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Best Pre Workout For Weight Loss
If you are tired of working out for countless hours in the gym while struggling to lose excess fat, taking pre workout supplements may be an ultimate solution for you.
A study published in a sports nutrition journal has proved that pre workouts may work miracles when combined with HIIT (high-intensity interval training) exercises.
This is mostly due to the increase of the lean body mass, VO2 Max, and the rate at which the body burns fat.
While the research shows the effectiveness of pre workouts, it is also important to learn how to use them safely.
Let’s dive in and learn all about pre workout supplements, product reviews, and super useful tips:
What Are Pre Workout Supplements?
A pre workout supplement, which is often known as “a pre workout” contains the required ingredients that increase the energy, improve metabolism, and accelerate fat burning.
It may come either in the form of a powder drink mix or pills.
Each pre workout pill may have its unique set of ingredients. This creates a special formula that focuses on certain goals.
For example, product A may provide increased metabolism and improved fat burning, while product B may be more concentrated on lifting energy levels and building muscles.
Usually, a great pre workout would contain any or all the following ingredients:
- Beta-Alanine
- Citrulline Malate
- Mucuna Pruriens
- Betaine Anhydrous
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- BioPerine
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine is an amino acid that your body naturally produces to increase muscle endurance.
As it helps the production of carnosine, you will have less muscle fatigue when performing tough exercises. That’s why many wrestlers and athletes use this ingredient to push their bodies even more and train harder.
However, you should note that it doesn’t build muscle strength, it simply allows you to do HIIT exercises for a longer period.
Citrulline Malate
L-Citrulline, alongside L-Ornithine and L-arginine, are the three amino acids in the urea cycle. By converting L- arginine to nitric oxide, citrulline malate causes the blood to rush through the body and consequently increases the stamina.
In simpler terms, citrulline malate pumps the muscles, which leads to muscle growth.
Another important advantage is that this component helps you feel more burn. A constant state of burn is necessary to get rid of the stubborn fat and carve leaner muscles.
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens is one the most needed ingredient, especially if you lack the motivation to work out as it increases energy production according to this study.
This magical bean does not only increase physical well-being it also has several mental health benefits; the dopamine component helps to overcome anxiety and stress. It also prevents unnecessary overeating, which is extremely important for weight loss according to this study.
Betaine Anhydrous
Before being used as a pre-workout, Betaine Anhydrous has been often prescribed as a heart medicine. Moreover, it improves digestion and liver functions, reduces the risks of heart failure and chances of having cardiovascular diseases.
As a pre workout, you may use it for better muscle performance. According to this study, after 6-weeks of Betaine supplement, researchers found an improvement in body composition and arm size.
The only thing, you should be aware of is the right dosage of this ingredient.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
If your pre workout contains N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT), then get prepared to have a focused and productive workout session.
Tyrosine works the same way as epinephrine, thyroid, norepinephrine, and dopamine. When you are in the middle of a stressful workout session, it aids to stay calm and recover faster after the workout.
Staying concentrated during the exercises considerably improves the results and eventually makes you fitter and stronger.
BioPerine
This one may not seem an important ingredient from the first sight, but if you are planning to lose weight, you should make sure that your pre workout has BioPerine.
This component is special as it works well with other ingredients of a pre workout supplement. For instance, it stimulates thermogenesis and improves the absorption rate of nutrients consumed.
Plus, if you are exercising regularly, you will be able to lose weight faster with BioPerine. It has the ability to reduce body weight, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and fat mass according to this study.
Can Pre Workout Help Lose Weight?
The short answer is yes. But since the pre workouts are new in the weight loss market, not much research has been done to test the side effects and results.
If you look at the ingredients, you may think that these supplements are great for losing weight faster.
Most of the components help the muscles to endure long and strenuous exercises, pump up the energy level, burn excess body fat, etc. All of this leads to burning more calories and losing weight.
A balanced diet is highly recommended to achieve ultimate weight loss results. Check out the Gracie Diet, a sustainable diet option and fat burner too!
Regular Pre Workout Vs Thermogenic Pre Workout
A good pre workout will have the special ingredients to boost your energy, increase focus, improve metabolism, and provide many other benefits for losing weight.
There is also a subset of regular pre workouts that are known as thermogenic pre workouts.
The difference between these two types is the list of the ingredients and their functions.
For instance, if the ingredient increases energy and metabolism, a process known as thermogenesis will occur.
What Is Thermogenesis?
Thermogenesis is the production of heat in the human body through metabolism.
In reality, we use food not only for nutritional support but also to produce heat to our bodies.
It is said that every day our body requires 800-1000 calories to only keep the body heat to its normal level. Hence, knowing the safe ways of increasing thermogenesis may help to burn more calories.
What’s great about this unique process is that it specifically affects the fat and doesn’t change the muscle mass. Thermogenesis even helps to reduce appetite, which consequently leads to weight loss.
Comparing Thermogenic Pre Workout With Regular Pre Workout
If you take a look at the ingredient list of the two products, you will see that there are many similar components. However, these two supplements have different purposes.
Thermogenic pre workouts
- Mainly work on improving metabolism.
- Don’t have as much caffeine compared to regular pre workouts.
- May have ingredients that strengthen the immune system, which is extremely necessary when you have reduced appetite.
- The main goal is not muscle gain.
- Have special ingredients that promote fat-burning.
Regular pre workouts
- Focus more on boosting energy levels.
- May contain BCAAs for building muscles and improving recovery.
- Make you more focused during exercises.
- May have nitric oxide to aid nutrient delivery.
It mainly depends on your fitness goals, when you are choosing a type of pre workout supplement. If your main goal is losing fat, then you should definitely go for the thermogenic supplement.
If you need more information about BCAAs and their benefits, then make sure to check out our useful article on BCAA For Weight Loss | Ultimate Guide | Top 10.
How To Choose The Best Pre Workout For Weight Loss?
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a pre workout.
Firstly, it’s the dosage; generally, it is advised to consume around 3-6 mg per kilogram of your body weight.
For example, if a supplement is consumed by a woman weighing 55 kg, then 165 mg – 330 mg is the allowed range of the pre workout amount.
Always make sure you read about the dosage, as some products have a fixed amount (300 mg or more) of ingredients per serving. So, if it’s too much for you, take half scoop or less.
Women also should pay attention to certain ingredients of the supplement. For instance, some pre workouts may have adaptogens that are useful for balancing hormone levels.
Men, on the other hand, are advised to choose those pre workouts that focus on increasing the muscle mass and stamina, as well as boost overall workout intensity.
Related articles:
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Best Pre Workout For Weight Loss
Check out our detailed list of the best pre workout for weight loss supplements including pros and cons and where to buy links.
1. Nitrosurge Shred
Nitrosurge Shred by Jacked Factory is a fully-tested thermogenic pre workout that stimulates metabolism and reduces the unnecessary fat. It contains Beta-Alanine, Bioperine, L-Citrulline, and other important ingredients.
The manufacturer claims that there are no fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavoring.
The product has a transparent label and is made in the U.S., so it is quite trustworthy.
Pros
- Ingredients have accurate dosage and are clinically tested.
- Transparent labeling.
- Bioavailability of the ingredients.
- Money-back guarantee.
Cons
- May have limited availability due to high demand.
Price
$25.50
Website
https://shop.jackedfactory.com/collections/pre-workout/products/nitrosurge-shred#5abd70e2e34bc
2. Nutrition ENGN Shred
Nutrition ENGN Shred by Evlution is an effective supplement that burns fat and contributes to weight loss by stimulating thermogenesis.
It has around 5 important ingredients, which are: Coleus, L-Carnitine, Capsimax, Yohimbe, and CLA.
Pros
- Tastes better than most of the other pre workouts.
- Enhances gym performance and stimulates weight loss.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with generous ingredient dosage, so some might not experience the expected results.
- It doesn’t last long once it’s opened.
Price
$34.99
Website
https://www.evlnutrition.com/products/engn-shred-pre-workout-engine-powder-30-serving
3. Preseries Lean
Preseries Lean by Transparent Labs is probably the best supplement in the list.
The manufacturer has included around 21 useful ingredients such as Citrulline Malate, Betaine, BCAAs, BioPerine, and Beta-Alanine.
With this supplement weight loss is pretty much guaranteed.
Pros
- Includes the Thyroid Support and Fat Burning complex.
- It has over 21 ingredients.
- Has healthy dosing.
- It is clinically tested and the label is 100% transparent.
- It doesn’t include artificial ingredients, fillers, or additives.
Cons
- You may purchase the product only from the manufacturer’s website.
Price
$49.00
Website
https://www.transparentlabs.com/collections/preseries/products/preseries-lean-pre-workout
4. C4 Ripped
C4 Ripped by Cellucor comes in a powder form with 6 various flavors such as Icy Blue Razz, Tropical Punch, and others.
Although there are not many essential ingredients listed in the label, C4 is truly unique as it cuts fat and doesn’t have any effect on muscle mass.
In its label, you may find Green Coffee Bean Extract, L-Carnitine, Capsimax, and Coleus Extract.
Pros
- An excellent choice for weight loss.
- An effective mix of ingredients.
- It is more of a cutting pre workout.
Cons
- It doesn’t contain creatine.
- Is a little more expensive.
Price
$39.99
Website
https://cellucor.com/products/c4-ripped
5. Vapor X5
Vapor X5 by Muscle Tech has a good mix of ingredients like Beta-Alanine, essential Creatine, Betaine, and other components.
The manufacturer claims that the supplement works great for muscle pump.
Pros
- There is a choice of 7 different flavors.
- The product has generous doses of the ingredients.
Cons
- The supplement may have too much caffeine.
- The packaging can be improved.
Price
$24.99
Website
https://shop.muscletech.com/products/vaporx5-next-gen.html
BONUS – Natural Pre Workout For Weight Loss
If you worry about taking supplements before your workout, there is a solution for you too!
It turns out there are natural pre workouts that you may use to boost up your energy and train for longer periods.
Although, do not overdo, as everything works best when taken in healthy dosages.
Coffee
Not surprisingly every thermogenic or regular pre workout contains caffeine as its main ingredient. This is because caffeine is probably the world’s most famous stimulant.
If you want to increase your endurance, make sure to have a cup of black coffee before you start exercising.
This is a common practice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as caffeine gives strength and somehow delays exhaustion as concluded by this study.
Bananas
Rich in magnesium and potassium, bananas are crucial if you don’t want to have muscle fatigue and cramps.
There are many other fitness-related benefits that a banana can offer. For instance, it has 2 sugar types (glucose and fructose) that significantly improve athletic performance according to this study.
Green tea
Green tea also contains caffeine, and that’s why it helps to create a thermogenic effect. It is also good for the nervous system, which is a big plus if you are going to challenge yourself with intensive exercises at the gym.
How To Use Pre Workout For Weight Loss Supplements?
In the case of thermogenic pre workouts, it is required to take the supplement 30 minutes before the workout.
As these supplements help to burn more fat during and after exercising, it is crucial to time and plan your workouts. Try a combination of weights and cardio to help you lose weight
If you aren’t sure which exercises are best for burning the stubborn fat, read our article on Insanity Max 30 Tabata Power – Complete Workout Program.
Finally, the longer you do your workout the better your results are, you should have enough strength to exercise for longer periods of time.
Some people claim that when using these supplements for some time you may develop tolerance to caffeine. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you are advised to change your pre workout from time to time. According to experts, this should happen every 6-8 weeks.
Alternatively, you may pause using the pre workouts for 2 weeks and then get back to consuming it for 2-3 weeks.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when using thermogenic pre workouts, as they boost metabolism and make you sweat more.
Best Pre Workout For Weight Loss – Warnings
The best pre workout for weight loss supplements are generally considered safe for health. However, you should always take precautions as too much caffeine may result in anxiety, insomnia, too much sweating, and nervousness.
If you have never used caffeine before, make sure you start with lower dosages and gradually change to full dosage if your body is responding well.
Always read the instructions and never increase the dosage when you feel you have a tolerance to the supplements. Instead, try to take a break for a week or two.
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This content has been Fact-Checked by a Certified Nutritionist in our Publishing Team. Learn more here.