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Here we have a look at the 3 of the best pre-workout supplements for men.
All men know that when you’re a regular in the gym, some days, it can be really hard to stay motivated. But when you’re looking to build an impressive physique and bulk up some muscle, being consistent is key.
That’s where pre-workouts come into play. These supposed performance enhancing elixirs work to boost your mental and physical energy and give you a burst of motivation, amplifying your workouts so you get the best results.
Using a combination of ingredients, a high-quality pre-workout should help you go beyond your potential in the gym and outperform your competition!
Finding the right pre-workout for men however can be quite a task. Many contain a variety of ingredients at different dosages, all with their own different methods to completely shift your mindset and performance.
As a man, picking the right pre-workout for you can depend on both your goals and how you react to specific ingredients. You might want a more potent blend to boost your mental and physical energy for weight training sessions. Alternatively, you might have a slight intolerance to caffeine, but still want something to provide the same drive and get those crazy muscle pumps.
In such a saturated market and with so many pre-workouts for men claiming to be the best, how do you know whether you’re making the right choice?
We’re here to help. We’ve combed the market and done the research, looking at the best options available to pinpoint the perfect product for your ambition.
Keep reading to find the top pre-workouts for men available now.
Performance Lab Pre |  | ⦁ Natural and 100% transparent formula |
National Bodybuilding Co. Stage Ready Pre-Workout |  | ⦁ Naturally sourced formula |
4 Gauge |  | ⦁ All-natural and transparent formula |
What is a pre-workout?
Pre-workout supplements are designed to be taken before you hit up the weights room. They have one primary goal – to improve how you perform during your workouts.
Taken around 15-30 minutes before training, pre-workouts should turn you from sulk to bulk mode to smash your targets and achieve your physique goals.
Although it’s always best to eat a range of nutrient-rich foods to keep your physical and mental performance at its peak, pre-workouts work to give you a nudge in the right direction whenever you’re feeling sluggish or fatigued. Essentially, they provide a short-term energy, power, endurance and strength burst to help you completely dominate your workouts.
Why take a pre-workout?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions during your gym sessions and completely ‘off’, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to keep your head in the game alongside the stresses of daily life.
But your physique won’t grow without any of your own hard work. That’s why pre-workouts are so common and increasingly being taken by a range of athletes, bodybuilders and gym users to get that extra ‘push’.
Taking a pre-workout could be very individual and every man has different reasons. For some men, they might not be able to get in the zone without a pre-workout. These performance-enhancing supplements work as a missing link to help boost motivation enthusiasm and drive to train.
A pre-workout would work wonders for any man looking to:
- Boost their energy to build a bigger physique
- Experience crazy muscle pumps from strength training
- Get back in the zone with their training
- Increase their rep count and maximize muscle growth
- Safely and legally improve their physical and mental performance
Best pre-workout ingredients
These are some of the best and rigorously researched ingredients to look out for in pre-workouts for men.
L-citrulline
A key ingredient found in most pre-workout formulas, L-citrulline is known for improving blood flow and heightening workout performance. Also known as a vasodilator, the amino acid raises levels of nitric oxide in your body, which can improve blood flow, boost muscle pumps and potentially offer some benefits in power [source 1]. Studies show that increased muscle pumps may intensify muscle growth [source 2]. You’ll find L-citrulline in some foods like watermelon but optimal amounts can’t be consumed from food alone.
Caffeine Anhydrous
This potent natural pre-workout is proven to positively influence power output and performance and is excellent at enhancing mental and physical performance. Caffeine activates parts of the brain and nervous system to boost feelings of alertness, focus and motivation [source 3 and 4] and may help to increase your workout volume [source 5] to lift more and work out for longer.
Beta-alanine
There’s nothing worse than experiencing that overwhelming burn on your final set, making you feel like giving up. Beta-alanine counteracts this fatigue and works to keep your muscles performing during the most intense workouts to keep you making progress. Beta-alanine helps your body make carnosine, a molecule which decreases acid levels in muscles during exercise, lessening overall fatigue [source 6]. This should allow for a bigger, harder workout – equaling greater gains! Not everyone likes the tingling sensation that beta-alanine can give you though, which is why some prefer pre-workouts that don’t use it.
Creatine
One of the most studied and tested supplements’ on the market, creatine works to boost exercise performance by increasing your natural energy reserves (ATP) and delivering energy to your muscles [source 7]. Creatine is commonly used in pre-workouts as it’s the quickest natural way to regenerate your ATP stores. Because you’re only able to store a limited amount in your body, you need to supplement creatine. Creatine has been shown to boost power output as well as lean mass too, helping you carve out your ideal physique.
L-theanine
L-theanine works well with caffeine to promote increased levels of mental alertness, without the associated jitters. By introducing more calmness to your brain activity, you can stay focused on the task in hand – an intense workout. Pre-workouts that utilize this smart-caffeine combination should help you stay more alert and motivated during exercise [source 8].
Read more on the best and the worst pre-workout ingredients here.
Advantages to using a pre-workout
Pre-workouts work their best alongside a balanced diet and regular hydration to help take your workouts to the next level. Benefits of taking a pre-workout include:
- Heightened physical performance – A pre-workout’s main job is to raise your energy levels and focus. Those that blend a range of natural compounds like creatine, caffeine and beta-alanine can enhance mental preparedness and deliver power to your muscles for longer, harder workouts.
- Better blood flow – By boosting levels of nitric oxide, which is used by your body to improve blood flow, you’ll get more oxygen to your working muscles. This results in that crazy pump feeling, enhancing your workout intensity.
- Improved muscular endurance – Pick a pre-workout containing creatine, and your muscles can access more energy and will perform better. This benefit should allow for bigger workouts and more muscle growth.
- Amplified muscle recovery and growth – Some pre-workouts contain vasodilators and other ingredients that can help increase blood flow to muscle tissue, improving recovery and growth. If you can push harder too, you’ll be able to increase your rep count and really put your muscles to the test.
Our Ranking Criteria
These three pre-workouts have been significantly researched, tested and reviewed under our strict testing criteria. We go into more detail in our individual reviews on this website, but to summarize what we’re looking for:
- The formula – Looking at not only the ingredients, but the doses too.
- Price – Ensuring the supplement offers good value for money.
- Testimonials – What do other customers think? It needs to have positive feedback from users.
- Trust – We want to be sure these products are completely risk-free and made by a reputable company, since you’ll be taking these daily.
- The Manufacturer – And the brand authority
- Where to Buy – We’ll direct you to these product’s websites, so you can learn more about them, and purchase if you’re interested in giving them a try.
The top 3 pre-workouts
Here, we list our top three pre-workouts for men. These pre-workouts are some of the best on the market for men looking to really put their body through its paces.
1. 4 Gauge
A completely natural, clean pre-workout, 4 Gauge is a great pre-workout for men, designed to enhance endurance, strength, focus and motivation in the gym without disrupting your hormones, risking your health or triggering unpleasant side effects.
In the mix you get a blend of 11 nutrients shown to help improve gym performance and ensure you achieve faster results – whatever your training goals may be. Whether you want to experience a clean lift for better focus and energy, improve your stamina or diminish muscle soreness for better growth, 4 Gauge delivers an effective formula.
Because of the clever caffeine and L-theanine combo, you should experience a peak energy lift without the crash. Each ingredient is included at relevant clinically-dosed servings and has been optimally dosed – making it the most complete and reliable pre-workout on this list.
The masculine shotgun shell packaging is excellent and convincing to say the least as well.
Ingredients
4 Gauge is completely natural, with no added artificial sweeteners or flavors. Each ingredient makes up a completely effective formula, designed to take your workouts to the next level and encourage lean muscle growth. They include:
- Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
- L-Theanine (200mg)
- Citrulline DL-Malate (600mg)
- Rhodiola Rosea (100mg)
- Red Beet (300mg)
- Creatine Monohydrate (1000mg)
- Coconut Water Powder (300mg)
- Aceytl L-Carnitine (500mg)
Testimonials
4 Gauge is loved by many men and boasts multiple positive reviews. The comprehensive formula has impressed thousands of users across the globe.
“The list of quality ingredients shows how superior 4 Gauge is to the competition. The first time taking it brought a smile to my face. This is what I’ve been looking for.
Just enough caffeine to get you going but not feel cracked out, no rapid erratic heartbeat, just laser focused on your goal.
The vasodilation is awesome! Great pumps to help get that extra rep and really push through to the next level.” –Ricky, USA
“This is by far the best and cleanest energy preworkout I have ran across. You can immediately tell this is a quality product.
There are no jitters, no crashes, just complete uplifting energy that lasts through the most grueling workouts. My performance has improved greatly and I no longer get that sluggish feeling halfway through, I actually want to stay in the gym longer!” – Aaron, USA
During my work as a school teacher, I have a lot to do – planning lessons until late at night. This usually leaves me too tired with no motivation to get in the gym.
After seeing some great reviews, I’m glad I chose 4 Gauge. It is great for getting me focused on my workout and also when I’m playing rugby.”– Finn, UK
Pros
- Natural and completely transparent formula
- Clean energy lift
- Great muscle pumps
- Striking packaging
- Good, science-backed ingredient selection
- Manufactured in cGMP- and FDA-approved facilities
Cons
- Only available direct
- Just one flavor (fruit blast)
Interested in this pre-workout? 4 Gauge is available to buy direct on the official website
2. Performance Lab Pre
This stim-free ‘performance supercharger’ is one of the most masculine-sounding pre-workouts on this list. Built to enhance energy levels, boost muscle mass growth and help to increase the intensity of your workouts, Performance Lab Pre is quite a gentle alternative to the caffeine packed options on the market.
Using a collection of natural compounds and vitamins, you benefit from a formula that works to improve blood flow as well as muscle recovery, helping you experience special muscle pumps and growth. The exclusion of caffeine could be a plus, if you find that you’re sensitive to the stimulant. However if you’re a guy looking for that caffeine ‘kick’, you might be best opting for another top choice on our list.
A ‘performance blend’ of L-citrulline, Kywoa and L-glutathione alongside additions like creatine and beta-alanine come together to support focus and boost muscle pumps, helping you take charge of your workouts and power through. The creators claim the completely clean formula can lead to better muscle growth, especially when taken before strength training, HIIT and endurance training.
Performance Lab also comes in capsule form, making it a little different and potentially more convenient to consume.
Ingredients
Performance Lab Pre is designed to accelerate your athletic advancement with a blend of proven pre-workout ingredients. Here are some of its best inclusions:
- Creapure Creatine (1250mg)
- CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine (800mg)
- Himalayan Pink Salt (350mg)
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract (100mg)
- Nutrigenesis Iron (2.5mg)
Testimonials
Performance Lab boasts hundreds of positive reviews. Many male users appreciate the endurance benefits alongside the clean energy boost.
“This is the most clean pre-workout Formula I have ever used. Despite It not using caffeine it gives energy and endurance.” – Charles
“Love this pre-workout. No jitters, no weird caffeine side effects. Just good sustainable energy from start to finish!” – Nick
“Definitely felt a boost during my workouts. A bit tough to swallow so many pills sometimes, overall a great product! Great price!” – Matthew
Pros
- No caffeine
- Completely transparent and natural ingredients label
- Supports muscle recovery and growth
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- Clean energy
Cons
- No added stimulants – not ideal if you prefer the caffeine ‘kick’
- Only available direct
Want to know more? Performance Lab Pre is available to buy direct on the official website
3. National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout
If you love that muscle pump feeling and want to really put your muscles to the test, National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout could be a great option. After reviewing this supplement, we decided to rate it as the best option for bodybuilders and advanced athletes looking to prolong their workouts and pack on some size and strength.
Containing a blend of natural ingredients all in clinical doses, one scoop of National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout before your gym sessions could enhance every aspect of your training performance, by increasing muscle pumps, boosting cognitive focus, and buffering and hydrating muscle tissue.
The creators claim the formula has been tested and using over 20 scientific studies, to ensure it provides maximal pump enhancement, blistering energy and iron focus.
The formula is a blend of safe and natural ingredients to deliver ‘impressive results within a short time frame’. This results in ‘a powerhouse supplement’, essential for all competitive and noncompetitive athletes. We appreciate the fact that the ingredient list is laid out clearly for all to see, which shows the creators’ dedication to safety and effectiveness.
Ingredients
Inside this pre-workout, you’ll find a collection of ingredients that all have performance-enhancing attributes. Here are some of the best inclusions:
- Vitamin B1 (5mg)
- Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
- Beta-Alanine (1000mg)
- Coconut Water Powder (300mg)
- Di-caffeine Malate (100mg)
- L-Tyrosine (400mg)
Testimonials
This pre-workout is still relatively new on the scene however reviews from men are highly positive. Users comment on the sustained energy lift and improved muscle pumps during their workouts.
“Second time trying it, just to make sure. Just the right amount of everything to get me going for early morning training and keep me going for work afterwards. Has my recommendation for sure!” – Jason
“Bought the pre workout and wasn’t at all disappointed. running a strength program for 30 days that is 3 full body days per week. this pre was great, not just for pumps but mostly for ridiculous endurance and mental energy. taste is nice, has a bit of an edge to it, but its ideal pre workout.” – Ed
Pros
- Natural ingredient list
- Transparent – no proprietary blends
- Added vitamins
- Clinically researched
- Maximal pump enhancement
- Clean energy lift
Cons
- Only available direct
- Premium price
Interested? National Bodybuilding Co. Pre Workout is available direct on the official website
Conclusion to best pre-workout for men
If, like many men, you struggle to sustain consistent motivation to pick up those dumbbells every day, you should invest in a well-rounded pre-workout supplement for extra support. With the right choice, you could realize your true workout potential and take your training to another level to build your best physique!
These top three supplements have all been cleverly formulated, dosed and scientifically researched to motivate your energy levels, enhance focus, provide those all-encompassing, satisfying muscle pumps and promote muscle recovery for better growth too.
Always put your diet and hydration first before picking out a pre-workout. Once these are on point, you’ll be able to push your muscles to the extreme and achieve results you never thought possible.