When you first start running, pre workout supplements can be a confusing topic to navigate. You may have heard that pre workout can help up your running game but still be unsure of which supplements to take. To help you out, here are some of the best pre workout supplements for beginners.
Best Pre Workout Supplements for Beginners: Pre Workout Powders
A popular supplement for beginners is pre workout powder. Just as protein shakes have become the norm for post-workout sessions, more and more athletes are choosing to consume pre workout powder supplements before a session to maximize results.
The benefits of pre workout for beginners include an increased surge of energy, resulting in better performance. For runners, this may mean being able to run faster or longer with less effort.
There is a myriad of pre workout powders on the market. Here are a couple of the top ranking ones for runners:
CytoSport CytoMax Sport Performance Mix
This pre workout supplement was designed specifically for runners. It aims to make exercise better and more enjoyable through faster delivery of energy. It provides the body 22 grams of complex carbohydrates and important amino acids to fuel the muscles and delay fatigue.
This is one of the best pre workout supplements for beginners because it helps you stay hydrated. It is also effective in replacing electrolytes.
In addition, it contains approximately 35 mg of caffeine. The amount isn’t too significant, however (equivalent to one-third of a cup of coffee), so while you should feel a boost of energy, you shouldn’t experience any side effects such as an elevated heart rate or the shakes.
This pre workout supplement comes in a range of flavors including Cool Citrus, Grape, Pomegranate Berry, Tangy Orange and Tropical Fruit.
Scivation Xtend BCAAs
If you are a runner who doesn’t really need an energy boost but want to provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to help enhance your workout, then look no further than Xtend.
It may not sound like one of the best pre workout supplements for beginners when we tell you that there is no creatine and no caffeine, but that is far from the truth.
In fact, Xtend contains 7000mg of the proven 2:1:1 ratio of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine to L-Valine respectively. Each of these amino acids works to help muscle repair and recovery, as well as protein synthesis. It also replaces electrolytes quick and easy, and has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar!
The fact that it also does not contain all the other typical ingredients like nitric oxide boosters means that it can be consumed on an empty stomach and is effective for runners, especially long-distance runners.
You can choose from 14 different flavors including Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Grape and Watermelon.
Coffee
Yes, all coffee lovers can rejoice. Your morning brew can actually help with your running game!
In fact, the best pre workout for beginners is arguably coffee. It gives you a significant boost of energy. This means you should be able to run for faster and longer than usual.
The best time to down a morning cup of coffee is ideally, one hour before your workout. This is because while it typically takes 15 to 45 minutes to be absorbed in the body, you will feel the benefits at its peak around 30 to 75 minutes after assumption.
Just remember, the key to drinking coffee is to have it in moderation. You may experience some side effects if you consume too much, such as an elevated heart rate. It may also disrupt your sleep, which can have a negative impact on your training.
As you can see, these are some of the best pre workout supplements for beginners that you can consume prior to your running session. They provide the necessary nutrients and much-needed boost of energy to help enhance your workout.
Zen Labs Fitness has a range of running apps that are designed specifically to help you. With a formulated run-walk program, audio coach and prompts, as well as a supportive community of fellow runners on your side, you can be sure to improve your running game.
What are your favorite pre workout supplements for beginners to take? Have you found that it has aided in your performance? Leave us a comment below, we would love to know!