Arnold discussed a study surrounding if pre-workout brings on a performance boost.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken a look at many aspects of the fitness world. From workouts to diet plans, the bodybuilding great has shared his findings on many areas. This time in Arnold’s Pump Club, Arnold researched a study done on two major ingredients in pre-workout — L-arginine and citrulline malate — to see if they really perform the advertised boosts.
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“Supplements promise more reps, more power, and better endurance. A new controlled study took a hard look at two popular ingredients to see if they deliver when it counts.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to America in 1968 at 21 years old and began pursuing a career in bodybuilding. It did not take long for him to become the most famous name in bodybuilding, as well as the community outside of it. He has also led quite an eccentric life — a 4-time Mr. Universe champion, and 7-time Mr. Olympia champion, an Emmy-award winning actor, and a two-term governor of California. The Arnold Sports Festival, which has been held annually since 1989, is named after him as well, and now held in multiple countries each year.
Arnold’s mark on bodybuilding is undeniable and he continues to share new information to help others moving forward. Here, the findings were incredible around pre-workouts.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Down Pre-Workout Ingredients
Schwarzenegger referenced a new study where participants used the two ingredients being put under the microscope. The finding was that L-arginine and citrulline malate did not improve performance in CrossFit, cardio, or cycling sprints.
The study took a look at 46 “healthy, training” participants. They went through different workouts after being given a placebo or the combination of the ingredients from pre-workout.
“There was no difference in rounds completed, heart rate, or overall performance between the CrossFit workouts. For the Harvard step test, there was also no different in cardio fitness or recovery. On the Wingate sprints, no boost in peak or average power.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger continued to explain why this might have been the findings. There were many options discussed, including that the ingredients might not be effective for the goals that were tested. They are designed to increase blood flow but might not improve performance to the expected level.
Arnold also shared that these supplements could take longer to work than others and bring greater benefits with consistent use.
“Other studies have suggested the combination of arginine and citrulline could help with repeated-sprint performance, workouts that require more volume and reducing the perceived effort of a workout.”
Pre-workout supplements have become extremely popular in weightlifting. While Arnold believes that these supplements can help get a strong pump in the gym, he does not believe that the overall boost is there.
Here’s what he had to say about about ingredients such as arginine and citrulline – frequent ingredients in pre-workout supplements:
“If you’re buying arginine or citrulline hoping for an instant performance boost, this study suggests you may not notice any real difference. Your pump might feel good, but the performance payoff might not be there.”
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