Caffeine-free pre-workouts are great alternatives to avoid stimulants while still seeing results.
Caffeine is a popular substance used by so many of us, but when it comes to our workouts, sometimes we want a caffeine-free pre-workout on our shelf. What you will find with workout products, and in particular pre-workouts, are that they contain caffeine and other stimulants to really drive up energy and increase your focus. But that doesn’t fly for some of us.
A pre-workout supplement can be a game changer for so many. We all know the other essentials like protein powders and BCAAs, but that pre-workout pump and boost we get going into a workout makes us want to work that much harder. But we don’t want the jitters and crashes, and no one blames you for that.
To understand this further, let’s take a look at caffeine-free pre-workouts to see what makes these supplements great alternatives to those stimulant options. Whether you are avoiding stimulants or trying to limit your caffeine intake, the end result will be a pre-workout supplement minus any jitters and crashes.
Benefits Of Pre-Workout
Pre-workouts typically have plenty of great benefits to consider. Whether you are someone who likes a more engaged workout or if you feel drained from everything else that you need a boost, pre-workouts, either stim or non-stim, are great supplements. Benefits include:
- Increased muscle pumps: With better blood flow and circulation, you allow yourself the benefit of better muscle pumps for increased size.
- More endurance capacity: Working with ingredients to improve endurance, you will find this can really get your body to a place where it can work more efficiently.
- Boost hydration and muscle fullness: Keep your muscles hydrated so they feel full and can work harder.
- Enhance energy: FOR STIM PRE-WORKOUTS, caffeine and other stimulants can increase focus and boost energy.
- No jitters or crashes: FOR CAFFEINE-FREE PRE-WORKOUTS, you can get similar benefits without feeling side effects of stimulants.
Side Effects Of Caffeine To Watch For
Caffeine is technically a drug and it works to affect the brain so you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Some people become so reliant on it they don’t actually realize how much they take in. Others are sensitive to it and know their limit. Caffeine is a popular stimulant in pre-workout because it gives that energy boost and enhanced focus for more engaged workouts.
Related: Why Do Pre-Workouts Make You Itch?
The side effects of caffeine are important to mention so you know what to look for. These include:
- Increased heart rate
- Jitters
- Crashes
- Sleep problems
- Potential digestive issues
- Increased anxiety
Why Go To Caffeine-Free Pre-Workouts
People go to caffeine-free pre-workouts because they can get similar benefits without any stimulants. Many people don’t respond well to stimulants or try to avoid them. Others may enjoy a cup or two of coffee and don’t want added caffeine in their workout products. But, this doesn’t change the fact that they want a great workout.
The ingredients included in caffeine-free pre-workouts are very similar to those in regular pre-workouts, however, what you will find is the energy may not be as intense, but the other benefits like pumps and muscle growth will largely be the same. If you are someone who is trying to avoid stimulants, we don’t blame you, and these supplements are great for enhancing your workouts without any negative effects.
Related: Must Have Pre-Workout Ingredients
People have debated that pre-workouts aren’t worth taking or that some of are just duds. This is really a preference, but there is something to said for this product to be so popular. Now, most people probably like pre-workout because it hops them up on caffeine and the energy they feel pushes them over the limit of what they think is possible. A cup of coffee can also do that too.
So, do caffeine-free pre-workouts work? There is evidence that some of the ingredients can help with those desired results you want to see most but this may require research on your part to convince yourself if these supplements are worth it or not.
Important Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Ingredients To Note
If you’re supplement doesn’t have stimulants, then what ingredients are included to actually make this worth it.
Citrulline Malate: Can improve strength, power, and muscular endurance while also working to delay fatigue (1).
Taurine: May improve overall work capacity by affecting endurance and overall performance through reducing muscle soreness (2).
Beta Alanine: May improve exercise performance while building lean muscle and promoting better physical function and reducing fatigue (3).
BCAAs: Work to ignite muscle growth, reduce muscle breakdown, and alleviate soreness (4).
Tyrosine: May improve energy and mental performance while trying to reduce stress (5).
Betaine Anhydrous: Can improve strength and power while working to reduce stubborn fat and fatigue. (6)
These are just a few that may be included in supplements. Each company has their own formula so ingredients are subject to change. Always read the label to be sure your product matches your needs.
Featured Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout
With so many products out there, we wanted to share a great caffeine-free pre-workout to boost your workouts and give you something you may love. Plus, it takes the headache out of combing through so many pre-workout supplements.
Nutricost Stim-Free Pre-Workout Overview
A stim-free pre-workout that still gives you great focus, energy, and pumps, without breaking the bank.
The Nutricost Stim-Free Pre-Workout is our favorite caffeine free option. It comes in a convenient 30-serving container, designed for users who want to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine or other stimulants. Aimed at providing a balanced and jitter-free boost, the formula focuses on key ingredients to enhance energy, endurance, and mental clarity during workouts, all without being overly expensive.
Not to mention, Nutricost Stim-Free Pre-Workout comes in three great flavors:
- Blue Raspberry
- Peach Mango
- Pink Lemonade
The best part is, each of these flavors will mix perfectly in your shaker cup. Also, it is worth mentioning that just about all of the ingredients that are recommended for a stim-free pre-workout are included in Nutricost Stim-Free, such as l-citrulline, beta-alanine, and taurine.
Price: $26.96, for 30 servings!
Check out our review on Nutricost Stim-Free here!
Wrap Up
Caffeine-free pre-workout supplements are what you need if you are someone looking to avoid stimulants. Although stim ingredients are key in many pre-workouts, those caffeine-free pre-workouts tend to avoid those and focus on others to provide benefits without the fear of unwanted side effects. If you are someone who may benefit from caffeine-free pre-workout products, then check them out and consider them in your routine today.
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*Images courtesy of Envato
Reference
- Takeda, K.; et al. (2011). “Effects of citrulline supplementation on fatigue and exercise performance in mice”. (source)
- Waldron, M.; et al. (2018). “The Effects of an Oral Taurine Dose and Supplementation Period on Endurance Exercise Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis”. (source)
- Artioli, G.; et al. (2010). “Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance”. (source)
- Negro, M.; et al. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
- Attipoe, S.; et al. (2015). “Tyrosine for Mitigating Stress and Enhancing Performance in Healthy Adult Humans, a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature”. (source)
- Cholewa, J.; et al. (2013). “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone”. (source)
