Today, we’ll explore the pre-workout window and which pre-workout supplements are worth taking during this time. Of course, there are many options, but we’ll focus on the ones Pulse Fitness & Spa trainers recommend as key to improving your training.
First, let’s answer the questions: “Why should we take something before a workout?” and “What do pre-workout supplements do for our bodies?”
Pre-workout supplements and the effects of taking them before a workout
Pre-workout supplements withstimulate blood flow by dilating blood vessels. When you train a particular muscle group, blood naturally flows more freely to that area, resulting in a greater pump and better muscle stimulation, whether your goal is to build muscle or burn fat.
Help improve muscle contractions and focus during your workout. With the right supplements, you’ll be better prepared to train at the intensity you need. Increase endurance and improve overall productivity. Over time, you’re sure to achieve more and more success at the gym.
The dietary supplement market is highly developed today. Many products contain ingredients that can lead to unwanted effects, such as increased cortisol levels, poor nutrient absorption, and greater post-workout fatigue due to our body’s compensatory mechanisms. With such a wide variety to choose from, it’s helpful to know which supplements are truly important before physical exertion. The aim of this article is to introduce you to pre-workout supplements that can provide the benefits listed above.
Here are our top picks for pre-workout supplements:
-
Fermented L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is an excellent natural way to stimulate blood flow. This supplement helps increase plasma arginine levels even more effectively than supplementing with arginine itself. Taking L-Citrulline improves cardiovascular function, reduces fatigue during physical exertion, increases endurance, and lowers blood pressure.
-
Beta-alanine
The key benefit of beta-alanine is reduced muscle fatigue by better equipping the body to handle lactic acid buildup. It also acts as an antioxidant, which means it may help reduce damage caused by free radicals.
-
L-Taurine
Another naturally occurring amino acid that can support workout performance is L-Taurine. It can help remove waste products produced during exercise, as well as other harmful toxins that may limit your ability to train at high intensity.
-
CreaPure Creatine Monohydrate
Very few ingredients have as much scientific research behind them as creatine monohydrate when it comes to helping the body push harder and for longer. Creatine monohydrate enables ATP resynthesis to take place at a higher and more consistent rate. This is linked to the “rest-pause” principle, which you can ask the Pulse Fitness & Spa coaching team about on your next visit to the club.
-
Branched-chain amino acids BCAA
Increasing the availability of bioavailable branched-chain amino acids before a workout may help counteract catabolism and improve recovery.
-
Essential amino acids EAA
Essential amino acids are a key “trigger” for activating mTOR (athletes’ ability to perform an exercise effectively) and muscle protein synthesis. In other words, they help us perform more effectively during a workout.
-
Glutathione
Glutathione boosts immune system function, helping the body better prepare for the stress of intense workouts.
-
Ashwagandha
Managing cortisol is key during the training window, and this natural herbal adaptogen can help.
We recommend following the directions for use provided on the packaging of the supplements listed above. For detailed advice and assistance, feel free to consult our personal trainers and group fitness instructors.