercise early in the morning or late at night when you don’t think you can go any longer. The right pre-workout will give your body the fuel it needs to make it through your training session.

2. Increased Mental Readiness and Focus

Getting into the right mindset for exercise is easier when you have a routine. Starting your pre-workout ritual with a supplement helps to prepare your body for intense training. 

Regularly engaging in this routine will make it easier to get into the right mindset. Plus, pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that help you focus on your workout.

When you’re focused and ready for your workout, you can get more from it. You’ll be able to concentrate on your motions and make sure to get the most from every rep. This increased focus also means you’re less likely to get injured since you’re more aware of your surroundings.

3. More Endurance for Better Performance

If getting started with your workout isn’t an issue, maybe making it all the way through it is. You can have all the energy you want to get started, but if you can’t complete a workout, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

To maximize your results, you must engage in a consistent workout schedule and push yourself further with each session. If you’re not, you’re missing out.

By adding a pre-workout supplement into your routine, you’ll be able to make it to the end of your workouts every time. Not only will you be able to finish your workouts, but you’ll also be able to do more within each session. Adding an extra repetition or going for another ten minutes on the treadmill means all the difference in reaching any fitness goals.

4. Better Recovery

Working out is tough on the body. It’s also something we don’t truly feel the effects of until after it’s over. If you’ve cursed yourself the day after a workout, reach for the pre-workout rather than swearing off exercise for good.

Many of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements help your body work more efficiently, reducing the soreness you feel from exercise. Don’t be surprised that you’re able to rest less between sets and exercise multiple days in a row when you add a pre-workout into your routine.

5. More Fat Loss

If weight loss is your goal, pre-workout supplements are your best friends. Some of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that help speed weight loss.

Specifically, they target fat to help showcase the defined muscles you’ve worked hard to achieve.

How to Choose the Right Pre-Workout

The best advice we have for which pre-workout is right for you is to ask your personal trainer. You trust them with 

If you don’t have a personal trainer, consider the benefits a trainer can bring to your workout.

Here are some of the ingredients you should keep your eye on when deciding on the right pre-workout supplement.

Caffeine

Caffeine, in moderation, is excellent for helping you stay focused, increase energy, and improve your overall workout performance. 

The typical serving of pre-workout has as much caffeine as about three cups of coffee, so always read the usage label.

Beta-alanine. 

This is great for high-intensity exercises. It helps to improve your body’s recovery by giving your muscles a small buffer during workouts. Beta-alanine also reduces fatigue, giving pre-workout supplements the ability to help you go further.

Creatine. 

Again, in moderation, when combined with exercise, creatine helps you gain strength and build muscles. It also increases lean body mass levels, allowing you to tone.

Amino acids. 

Amino acids also help to increase your lean body mass and promote muscle growth. In addition, the amino acids found in pre-workout also help to reduce any damage to your muscles after a hard workout for a faster recovery.

How Long Does Pre-Workout Take To Kick In?

It takes about thirty minutes to an hour for your pre-workout to kick in, so there is a bit of trial and error with educated guessing. If you eat right before taking pre-workout it’s going to take slightly longer than if you take it on an empty stomach.

When Should I Take Pre-Workout?

If you have a quick workout, you’ll want to take your pre-workout about 45 minutes before your session. This way, it’s kicking in during your training, and you’re less likely to miss it.

However, if you have long training sessions, or are doing something intense all day, consider starting your pre-workout before you start exercising and continue to drink it during the beginning of your workout. This way, you’re giving your body everything it needs over a longer period of time.

Take Your Training to the Next Level

Now that you know what pre-workout does and how it helps your workout, it’s time to take your training to the next level. 

Hitting a plateau with exercise and aren’t sure where to go? Consider hiring a personal trainer to help your reach your fitness goals.

Contact Peak Physique today to reach new fitness heights.