Healthy Pre-Workout Supplements
By Trevor Onions
, last updated February 5, 2012
Using healthy pre-workout supplements prior to exercising is a proven way to get more out of your routine and recover more effectively. Selecting high quality supplements is a bit tricky, since many brands hype their ability to give you energy. While energizing yourself right before a workout is helpful, it shouldn't be the only goal. The real aim of taking vitamins is to give your body the proper nutrients it needs to exercise and recover without exhaustion or injury. Use these tips for picking supplements that do exactly that.
Best Pre-Workout Supplements
Healthy pre-workout supplements mitigate adding caffeine and other stimulants to give you the boost you crave. Although a little herbal or caffeinated energy is fine, the main goal here is to enjoy a kick through natural materials, which tend to be more long lasting than caffeine and herbs. The criteria for choosing healthy supplements insists that your pick doesn't dehydrate or hinder your exercise performance.
No-Xplode is a leading supplement that may be used before or after a workout session. This powdered supplement replenishes electrolytes, charges your energy with Vitamin B complexes, and increases focus through nitric oxides. While the supplement contains a mild amount of caffeine, its natural ingredients are extremely conducive to workout enhancements. No-Xplode comes in a wide array of flavors and supply sizes as well.
One More Rep (also known as 1 M.R.) is another relatively healthy supplement that receives high marks for its ability to lend you crucial enhancements before working out, without hurting your long term health. One More Rep mixes plenty of natural nutrients like Vitamin C with popular herbal energy boosters derived from Yerba Mate and Citrus Sinensis. This supplement is hyper-concentrated compared to its competitors, which means you can get the same energy boost by using less powder before your workout. This feature is a major plus for anyone who hates having to take in large quantities of supplement drinks right before workouts.
Pre-Workout Vitamins to Look For
Whether or not you choose to go with No-Xplode or One More Rep as your pre-workout supplements, it's worth knowing what ingredients to look for in a quality product. Many vitamins and metals are typically burned up and excreted through sweat during intensive activity. For this reason, keeping them flooding into your body is important for sustaining optimal function and promoting a healthy recovery time.
Look to Vitamin B complexes along with metals like iron and magnesium. Your supplement should be light in fat and protein. The healthiest products are designed to give benefits that last for brief workout periods, rather than acting as meal replacements or protein enhancers. When it comes to energy builders outside of vitamins and minerals, you should have a slight preference for natural herbs over caffeine. These are less likely to dehydrate your body during demanding times, and you'll avoid the problematic tolerance that comes with too much caffeine.
With the right pre-workout supplements that help your health rather than degrade it, you can exercise more efficiently and bounce back from heavy workouts faster. Try taking your supplements about a half hour before exercising to experience their optimal effects by the time you begin.