The Best Pre-workout Supplement Powders for Energy, Recovery and Endurance

It isn’t easy getting yourself to the gym whether you choose to do it early in the morning, midday or after working. It takes determination, focus and of course much valued time. So many of us think of it as a chore instead of understanding that we were designed to move. In fact, studies have found that those who are sedentary are more likely to gain weight. Furthermore, without even becoming too scientific, just remember the last time you spent the entire day at your computer. You didn’t really feel great. Truth be told you probably felt a little stiff. So it really is worth it to get so get some physical activity in your schedule daily. That may lead you to consider how to best approach the energy level required and what you may want to eat before heading out for a run, brisk walk or to hit the gym and weight train.

Some people find that they want to use a pre-workout supplement powder to prep themselves for working out. And we understand that isn’t always easy to do because there are just so many to chose from. You want to choose a pre-workout supplement powder that fits the needs of your body based on what you are doing. “For most that could be carbohydrates, caffeine, amino acids, creatine, and either L-arginine or a beet-based Nitric oxide inducer,” says Dr. Jerry Bailey, Lakeside Holistic Health.  “Carbohydrates will help to saturate your muscles with glycogen, the amino acids will give you the building blocks ready for muscle repair, creatine will boost your quick energy cycles, caffeine of course boosts heart rate and fat burning, and powdered beets will induce nitric oxide production leading to increase vasodilation,” he says.

But always remember to read ingredient labels and consult your healthcare provider because the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as they do medicines. This means that the manufacturer of the pre-workout supplement powder is responsible for making sure the product is safe before it is sold. Plus, if you are taking other meds or supplements, it could lead to unwanted side effects. “Watch ones with Beta-alanine, in particular, as ingesting too much can cause limb and body tingling, says Bailey. “That is a side effect of too much beta-alanine it will quickly go away but you do not want to have the numb/tingly sensation while you are working out,” he says.

Here are some of the best pre-workout supplement powders to buy right now.

1. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy + Focus

Caffeine-based pre-workout powders tend to be for those who want a quick burst of energy and less for those who are engaged in endurance training or sports. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy + Focus contains 85mg of organic coffeeberry — a typical cup of coffee contains 95mg — and also a blend of organic veggies such as kale, spinach and beets rich in nitrates. It is organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten, dairy and soy-free.

2. Naked Energy Pure Preworkout Formula

Oftentimes pre-workout supplement powders have a lot of additives and fillers, but Naked Energy Pure Preworkout Formula’s label only lists vitamins C, B3, B6, B12, folate, calcium, creatine monohydrate, l-arginine, beta-alanine, and 200mg of caffeine — a little over two cups of coffee’s worth. So if you are caffeine sensitive you want to keep that in mind. Also, if you are already taking a stimulant, there may be an issue.  It is also free of wheat, gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors.

3. Natural Sport Beetroot Sport Powder

“For pre-workout drinks, I combine high-quality filtered water with Natural Sport Beetroot Sport Powder Black Cherry flavor with Designs for Health amino acid supreme. This hits all I need for most of my workouts while doing crossfit. It’s simple and straightforward without any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. This combo prevents any digestive issues that can arise from those additional ingredients,” says Bailey. 

And for our part, we’re fans of this pre-workout supplement powder. Not only is it affordable, but it has a very solid 4.4/5 star rating on Amazon.

4. KaraMD UltraBeets

KaraMD UltraBeets’ vegan-friendly and gluten-free formula contains a blend of beetroot, hibiscus and apple juice powder. The brand uses non-GMO beets, and samples every batch of their blends to endure that you get the best flavor possible.

5. Pure Synergy Kale Powder

Kale has become the ultimate superhero veggie. We just can’t seem to get enough of it, making it no surprise that there would be a pre-workout supplement powder bearing its name. Pure Synergy Kale Juice Powder is an organic, non-GMO, vegan, allergen-free supplement that can be used in your smoothie and sauces.

6. Kos Organic Plant Protein

Protein shakes are consumed by some who work out to help with muscle recovery, maintenance, and building bulk. And according to the National Institutes for Health, numerous studies have found that protein supplements can be effective. Kos, which contains protein from chia, peas, quinoa, flax, and pumpkin seeds, is also packed with vitamins and minerals such as K2, B12, E, folate, selenium and potassium. It is formulated to be gentle on the tummy. It is soy, dairy and gluten-free and organic.

Read More: Top-Rated Mass Gainer Supplements

7. Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner

Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner is popular among Spy readers and also a best seller on Amazon. Two capsules of the product contain acetyl l-carnitine HCL 700mg, green tea extract 450mg, caffeine 270mg — close to three cups of coffee — cayenne pepper extract 50mg and Bioperine black pepper fruit extract 5mg. While it isn’t technically a pre-workout supplement powder in the traditional sense, it comes with rave reviews from happy customers and we thought we’d add it in for your consideration, just in case.

Read More: Top-Rated Fat Burners For Men

The 11 Best Foam Rollers for Post-Workout Recovery

Love what you’re seeing? Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and be the first to hear about new product launches, the latest trends and can’t miss deals you won’t find anywhere else.