Pre-Workout Review:

If you're reading this, chances are you take your fitness and health seriously and want to get the most out of your workouts. You are interested in trying a pre-workout to give you that boost you are looking for. What you may not know is that many of the currently available pre-workout supplements are not going to get the job done. Why? Because they contain underdosed active ingredients and are loaded with artificial ingredients that can disrupt gut health and overall wellness.

What's the solution? Enter the realm of comprehensive, all natural pre-workout supplements.

Natural Pre-Workout:

Pre-workout supplements belong to a class of sports nutrition products consumed in advance of physical activity to optimize exercise performance. They typically are a blend of ingredients intended to work synergistically, increasing energy levels, sharpening focus, and improving strength and endurance.

A natural pre-workout is one formulated without artificial or synthetic additives. Instead, they harness ingredients sourced from natural sources such as herbs, fruits, and whole foods. Natural pre-workout is the clean fuel to energize your workouts that sidesteps the gut irritation and side effects associated with artificial additives.

Organic Pre-Workout:

In comparison to natural pre-workout supplements, organic pre-workout supplements are formulated with ONLY certified organic ingredients. This means the ingredients are sourced from plants and other agricultural products certified to have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Despite the differences, both natural and organic pre-workout serve as healthy pre-workout supplements.

Why Are There So Few Natural Pre-Workouts:

Many pre-workouts utilize a combination of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors for several reasons; however, most opt for them due to the low costs and challenges with product manufacturing. Artificial colors and sweeteners are extremely inexpensive to purchase. Sucralose, a common artificial sweetener, costs less than half a penny per serving. Sometimes, companies pass on these cost savings to the consumer through lower prices but often do not.

Another reason companies commonly use artificial additives in pre-workouts is the high amount of active ingredients. Active ingredients often have a strong taste and are therefore hard to mask. Many companies use artificial sweeteners and flavors because it is an easy and cost effective way to mask the undesired flavors.

Issues With Artificial Sweeteners & Sugar Alcohols:

Despite their widespread use, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols pose significant health concerns. Sugar alcohols, a sugar substitute, can induce gastrointestinal discomfort, especially with excessive consumption, due to their incomplete digestion and fermentation by gut bacteria. Studies have linked erythritol, a popular sugar alcohol, to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. [1]

Furthermore, mounting evidence indicates that regular intake of artificial sweeteners may contribute to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Specific sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose have been associated with heightened risks of stroke and coronary artery disease. Recent research also suggests that artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut microbiota and impair glycemic responses. In light of these concerns, health organizations advise against excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners, stressing the importance of moderation. [2], [3], [4], [5]

For an overview of the most common sweeteners and their health impacts, delve into our blog post here.

Best Natural Pre-Workout Ingredients:

The optimal selection of ingredients for a natural pre-workout largely depends on individual preferences and fitness objectives. However, several commonly recommended ingredients to consider are:

•  Caffeine: A natural stimulant that can enhance energy levels, focus, and endurance during workouts. [6]
  
  
• Beta-Alanine: An amino acid that helps buffer lactic acid buildup, reducing muscle fatigue and supporting longer, more intense workouts. [7] 
  
  
• Nitric Oxide Boosters: Such as citrulline and beetroot extract, can dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow thereby improving oxygen delivery and nutrient absorption in muscles. [8]
  
  
• Vitamin B Complex: A group of eight B Vitamins that are crucial for various metabolic processes, including energy metabolism. B Vitamins can help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue to improve overall workout performance. [9] 
  
  
• Nootropics: Nootropics are substances that enhance cognitive function and promote brain health. Popular nootropics such as Lion's Mane and Alpha GPC can enhance focus and mental sharpness while exercising. [10]
  
  
• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are needed to maintain proper hydration and support muscle function. [11]

For a more detailed evaluation of the most common ingredients in pre-workout products, along with their respective minimum effective doses, see our blog post here.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, and Colors: These additives, such as sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly used to enhance taste and appearance but may have negative health effects.
  
  
• Sugar Alcohols: Common sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and others may be used as sweeteners but can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other issues.
  
  
• Fillers: Added to improve texture, fillers like cellulose, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide offer no nutritional value and can even dilute the potency of active ingredients.
  
  
• GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms): Derived from crops engineered for specific traits, GMOs raise concerns about long-term health and environmental effects. Opting for non-GMO pre-workout supplements ensures a cleaner, more natural product.
  
  
• Glyphosate: A widely used herbicide, often associated with GMO crops, has raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects and other health risks. [12]
  
  
• Synthetic Stimulants: Substances like DMAA, DMBA, and AMP citrate, used to enhance energy levels, can have serious side effects on the central nervous system, including increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. [13], [14]

Additionally, many pre-workouts may claim to be a vegan pre-workout supplement or a zero-calorie pre-workout supplement. However, that does not make it a natural or clean pre-workout as it may include artificial ingredients. Make sure to inspect the supplement label on the back.

Takeaways:

When it comes to choosing pre-workout supplements, prioritizing natural, clean ingredients is crucial for enhancing both performance and overall health. At ALYNE, we've crafted what we believe to be the best natural pre-workout. With 15 active ingredients at peer-reviewed doses, our pre-workout offers a comprehensive solution for maximizing strength, endurance, and cognitive performance. Featuring over 500mg of electrolytes and six nootropics specifically tailored for athletes and high-performing individuals, our formula supports enhanced focus and decision-making abilities, even under stress.

Our pre-workout boasts a clean ingredient profile, free from sugar, sugar alcohol, stevia, artificial additives (flavors, sweeteners, colors), GMOs, glyphosate, gums, and fillers. We prioritize transparency with a fully disclosed label and undergo third-party testing to ensure quality and safety. With ALYNE, you can trust that you're fueling your workouts with the highest-quality ingredients, backed by science and designed to help you achieve your fitness goals effectively and safely. Check out our pre-workout here!