So, what really is the best pre workout supplement to buy in 2024?
Ok, so you’ve already determined that you need a pre workout, that’s why you’re trawling the interwebs, and rightly so… With a category as over hyped up as pre-workouts it’s easy to get confused with all the choice now in the market.
Maybe you’re looking to increase strength in the gym and smash that training plateau, maintain your drive and focus – rather than looking at your phone, boost muscle energy levels for more reps or perhaps even ramp up your exercise intensity to drop a few kilos. What’s clear is that using pre workout can have many benefits depending on your fitness and health goals.
Research tells us that taking certain bio-available ingredients, like L-Citrulline (Citrulline Malate) and Creatine before workouts can have significant effect on increasing high intensity athletic performance (1) (2). Combine this with the clinical study findings (3) of Beta Alanine, which demonstrated an increase of 50% (16kg vs 24kg) in muscle power over a 5 week period. Further studies showed pairing Beta Alanine with Creatine had an even greater effect on lean muscle tissue gains and body fat composition (4).
Ok, so that covers strength and endurance, but what good is all that power if your not motivated or easily distracted when it’s time to train. Maybe the temptation to flick through Instagram on your phone which increasing you rest intervals, or long conversations at the squat rack. This is all not good for your workout intensity and why focus plays a such key role in workout performance. Caffeine is considered the king of mental alertness, and there lots of studies (5) on the positive effects of targeted and balanced caffeine intake.
So far we have listed 4 clinically proven bio active ingredients to look for when choosing your next pre workout supplement, however we are not done yet. Next up is the semi-essential amino acid L-Arginine AAKG. This power house ingredient pulls the benefits of the above 4 ingredients together and can assist in amplifying their effectiveness. Acting a vasodilator (opening up of blood vessels), L-Arginine supports nutrients getting to the muscle faster. Further, studies have show positive increases in 1RM (1 REP MAX) bench press over a 0, 4, 8 week period (11) taking AAKG.
Now, so we’re clear, pre workouts are formulated in hundreds of different combinations. Some of these include undisclosed propriety blends blends, which means you don’t actually know the quantity levels of ingredients used, which does carry an element of risk. The other point worth noting is the inclusion of certain ingredients that have little or no evidence to substantiate effectiveness or tolerance on the body. But in the interest of results and actual studies, our review compares pre workouts that contain several key ingredients that have applicable scientific evidence. If you are interested in learning more about these ingredients in more detail we have listed them at the bottom of the list article.
I hear what you’re saying, how in this world, with so many pre workout formulas available, how do you sort the good from the bad.. Well, you ask experts.
The results of this pre-workout supplement review reveals how these popular pre workout powders stacked up against each other and which pre workout has the plateau smashing nutritionals to deliver you the best results this in 2024.
For the record we compared pre workout only formulas, and did not include thermogenics, intra workouts, or muscle pump only formulas.
Want the results? Want to know what we looked for? Our top 6 best pre workout supplements review considered price, value for money, overall nutritional information, formulation, type and specification of active ingredients, clinical studies and the manufacturer’s company of origin.
Our Protein Review Insider experts found that each formula has distinct advantages and disadvantages when comparing the perfect combination of pre workouts with the goal of this review to help Australians make an informed and reasonable opinion on what is the best preworkout.
So, lets get to it. We rank and expert review 6 of the best pre workout supplements 2024 in Australia. Read on to discover the best, latest and most popular pre workouts to buy.
Top 6 Best Pre Workouts in Australia in 2024
THE ROAD TEST RESULTS
1. Uprotein Momentum Pre Workout Review
Is Uprotein Momentum Pre Workout the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : An outstanding pre workout formula for beginners to seasoned athletes. Includes over 14 key ingredients to fuel your workout intensity. The extra addition of taurine, glutamine, l-carnitine l-tyrosine, and added BCAAs for improved recovery is a really welcome inclusion also. Uprotein have been transparent with their ingredients list which demonstrates confidence in their formulation and unique blend of ingredients.
✖ CONS: Lower levels of caffeine than some pre-workouts on the market but this seems to be a regulated dose to prevent crashing. Only available in grape flavour currently.
Creatine: 1.0g | Beta Alanine: 800mg | Caffeine: 110mg
BCAA: 1.33g | L-Citrulline: 1.0g | L-Arginine AKG: 2.0g
Serve Size: 9g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A top pre workout from a trusted Australian brand. Packed with performance enhancing ingredients this probably is Australia’s best value by a long shot!
Expert Tip: Make sure you check their website as they often have some great limited time promotions and bundle deals.
COMPANY ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA
2. Ghost Legend Pre Workout Review
Is Ghost Legend the the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : Formulated with multiple pump inducing ingredients. Added bitter orange, known for its fat burning benefits + NADH for mental energy.
✖ CONS: Ingredient profile centered around promoting energy boosting effects, misses the mark on muscle building ingredients like creatine. At the expensive end of the pre-workout market and may not be worth it for those looking at value for money.
Creatine: 0g | Beta Alanine: 2g | Caffeine: 237mg
BCAA: 0 g | L-Citrulline: 4.0g | L-Arginine AKG: 0 g
Serve Size: 11.5g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A decent energy boosting pre-workout formula centered around maximizing pump while training. Lacks some key muscle growth ingredients and sits at a higher cost than competitors.
Expert Tip: Be sure to call your favourite store first as some retailers have limited flavour options.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
3. Redcon1 Total War Pre Workout Review
Is Redcon1 the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : A high stimulant pre-workout available in 9 different flavours for those that get bored easily. 2 x Nitric Oxide boosting ingredients for maximum pump plus Yohimbine for fat burning rounds out this compelling formula.
✖ CONS: The level of stimulants and Nitric Oxide boosters present in Total War may be too much for some people, particularly those sensitive to caffeine and may not be appropriate for those looking to perform at their best. Misses additions like Creatine and BCAAs.
Creatine: 0g | Beta Alanine: 3.2g | Caffeine: 250mg
BCAA: 0 g | L-Citrulline: 6.0g | L-Arginine AKG: 0 g
Serve Size: 11.5g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A super high stimulant & Nitric Oxide booster – good for an intense pump but too much for the general population or evening workouts or those that like their sleep.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
4. C4 Sport Pre Workout Review
Is C4 Sport the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : A household name when it comes to sports nutrition. Formulated with proven ingredients with the addition of electrolytes to help with hydration. Strong availability in retail stores.
✖ CONS: Ingredient amounts hidden in proprietary blends while removing nitrates found in the original formula. In our opinion not an real improvement on the original.
Creatine: undisclosed | Beta Alanine: undisclosed | Caffeine: 135mg
BCAA: 0 g | L-Citrulline: 0g | L-Arginine AKG: undisclosed
Serve Size: 9g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A middle of the road formula for such a big brand. Hides behind proprietary blends. Actual listed ingredients are ineffective doses for performance enhancement. Need to take multiple servings which can expensive, however the flavours are delicious and the packaging is on point.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
5. ATP Limitless Clean Energy Review
Is ATP Limitless Clean Energy the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : Plant based “natural” option for those looking to stick to pre-workouts that utilise natural caffeine sources such as Yerba Mate, Cacao & Green Tea. Contains plant polyphenols, shown to benefit the gut microbiome.
✖ CONS: No ingredient values listed which is disappointing. There’s no way to know how much of each ingredient is present and whether you are getting clinical dosages. Natural caffeine sources mean amounts can vary depending on where the plants are sourced from and the time of the year they are picked. No added Creatine or BCAAs for muscular growth and repair. Coming in at $69.99 for 150g this is an expensive product without clear effectiveness of features and benefit.
Creatine: 0 g | Beta Alanine: 0 g | Caffeine: undisclosed
BCAA: 0 g | L-Citrulline: 0g | L-Arginine AKG: 0 g
Serve Size: 5g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT If you are concerned about natural, plant-based supplements this is a good option for you. If not, Limitless is an expensive option with no clear listing of ingredients.
COMPANY ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA ??
6. N.O. XPLODE BSN Pre Workout Review
Is N.O. Xplode the best pre workout supplement to improve your workout review?
✔ PROS : Boasts five “potent” propriety blends aimed at boosting endurance, energy and recovery. Lists 4 types of Creatine and Taurine – ingredients shown to improve lean muscle growth.
✖ CONS: Another big brand with a product that hides behind proprietary blends, making it hard to decipher the level of ingredients within each serving for consumers. Named for Nitric Oxide but contains minimal amounts. No added BCAAs.
Creatine: undisclosed | Beta Alanine: undisclosed | Caffeine: 275mg
BCAA: 0 g | L-Citrulline: undisclosed | L-Arginine AKG: 0 g
Serve Size: 5g | Serves Per Pack: 30 | Price: $$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: On paper a solid formula packed with ‘almost’ everything you would want from a pre workout powder, but unfortunately with nearly all undisclosed ingredients you’re going have to rely in trial an error to know if this formula is right from you.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
So now you have all the facts to choose the best pre-workout to increase energy, reduce fatigue, stay focused and build lean muscle. Remember to check the labels on products to make sure they include these 5 key ingredients and move away from any proprietary blends.
Choosing products that have transparency in their labeling means nothing to hide. We understand that everyone has different goals, budgets and priorities but we hope that this review will help you make an informed choice next time you are in store or buying online.
Top 6 Best Pre Workout Supplements in Australia 2024
| Product | Creatine | Beta Alanine | L-Citrulline | AKG | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uprotein Pre Workout | 1.0g | 800mg | 900mg | 2.0g | $ |
| Ghost Legend | 0g | 2g | 4.0g | 0g | $$$$ |
| Redcon1 Total War | 0g | 3.2g | 6.0g | 0g | $$ |
| C4 Sport | undisclosed | undisclosed | 0g | undisclosed | $$ |
| ATP Limitless Clean Energy | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g | $$$$ |
| N.O. Xplode BSN | undisclosed | undisclosed | undisclosed | 0g | $$ |
Which pre workout is best for for you?
It can be hard to compare and sort through the many options available when searching for a pre-workout. Fancy labeling and unrecognizable ingredients makes it difficult to pick out the best bang for your buck.
Even major brands now are hiding behind proprietary blends. Actual ingredients does aren’t required to be listed on the label, which means companies can use the trickery of proprietary blends – meaning they can include the fancy ingredients but you never know the exact dosage.
Under-dosing and pushing ineffective ingredients can mean spending your hard earned dollar on a product that does as much benefit as drinking a hot cup of green tea before your workout.
We list below the top 5 proven ingredients to look out for in a pre-workout. It might just save you more than you think.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a common addition to pre-workout supplements, and with good reason. Beyond providing stimulatory effects caffeine has been shown to have a beneficial effect on exercise performance, muscular endurance, strength, anaerobic power and aerobic endurance(5).
L-Citrulline
Citrulline is another important ingredient to look out for that has been shown to have beneficial effects both pre and post workout. This non-essential amino acid promotes energy production by being converted into ATP, giving you the ability to push harder and increase the duration of your session. Citrulline also helps with post-workout soreness, removing the lactic acid build up in your muscles while training – in fact supplementing with citrulline can result in up to 40% less muscular soreness(6).
Beta Alanine
Beneficial to your training performance, Beta-alanine increases carnosine levels within your body. This reduces the acidity in your muscles during intense exercise and prevents early fatigue during your training session. Supplementing with Beta-alanine has been shown to improve body composition and power output in resistance training(7). Not to mention the tingling effect we all know so well.
BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids):
BCAAs are made up of Leucine, Valine and Iso-leucine- commonly known as the building blocks of your muscles. Boosting your intake of protein, improving muscular growth and recovery – it is important to ensure you take in enough BCAAs daily, especially when they are depleted during training. In fact adequate intake of BCAAs has been shown to reduce fatigue, exercise induced strength loss and preserve lean mass while training in a calorie deficit(8).
L-Arginine AAKG:
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, meaning additional dietary intake may be needed on top of the levels naturally produced by the human body. It’s presence in pre-workout supplements is thought to act as a vasodilator by converting to Nitric Oxide and increase the delivery of nutrients to the muscle for a bigger and longer lasting pump1. Further, when combined with L-Critulline, Arginine has been shown to increase internal creatine and HGH production(10) – making it a must have ingredient when looking to gain lean mass. This is a popular pre-workout ingredient and one to look out for when selecting what supplement to purchase.
Creatine:
One of the most studied & proven ingredients when looking to increase athletic performance, Creatine is an essential addition to any pre-workout. The body uses Creatine to support muscle cells and produce energy. The addition of Creatine to your supplement stack aids in reduction of muscle damage and inflammation post-workout while increasing muscular strength(9).
So now you have all the facts to choose the best pre-workout to increase energy, reduce fatigue and build lean muscle. Remember to check the labels of products to make sure they include these 5 ingredients & stay away from any proprietary blends. Choosing products that have transparency in their labeling means nothing to hide. We understand that everyone has different goals, budgets and priorities but we hope that this review will help you make an informed choice next time you are in store or buying online.
* The following best pre workout supplement review has been compiled from information on pack and manufacturer/retail websites. No responsibility is taken for errors, omissions, changes or inaccuracies.
