Sport has long been a part of most people's lives, but everyday work does not always leave the strength to go to the gym. And if you still manage to tune in to training, then it will not be as effective as we would like. And in such cases, people involved in sports resort to the help of specially designed sports complexes that tone up the work of the muscular system and not only.
What is a pre-workout complex
The so-called pre-workout complex is a sports supplement consisting of a wide range of components that act as stimulants for the work of the muscular and nervous system. After using such additives, after about half an hour, the athlete begins to feel their effect, which is expressed:
- in improving mood;
- the appearance of cheerfulness;
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
After taking the product, a person has a feeling of an energy surge, which leads to the fact that the training is more intense.
Main Components
The impact on the human body depends on the elements that make up sports nutrition, among the main ones are:
- Creatine or nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid is responsible for energy metabolism in muscle and nerve cells. This acid accumulates in the muscles and is consumed during physical exertion;
- Caffeine, an alkaloid that excites the central nervous system of a person, increases the rate of burning fat reserves by converting them into energy. Also, the substance synthesizes a hormone such as adrenaline, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant and maintains activity during physical exertion;
- Guarana is a plant component, which contains tannins, essential oils, vitamins B, PP, E, A, zinc, magnesium, as well as taurine, theobromine, most of them speed up metabolism, reduce fatigue and activate human performance;
- DMAA, or the so-called geranium extract, is synthesized in special laboratories and has nothing to do with the flower. The substance accelerates metabolism, increases resistance to physical exertion, improves mood.The additive belongs to the category of psychotropic substances and therefore is not allowed for use by professional athletes;
- BCAA is a combination of substances, consisting of important and essential amino acids (leucine, valine, isoleucine), which are not synthesized by the body, but obtained from food or sports nutritional supplements. These amino acids are involved in the structure of muscles, protect them from destruction, are an additional source of nutrition and contribute to a rapid recovery process after exercise;
- Taurine is a sulfonic acid converted to the amino acid cysteine. This substance, which can be used as a dietary supplement or a drug, doctors have found that it has a positive effect on the work of the brain and the restoration of its cells, also has anticonvulsant properties and has a cardiotropic effect. The ingredient helps to enhance energy processes;
- Citrulline is also an amino acid, but not involved in protein synthesis. Nevertheless, it has a number of properties that are beneficial for the body, for example, it removes toxins and lactic acid from the body, enhances stamina, and improves immunity. In people involved in sports, citrulline promotes rapid recovery after exercise;
- Beta-alanine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is used as a sports supplement. Constant use leads to the fact that resistance to fatigue increases and the pain sensation that occurs after intense training decreases;
- Arginine is an amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide in the human body, which is responsible for blood pressure, vascular tone and the supply of nutrients to cells.Arginine also enhances erectile function, stimulates the production of growth hormone and enhances the pumping effect (swelling of the muscle) after a load on it;
- vitamins and minerals are indispensable for any person, but for athletes they are doubly important. They are involved in building muscles, in losing weight and restoring the human body. The lack of certain minerals and vitamins can lead to disruption of the internal organs, which will adversely affect the entire body. For those involved in sports, the supplementation of a complex of vitamins and minerals is a must, it will support overall health and contribute to more effective sports.
The list of components considered is not complete, but they are the main and most effective. Some manufacturers include up to 20 different ingredients in the complexes, but as a rule, most of them act as effect enhancers, so when choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of the main components.
Why do you need
Sports supplements in the form of pre-workout nutrition are designed to increase the productivity of training, which depends on what substances are included in a particular sports nutrition. It has been proven that the components that make up the structure of such sports supplements affect:
- strength;
- athlete energy;
- his endurance;
- and the possibility of increasing muscle mass.
Thus, it turns out that the complexes increase the growth of muscle mass due to the fact that the efficiency in training increases.
How to choose and take
When choosing a suitable pre-workout complex, one should be careful, the correct approach will determine what effect a person will receive, positive or negative.So, when choosing, you should take into account the following points:
- the presence of cardiovascular diseases or disorders in the work of the central nervous system in order to exclude this, you should consult a therapist;
- what the product consists of, this must be carefully studied in case there are allergic reactions to any products;
- the purpose for which the product is bought, since the composition for professional athletes and those who are just starting a sports career or planning to do fitness will be significantly different;
- before you start taking supplements, you should consult with the trainer, he will be able to advise a more suitable mixture.
There are also rules for taking complexes, they should be followed in order to get more benefit:
- almost all of them are taken half an hour before the start of the workout, so the components that make up the composition will have time to dissolve and begin to act accordingly during the workout;
- take less than seven hours before bedtime;
- if there is caffeine among the nutritional components, then it is worth remembering a possible overabundance of the substance in the body if used in conjunction with other caffeine-containing products.
It should be remembered that this kind of substances are addictive, so after some time, the complex will have to be changed or the portion increased periodically.
Important: pay attention to the composition is also necessary because quite often manufacturers add dangerous stimulants, which are similar to amphetamines, and various dopings that destroy the liver.
Ranking the best pre-workout supplements for 2022
There is a fairly large selection of pre-workout complexes on the market, but among athletes and specialists, a list of the most popular has been compiled:
- Stimulus 8;
- Black annis;
- psychotic;
- Madness;
- Jack 3D;
- Amino Energy;
- C4 Original;
- NO-Xplode 3.3;
- Platinum Labs Defcon 1;
- Assault.
Sports complexes have a different composition and are selected depending on who they will be intended for, a professional or an amateur. And this should be taken into account before buying.
Stimulus 8
The drug is common among professional athletes, it has been tested for years and is considered quite effective. But many characterize the reaction rather ambiguously, as some consumers noted that after drinking they do not feel tired after training. Also, many felt emotional swings, psychological arousal after taking. This product should be used with caution, taking into account all the features of the body.
Stimulus 8
Advantages:
- actively affects the burning of fat mass;
- for a long time energizes the body;
- contains stimulants and antioxidants;
- stimulates muscle growth.
Flaws:
- a fairly wide list of contraindications, because of this, it can have an adverse effect on human health.
Blak Annis
A new formula that simultaneously affects the psychological, emotional and physical state of the athlete during training. Caffeine, which is part of it, enhances the production of adrenaline, creatine promotes muscle growth, and geranium extract, which affects concentration, is also included in the composition. Due to its prevalence, the complex is often faked, which affects the quality of its components.
Blak Annis
Advantages:
- rapid effect on the body;
- promotes recovery after training;
- does not cause a feeling of depression.
Flaws:
- may be hazardous to health due to frequent fakes;
- should not be taken by those who are just starting to play sports.
Psychotic
A fairly strong complex, quickly energizing, it should be taken half an hour before the start of the lesson. Due to the fact that the composition is considered aggressive and potent, it is recommended to be taken only by healthy people over 21 years old. Many athletes have noticed that after taking this supplement, or rather after its action ends, headaches and mood swings appear. It is also recommended to carry out the reception under the supervision of a specialist.
Psychotic
Advantages:
- uplifting;
- enhances physical abilities;
- valid for three hours.
Flaws:
- addiction appears;
- bad effect on the digestive tract;
- increases pressure;
- affects the human nervous system.
Madness
Among the components of the complex there is caffeine extracted from Arabica beans and green coffee, as well as from green tea and mate. But, despite this, the volume of the components is designed so that after taking there are no unpleasant sensations. But for those who play sports for a long time, you will need to increase the dose to get the desired effect, this can only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Madness
Advantages:
- a structure that is quite soft and fast on the body.
Flaws:
- poorly soluble;
- more experienced have to increase the dose.
Jack 3D
The drug has a rather calm effect on the body, that is, there is no strong overexcitation that calls for non-stop training and is therefore perfect for those who are just starting to play sports.Previously, the composition included geranium, but after the introduction of a ban on it in the United States, it was excluded.
HJack 3D
Advantages:
- in the structure of nutrition there are components such as lemongrass extract and radiols, which act as good adaptogens.
Flaws:
Amino energy
It is an excellent stimulant due to the amino acids that make up the complex and the caffeine that supplements it. The components are involved in the construction of muscle tissue and increase the endurance of the athlete.
Amino energy
Advantages:
- perfect for beginner athletes;
- good composition.
Flaws:
- There are quite a few amino acids in one serving.
C4 Original
The components included in the nutrition are added in the right doses, which makes the nutrition suitable for beginners. The main ingredient is beta-alanine, which increases physical endurance. Arganine acts on muscle growth, and creatine increases the amount of energy in the body, caffeine and tyrosine act as stimulants and focus attention.
C4 Original
Advantages:
- successful composition;
- safe if you follow the proportions recommended for admission;
- do not overload the nervous system.
Flaws:
NO Xplode 3.3
The sports supplement includes not only five main components, but also a vitamin and mineral complex. Creatine increases strength, beta-alanine and betaine increase endurance. Among the components there is also a sage extract, which improves nitrogen balance, tyrosine and caffeine enhance the ability to concentrate during training. DMAE is the general tonic ingredient in this product.
NO Xplode 3.3
Advantages:
- rich composition, which includes a vitamin-mineral complex;
- suitable for beginners.
Flaws:
Platinum Labs Defcon 1
A powerful supplement for those who want to train at a faster pace, the composition includes ingredients such as caffeine, higenami, synephrine, which are of plant origin and act as neurostimulants. The complex also includes amino acids such as taurine, choline, tyrosine, which affect the growth of muscle mass.
Platinum Labs Defcon 1
Advantages:
- unusual composition;
- the ability to mentally focus during classes;
- the diet does not include strong stimulants, which does not cause irritation of the central nervous system.
Flaws:
Assault
One of the popular sports complexes, which includes vitamins, minerals and five main components. In addition to the classic components, choline, glucuronolactone, pterostilbene, and caffeine have also been added, which increase neuroconductivity, improving communication between muscles and the central nervous system.
Assault
Advantages:
- excellent composition, which includes plant components that enhance the effect of each other;
- increases strength and endurance, which allows for more strenuous workouts.
Flaws:
Harm of pre-workout complexes
The use of pre-workout complexes can cause quite serious problems to the human body, since many of the components that make up their composition are harmful. So, what are the more popular problems people who use this product face:
- insomnia or sleep disturbance, may be caused by late intake or the fact that the number of components is significantly higher than normal. To prevent this effect, you should calculate the dose and do not take it shortly before bedtime;
- disruption of the heart, the appearance of tachycardia, increased pressure disorders can occur if the dosage is exceeded, as well as if there are contraindications;
- a decrease in sexual activity, some substances in the composition cause vasoconstriction in the groin area. In order to avoid this, you should strictly observe the doses and carefully read the composition, as vasoconstriction is caused by strong stimulants, for example, geranium, ephedrine;
- irritability and aggression, depression appear as a result of long-term use of the drug or exceeding the indicated doses;
- addiction, that is, without doping, a person becomes drowsy and there is no desire to train, this occurs as a result of long-term use or excess of the indicated doses.
Athletes should remember that long-term use and excess of recommended norms lead to side effects. Therefore, experts recommend taking breaks between doses, for example, a month of taking half a month break. And also, before you start taking supplements, you must always consult with your doctor and trainer, who will advise the appropriate drug.
You should know: taking such supplements is not recommended for persons under 18 years of age.
Pre-workout complexes increase strength and endurance, due to this effect, the athlete exposes the body to greater stress during training, and this increases muscle growth. Supplements should be chosen carefully to exclude substances in their composition that adversely affect the body. Also, you should not abuse such food and take it strictly according to the instructions.