A good workout is not just about what happens during and after your exercises. It is also about what happens before you start moving. What you do prior to your regimen contributes in a major way to what you become after a week, a month or a year. To get you started on the best workout you will ever have, try taking the best pre workout supplements that will help prepare your body and brain for the task ahead. Next time you’re browsing for the best pre workout supplements, consider these critical ingredients:
Protein
Protein is the building block of muscles. Without it, you simply cannot get bigger, tougher and stronger. If you want bulk, add protein to your pre workout shake or your favorite pre workout drink. Protein provides you with much-needed calories you need to burn during a workout. The more intense the workout, the better quality protein you need. Consider it, along with carbohydrates, as the fuel required for your body to run. A protein-rich shake or smoothie is also an excellent pre workout drink for women and men who need to build stronger and bigger muscles.
Protein is a major component of most of the top pre workout supplements in the market. If you check the label, you will usually find it in the form of either whey or casein or a combination of both. It is also the best pre workout drink when consumed just before you head to the gym. Just take note of the recommended amount based on your weight.
Carbohydrates
Carbs and protein work hand-in-hand to give you the energy, strength and endurance you need to perform. Carbs also help you increase your speed, concentrate better and recover more quickly. Carbs are stored in the muscles so you can tap them later when you need energy. Carbs also aid in tissue synthesis so your body can use protein to build muscles. That energy you need to do one more rep or to make another complete lift? Carbs are responsible for that.
A balanced carb/protein meal is an excellent pre workout for women as well as for men. Check out the best workout supplements for this key ingredient to optimize your performance. Incidentally, the carb/protein combo is also one of the best post workout supplements as well, and usually works in the 1:1 ratio.
Creatine
Creatine is a popular supplement especially among lifters, making it one of the best workout supplements for men and the best pre workout for women who compete. Creatine works by supplying much-needed energy for muscles to contract correctly, thus increasing your ability to build muscles and avoid injury. It also improves brain function. Creatine also allows you to perform high-intensity exercises. If you want the best post workout drink, add creatine to your favorite health juice or smoothie.
Arginine
Arginine is a type of amino acid that works by improving the delivery of nutrients, blood and oxygen to your muscles. It also has potential to improve cardiovascular function. Arginine is a cheap pre workout supplement because it is abundant in food we commonly consume, such as red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, grains, wheat, nuts and seeds. You need it to help your kidneys eliminate waste products more efficiently and maintain your hormone and immune functions. It is also the best post workout supplement to help you improve your absorption of nutrients.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is another form of amino acid that works in your most important muscle: your brain. It helps you concentrate better and improves your focus. It also contributes to the production of neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, among others.
Raspberry Ketones
Raspberry ketones are sourced mainly from red raspberries but can also be found in apples, grapes, kiwifruit and peaches, and certain vegetables. It is believed to increase metabolism by affecting adiponectin, a hormone that reduces your appetite and increases your ability to burn fat. It is one of the best pre workout supplements for women who want that extra support for faster fat loss. It is also an excellent weight loss supplement for men who need to shed some weight.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee bean extract is also one of the best pre workout supplement for women who want to increase their their fat-burning ability. As a pre workout for men, it works by blocking the accumulation of fat and limiting the absorption of carbs. It also aids in regulating blood sugar levels, hence you get a consistent source of energy throughout the day.
BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids help your body process protein. It helps increase endurance and lactate threshold, making it an excellent supplement for use during resistance training. This supplement also helps muscles recover quickly from fatigue or damage post-training.
Choline
Choline is a precursor to a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, which aids the brain in sending signals to the muscles during contraction. It is one of the best pre workout supplements for men and women who want to feed their brain as well as their body. Choline also helps promote better focus and improve memory.