Pre Workout Supplements?

[JSE]

I am fairly new to lifting on a regular schedule and I have been hearing a lot about pre workout supplements to achieve greater results in terms workout energy and muscle buidling. ** I currently use a Whey Protein product post workout and have been happy with it. **

Are these types of pre workout supplement products worth it? Should I even bother?

I have been told to drink something like N.O. Shotgun just prior to working out. Tried it a couple of times and it's does seem to "juice" you up a bit but I am worried these are nothing more than high levels of caffeine. Needless to say, I am not sold on this product.

I have also done a bit of reading about BCAA supplements. Mainly in pill form. These seem to be a bit more widely accepted as being benficial. Also, no caffeine.

So, any suggestions? Forget them altogether? Is one type of product superior to another? I just want to maximize my workouts. I am looking to get tone and build some muscle but I don't have any desire to get huge. Just stronger and toner.

 

[bodyjohn]

I am fairly new to lifting on a regular schedule and I have been hearing a lot about pre workout supplements to achieve greater results in terms workout energy and muscle buidling. ** I currently use a Whey Protein product post workout and have been happy with it. **

Are these types of pre workout supplement products worth it? Should I even bother?

I have been told to drink something like N.O. Shotgun just prior to working out. Tried it a couple of times and it's does seem to "juice" you up a bit but I am worried these are nothing more than high levels of caffeine. Needless to say, I am not sold on this product.

I have also done a bit of reading about BCAA supplements. Mainly in pill form. These seem to be a bit more widely accepted as being benficial. Also, no caffeine.

So, any suggestions? Forget them altogether? Is one type of product superior to another? I just want to maximize my workouts. I am looking to get tone and build some muscle but I don't have any desire to get huge. Just stronger and toner.

I do need some suggestions thats why I replied to this old comment so that it might come at top and then people suggest some good pre-workout supplements.
Thanks!

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Rather sad that it took more than a decade for @JSE to receive any replies to his thread

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Be forewarned. Many who take pre and post workout nutrients (supplements) tend to overdo it. This can put extra stress on the kidneys, cause an excess of gas or other possible problems. Best to stick with moderate or conservative amounts for the most part.

Creatine is often used pre-workout. Number of benefits. Will let you do your own research on this. Beta-Alanine, an amino acid, can help to minimize muscle fatigue. Caffeine is often used pre-workout.

Citrulline and Arginine are 2 amino acids that are used to create NO (nitric oxide) in the body. A number of possible bennies from this. These should promote the release of growth hormone (hGH), boost libido and can benfit those who suffer from ED. Can also be taken just before bed, on an empty stomach, to promote hGH release while you sleep.

These amino acid supplements usually work best on an empty stomach. Or in the absence of competing protein. If taken with a complete protein it will tend to mute or minimize their effectiveness.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Note that creatine, L-citruline and possibly L-arginine might also provide some benefit for cognitive function. It could, possibly, help to slow down the onset of dementia or AD.

Leucine, another amino acid, may be used, sometimes with other BCAAs, for pre workout. But I usually use L-leucine and other BCAAs after my workout, in addtion to a good whey protein powder. By doing this, I can get away with a bit less whey protein w/o getting too little leucine (or BCAA).

Some use leucine (or BCAA) both before and after workouts. If you decide to do this and/or take the other amino acids I suggested, do not take the whey protein (WP) prior to workout --,only post-exercise. This way the WP does no interfere with your pre-workout amino acids.