A fast-paced lifestyle, hectic schedules, and low energy can oftentimes leave us drained, tempting us to go ‘ugh, not today’ at the prospect of working out. However, there is no shortcut to having a healthy and fit body. Whether it’s a brisk walk or high-intensity training, you require high levels of energy to see through your workout routine. Therefore, supplementing a proper diet and good sleep with pre-workouts might be a great idea. However, it’s important to first know what taking men’s workout supplements entails.
What Are Pre-Workouts?
A pre-workout is a dietary supplement that is a blend of essential nutrients and ingredients that give a boost of energy and improve athletic performance. The concept of pre-workout supplements goes way back to the 60s, when consuming cups of coffee was considered the best form of pre-workout as the high caffeine content would keep the athletes energised. This was the go-to way until the 80s, after which the world of fitness was introduced to creatine – a component structured from essential amino acids to increase endurance, stamina, and muscle strength. Here are some essential nutrients to look for if you’re considering adding a men’s pre-workout to your regime.
Essential Pre Workout Supplements/Ingredients
Caffeine
Look at the list of ingredients for men’s pre-workout supplements and you will notice that caffeine is a primary addition. It’s a stimulant that improves focus, reaction time and cognitive function. A single cup of coffee has 80–100 mg of caffeine. The ideal amount in some of the best pre-workouts for men is between 150–300 mg. This helps keep the mind sharp and provides a boost of energy.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline Malate are two components. Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, while malate is a compound of malic acid. When the two are combined, it gives the body multiple benefits. It improves the production of nitric oxide, which helps open the blood vessels for better flow of oxygen and blood. This slows down the blood pressure, in turn reducing the demand on your heart and skeletal performance. That’s why it helps you withstand high-intensity exercises.
Nykaa Man recommends:
L-Arginine
L-arginine is another form of amino acid which is preferred in men’s pre-workout supplements. It plays a similar role as that of citrulline malate where it boosts nitric oxide to encourage vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels) for better blood flow or what athletes refer to as ‘pump’. It helps fitness enthusiasts indulge in training sessions that involve heavy weight lifting and endurance-boosting workouts without added pressure to the heart and muscles.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential minerals in the body that carry electric charge. These are important in maintaining nervous and muscle functioning and most importantly maintaining the fluid levels in the body. When you work out vigorously, you tend to sweat out excess water along with toxins. Electrolyte restores hydration and aid in better muscle recovery. Potassium, chloride, magnesium and sodium are some essential electrolytes to look for to maintain healthy fluid levels.
Nykaa Man recommends:
BCAA
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) are made up of essential amino acids (ones that you can get only through food and supplements). Out of the nine essential amino acids, three are considered to make up BCAA, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They provide your body with a horde of benefits like building muscles, reducing soreness and increasing resistance against workout fatigue. In some cases, it has also been proven to fight muscle wasting (otherwise known as ‘muscle thinning’).
Nykaa Man recommends:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a potent Ayurvedic herb, which is also known as an adaptogen. This Indian ginseng is widely regarded as a stress reliever. Aside from this benefit, Ashwagandha is also known to improve muscle mass, build endurance and boost testosterone all of which are crucial if you’re aiming for a bigger and stronger build. Furthermore, ashwagandha also helps improve sleep quality, which is greatly beneficial to help the muscles heal and reduce mental fatigue.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Creatine
Creatine is another component that’s made of three amino acids which are arginine, glycine and methionine. This ingredient can be found in natural sources like meat, eggs and dairy products. This extensively researched supplement is regarded as the perfect means to improve muscle gains by increasing water retention in the muscles. It also gives a boost of energy that increases endurance and improves overall athletic performance. It also helps heal your muscles from stiffness and soreness.
Nykaa Man recommends:
What Must You Keep In Mind Before Taking Pre Workout Supplements
- Not everyone is required to take pre-workout supplements. It’s best recommended to athletes and people with a rigorous workout routine.
- Always read the label before buying men’s pre-workout supplements to know exactly what you will be consuming.
- Since many pre-workout supplements contain caffeine, it can lead to certain side effects like nausea, racing heart, gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure. It’s best to first consult a physician, nutritionist or fitness expert before deciding to take pre-workout supplements so that there are no clashes with underlying health issues.
- Keep in mind that even the best pre-workout for men are not replacements for nutrients found in foods. They are supposed to be taken in addition to a healthy, balanced meal to get maximum benefits out of it.
Now that you have all the information in men’s pre-workout, it’s your turn to choose the best pre-workout supplement to upgrade your fitness routine.
