Alright, you’re about to embark on your fitness journey and want to prepare your gym arsenal. You’ve got the clothes, the shoes, and the accessories; now it’s time for supplements, starting with a pre-workout.
Much like everything on your list, you’ve probably already been overwhelmed looking at all the different options out there. But first, let’s look at the type of pre-workout you want, stimulant or non-stimulant.
You already know how pre-workouts give you extra energy to give your 100% at the gym. But sometimes, that spike can leave us feeling burnt out sooner than we’d expect.
That’s where these different types of pre-workouts come in, and today, we’re tackling them. Time to explore stimulant vs non-stimulant pre-workout!
Stimulant or Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout: Which One is Better?
It’s probably the first thing you thought of stumbling upon this article; which one is better?
Well, it’s one of those “depends” kind of answers. Stimulant pre-workouts will be great for those of us who want to get an early morning grind. For those at the gym, stimulant pre-workouts give that oomph to get out of bed and exercise when the sun is peeking through.
Non-stimulant pre-workouts, as the name suggests, are not stimulating. These formulas are designed for those who are not early gym birds and prefer an afternoon or evening workout. It’s also a great option for those of us who are rather sensitive and could do without that jitteriness drinking a stimulant workout would give us.
Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout: What’s the Difference?
The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant pre-workout is pretty simple. Stimulant-based pre-workouts are often used with caffeine, delivering a rapid surge of energy heightening alert, stamina, and focus. This burst of energy is great for intense workouts, boosting stamina and overall performance.
Non-stimulant pre-workouts are just the opposite. They offer an alternative for those wanting to up their performance without the stimulating effects. These supplements are formulated with the usual energy-boosting ingredients of beta-alanine and citrulline, giving you gains without jitters.
Who Should Use Stimulant-Containing Pre-Workout?
While pre-workouts are relatively safe for everybody to consume, there are two primary types we should pay attention to before buying the supplement. We must gauge our preferences, fitness objectives, and circumstances and decide between stimulants and non-stimulants pre-workouts. If you don’t tend to these details, you might end up with the wrong product, so make sure you take the necessary notes.
Let’s take on the first and most common type, stimulant-containing pre-workout. Who should use it? And are you one of them?
You Love Early Morning Workouts
If you love catching the sunshine bright and early and love getting that first sweat of the day in at the gym, a pre-workout with stimulants will be your drink of choice. This provides a much-needed energy boost to kickstart your day, relieve grogginess, and enhance endurance during those early training sessions.
You Metabolize Caffeine Quickly
Feel like giving out after multiple cups of coffee? You probably metabolize caffeine faster than others. Those who digest caffeine quickly might benefit from stimulant pre-workout, as they maintain a consistent energy level throughout their workouts. This type of supplement makes sure your focus and endurance are carried through, preventing the burnouts and crashes that many experience.
You Have Fat Loss Goals
If you want to lose fat, you’ll be good with a stimulant pre-workout. The heightened energy and increased metabolism associated with stimulants might lead to more calories burned during exercise, aligning with your goals of losing weight. Incorporating stimulant pre-workout into your routine can make your workouts more effective and productive.
Who Should Use Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout?
Now for non-stimulant pre-workouts. They’re not exactly uncommon but aren’t definitely as prevalent as stimulant-based ones.
So, let’s see if you qualify for non-stimulant pre-workouts and why.
You Love Afternoon or Evening Workouts
You might not be an early-bird-gets-the-worm kind of person, and that’s okay! You don’t want to ruin your sleep by the effects of pre-workout, even after hitting the gym later in the day. That’s why you’ll love non-stimulant pre-workouts. These supplements will give you the same boost in energy without the jitteriness or disturbances in sleep.
You Metabolize Caffeine Slowly
Just like stimulants are fit for those metabolizing caffeine quickly, non-stimulant pre-workouts are great for those who metabolize caffeine slowly. These supplements have beta-alanine and citrulline, boosting blood flow and muscle endurance without relying on caffeine for that energy spike.
Non-stimulant pre-workouts are also great for those who are sensitive or allergic to caffeine. Many of us deal with such ailments, and more often than not, we ignore them and consume stimulant supplements, making us feel worse. However, non-stimulant pre-workouts are excellent in handling these issues and providing benefits without the usual jitteriness and caffeine crashes.
You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Non-stimulant pre-workouts are safe choices for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They eliminate the potential risks and concerns associated with caffeine intake during these crucial stages. While the benefits of non-stim pre-workouts are evident, you still have to prioritize any health concerns and consult your doctor before consuming supplements.
Can You Stack Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Pre Workout?
Yes, you can stack stimulant and non-stimulant pre-workout. It is a common practice and can offer a well-rounded approach to your exercises. Combining the two types of pre-workouts allows users to experience the benefits of each category without relying on stimulus alone.
Fewer Effects from Caffeine
Staging stimulant and non-stimulant pre-workout supplements can reduce the potential side effects of excessive caffeine intake, like jitteriness or sleep disturbance. Those with caffeine sensitivity can also benefit from this mixture.
Better Pumps
Ingredients like beta-alanine and nitrosamine in non-stim pre-workouts, combined with stimulant pre-workouts, can lead to better pumps, sustained energy, and improved focus throughout a workout. It also helps muscles recover faster and reduces chances of injury or straining.
Longer Product Lifespan
Stacking stimulant and non-stimulant pre-workout can also help extend the lifespan of the product. As you consume both in half servings, you don’t use up as much and won’t have to spend money buying and replacing.
Pre-Workout Essentials
It doesn’t matter which type you’re buying, stimulant or non-stimulant. You need to consider several key factors to make sure you’re getting the fix you paid money for.
Calories and Carbs
Check the calorie and carb count of each pre-workout supplement. You’ll want a product that aligns with your nutritional and fitness goals and needs, whether providing an energy boost with more calories or focusing on a low-calorie count.
Product Testing
You want to purchase products from reputable brands and sources. Third-party testing such as NSF, FDA, or USP will give you the seals of approval and ensure your product meets quality standards. You’ll be safe using a respected and trusted supplement manufacturer.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews offer valuable information and insights into a pre-workout’s potency and potential downsides. Stimulant pre-workouts can be great for some, while you may encounter stim-free side effects. So read, watch, and interact with reviews to understand how the product might work for you. But keep in mind that individual reactions and responses can vary.
Which Pre-Workout Is Better for You?
Now this is a question only you can answer. You’ve looked at the differences, the good and the bad, the in-the-middle too! Now it’s time for you to decide which one will fit you the best.
If you’re a morning gym-goer and are not sensitive to caffeine, a stimulant pre-workout is for you. If you’re the opposite, want to work out later in the day, and are sensitive to caffeine, a non-stim pre-workout is your best bet.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this detailed discussion on stimulant vs non-stimulant pre-workout! You must understand each type has its own pros and cons, so you must choose the one that caters to your expectations and goals. When you’re buying your desired supplements, buy from reputed brands and best if you buy from a physical store.
Share this guide with your fitness enthusiast friends and family so that they can learn more about the differences between stimulant vs non-stimulant pre-workouts.
