With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors carefully select products across various categories such as skin care, self care and more to bring you their top picks that are sure to become your favorites too. When you make a purchase through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP!
Sometimes, just the idea of a workout isn’t enough to get you moving. That’s where pre-workout supplements come in, offering an energy boost to get you up and at ’em. While there are great foods to eat before a workout, pre-workout powders provide a less filling and often faster-acting alternative. The increased popularity of these supplements in recent years has led to a variety of options, making it difficult to know which formulas are actually worth trying.
To make the search easier, we spoke with Chelsea Phillips, CPT, a nutritionist and the lead trainer at MADabolic Brooklyn, to get her take on pre-workout powders and gather a few of her recommendations. Chelsea Phillips is a PN1-certified nutritionist and NASM-certified trainer, as well as the Lead Trainer at MADabolic in Brooklyn.
The Best Pre-Workout Powders at a Glance:
1. Best trainer-approved: SFH, Push Pre-Workout, $50
2. Best NSF-certified: Cellucor, C4 Sport Pre-Workout, $21
3. Best plant-based: Garden of Life, Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy+Focus, $29
4. Best with simple ingredients: Promix, Pre-Workout, $33
5. Best hydrating: Liquid I.V., Energy Multiplier, $25
6. Writer’s pick: Ghost, Legend Pre-Workout, $45
7. Best highly-caffeinated: 1st Phorm, Project-1 Pre-Workout, $55
Pre-workout powders are multi-ingredient formulas that aim to enhance your workout performance. Common ingredients include creatine, caffeine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), with each brand’s formula varying. Users have reported benefits such as boosted energy, quicker recovery, and assistance in muscular growth. However, it’s important to pay attention to the caffeine amount, BCAAs or amino acids, and creatine content when selecting a pre-workout powder.
When selecting a pre-workout powder, it’s important to note that these supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, reading the full ingredient list and looking for proof of third-party testing from reputable organizations like NSF is essential.
For instance, Chelsea Phillips recommends SFH Push Pre-Workout, Cellucor C4 Sport Pre-Workout, Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy+Focus, Promix Pre-Workout, Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier, Ghost Legend Pre-Workout, and 1st Phorm Project-1 Pre-Workout as options worth trying. Each of these pre-workout powders has its own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for a range of preferences and needs.
In summary, pre-workout powders can be a helpful addition to your exercise routine, offering several potential benefits in relation to energy and muscle recovery. When selecting a pre-workout powder, it’s important to consider the specific ingredients and make an informed choice based on individual needs and preferences.
