Crashing your workouts every time you step in the gym is not as easy as it sounds. There will always be those days when you are not in it, either mentally or physically. This is why many people rely on pre-workout supplements to keep their energy, power, and overall motivation high at all times. Most of these supplements use stimulants, which is totally understandable because they are clinically proven to be very effective at boosting energy and concentration.
Sadly, they also have some downsides like jitters, stomach upset, headaches, and mood swings. Stimulants can also cause insomnia, especially when taken close to sleeping hours. The simple solution here is to go for caffeine-free pre-workout supplements. However, you can't just pick any stim-free pre-workout and expect great results. That's because a majority of the caffeine-free pre-workout supplements don't work.
So, what are the best caffeine-free pre-workout supplements, and how do they work?
Performance Lab Pre-Workout
Performance Lab Pre-Workout is the best caffeine-free pre-workout supplement you can buy right now. The manufacturer refers to it as “beast mode in a bottle,” and the user reviews are a testimony that indeed, this is the supplement you need for an instant and powerful surge of clean energy.
The supplement features a potent formula that fills you with enough energy and stamina to sustain high-intensity training sessions. It also keeps the muscle tissue nourished to delay the build-up of lactic acid, which causes fatigue and soreness. This means you get to work out for longer, which translates to faster muscle growth.
Performance Lab Pre Workout also works by increase Nitric oxide levels. NO improves the flow of blood by dilating the blood vessels.
What Does It Contain?
- Creapure pH10 Creatine (1250mg)
Instead of using caffeine or other problematic stimulants, Performance Labs uses creatine to boost ATP energy in the muscle tissue. You should also know that the creatine used here is 99.5% pure with a perfect pH balance. This effectively solves the issues of bioavailability as well as adverse reactions like bloating, which are synonymous with low-quality creatine.
- CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine (800mg)
This non-essential amino acid increases muscle power in fast-twitch muscle fibers. Studies show it does so by increasing a dipeptide molecule known as carnosine.
It also gives muscle tissue antioxidant protection.
- Himalayan Pink Salt (350mg)
Himalayan Pink Salt is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The salt serves several purposes in this formula; it improves the absorption of amino acids used in this formula and boosts hydration since it’s also rich in electrolytes.
Other ingredients present in this formula are:
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract (100mg)
- NutriGenesis Iron (2.5mg)
- L-Citrulline + Setria Glutathione (2200mg)
Dosage
Take 6 capsules on training days, around 45 minutes before hitting the gym.
Use this supplement consistently for the best results. The manufacturer also recommends supporting it with Sports Post Workout and Sport Maintain.
Pros
- It’s caffeine-free
- Vegan friendly
- Proven ingredients
- Great user reviews
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The number of pills you have to take is quite high.
Transparent Lab Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Lab Stim-Free Pre Workout is another remarkable supplement usable by both men and women. It takes advantage of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and taurine to improve your muscle endurance, strength, and aerobic performance.
The formula does not contain artificial preservatives, colorings, or sweeteners. It is also gluten-free. This makes it an even better option for sensitive athletes.
What Does It Contain?
Transparent Lab Stim-Free Pre-Workout contains several organic ingredients like:
- Citrulline Malate 2:1 (6000mg)
Citrulline is a popular pre-workout ingredient because it is scientifically proven to be extremely effective for boosting stamina and aerobic performance. It also boosts nitric oxide levels, which improve blood circulation. Efficient flow of blood is vital for keeping the muscle tissues nourished.
The citrulline malate used in this formula is also a great form of Citrulline that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
- Beta-Alanine (4000mg)
Beta-Alanine increases carnosine levels, which helps to delay fatigue. It also provides other benefits like decreasing fat and increasing lean muscle mass.
- Taurine (1300mg)
Taurine improves the performance of Beta-alanine and BCAA, both of which are present in this formula. It works alongside BCAA to prevent muscle soreness after workouts.
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 600mg)
L-Tyrosine helps you keep your mind focused on your training sessions. It boosts mental concentration, focus, and endurance. It also improves memory.
Transparent Lab uses an acetylated version of this amino acid, which has better bioavailability.
- BioPerine (5mg)
BioPerine improves the bioavailability of other ingredients.
- L-Norvaline (60mg)
L-Norvaline maintains high nitric oxide levels by combating arginase.
- Mucuna Pruriens-98% L-Dopa (70mg)
Mucuna Pruriens relieves stress and gives you peace of mind to help you get the most out of your workouts. This is an excellent ingredient, especially among athletes who are always distracted when training.
Other ingredients present in the formula are:
- BetaPure (Betaine Anhydrous) (2500mg)
- BCAA 2:1:1 (4000mg)
Dosage
Start with ½ scoop mixed with 6-8 Oz of water. Increase the dosage to 1 scoop mixed with 12-16 Oz of water if your body reacts well to the supplement.
Pros
- Great list of ingredients
- Available in several flavors
- It is Non-GMO
- It also boosts recovery
Cons
- A bit pricey
Pump Surge Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Pump Surge is a powerful pre-workout supplement with cognitive enhancing abilities. The supplement uses scientifically proven ingredients to boost your pumps, endurance, power, strength, and performance. It does not contain any artificial fillers or food dyes.
Like the other supplements discussed above, Pump Surge also increases Nitric Oxide levels to improve blood flow in the muscle tissue. An increase in blood flow gives you monstrous pumps, vascularity, and increased muscle fullness.
Pump Surge is made in the US in a cGMP certified facility, so you never have to worry about its quality and overall safety.
What Does It Contain?
- Betaine Anhydrous (2500mg)
Multiple studies have proved the effectiveness of Betaine Anhydrous in increasing muscle strength, power, and endurance. It also boosts cellular hydration during training.
- L-Citrulline (5000mg)
This is the star ingredient responsible for boosting nitric oxide levels. NO increase vasodilation allowing more blood to rush through the muscle tissues giving you vivid muscle pumps. Efficient blood flow means waste materials are transported away from the muscles a lot faster, which helps prevent fatigue. It also boosts endurance because the tissues will receive more oxygen and other nutrients.
- Taurine (2000mg)
Taurine supports high-intensity performance while fighting oxidative stress at the same time.
- Alpha-GPC (150mg)
Alpha-GPC is a popular nootropic ingredient. It increases mental concentration by boosting acetylcholine levels.
- Huperzine-A (50mcg)
Huperzine A supports Alpha-GPC by increasing the neurotransmission of acetylcholine.
- AstraGin (25mg)
AstraGin boosts the absorption of the other ingredients present in this formula.
Dosage
Take 1 scoop of Pump Surge mixed with 12-20 oz. of water 30 minutes before working out.
Pros
- Ingredients used have great bioavailability
- Research-backed formula
- Can be used by both men and women
- Available in various flavors
Cons
- Uses artificial sweeteners
Final Thoughts
You don't have to endure caffeinated pre-workouts and all their adverse reactions anymore. The above supplements pack the same heavy punch without the complications. You can also stack them with other supplements for even better results and without experiencing any issues.