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Posted by u/gymratbutchill·

Is pre-workout actually bad for you?

TL;DR: Pre-workouts can have both good and bad ingredients; just be smart about your choices.

So I've been hearing a lot about how pre-workouts are sketchy lately, like, are the ingredients really that bad for you? I looked into some studies, and it turns out that while some ingredients like high caffeine doses can cause jitters or anxiety, others like beta-alanine and citrulline actually show performance benefits. Just make sure to check the label and not go overboard. Always better to know what's in your stuff, right?

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u/recipequeen44·

I used to rely on pre-workouts, but then I started focusing on whole foods instead. A banana and some Greek yogurt can do wonders! I feel more stable energy and no crashes later. Plus, I know exactly what im eating, which is a bonus.

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u/calorie_tracker99·

Ngl, I tried one that was supposed to give me a boost but I ended up feeling sick and dizzy. It's crazy how some of them can hit people differently. Now I just focus on my hydration and food intake.

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u/gymratbutchill·

I've tried a few pre-workouts, and honestly, some made me feel super jittery. I prefer to stick to coffee before a workout now, much cleaner energy.

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u/whey_addict·

Facts, some pre-workouts are basically just candy with caffeine. But there are good options out there too, just check the labels! I've found ones with minimal ingredients that actually help.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Based! I totally agree with making your own stuff. I prep my snacks, so I'm not tempted to grab a pre-workout. Whole foods keep me focused and help me recover better.

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u/chickenncarrots·

As a busy mom, I can't afford the energy dips from pre-workouts. I've started making my own energy bites with oats and nuts. They keep me fueled without the weird side effects. Plus, my kids love them!

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u/mostly_lifting·

Pre-workouts can be hit or miss, but I just treat them like a cheat meal, you know? Use them sparingly for a PR day or something. Don't want to rely on them too much.

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u/macro_maxxer·

While beta-alanine and citrulline do have performance benefits, the caffeine content can be a red flag for some people. High doses can lead to insomnia or heart issues if you're not careful.

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u/midwest_lifter·

I think the concern is valid. I've seen folks at the gym become too dependent on pre-workouts and then struggle without them. Training should be about the work you put in, not just what you take before lifting.

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