The Ultimate Guide to the Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain

Unlock your muscle gains with these expert-picked pre-workout options.

Dennis Kiplimo
8 min readFeb 16, 2024
A fitness enthusiast demonstrates the best pre-workout for muscle gain by drinking from a yellow sports bottle, captured on a DSLR camera set up on a tripod in a room with natural light and a brick wall backdrop
Optimizing muscle gain with pre-workout

Finding the best pre-workout for muscle gain is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their fitness routine. These supplements are designed to boost energy levels, improve endurance, and support muscle growth, making them an essential part of many athletes’ and bodybuilders’ regimens. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?

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What Is the Best Pre-Workout Supplement for Muscle Gain?

In quest for the best pre-workout for muscle gain, we delve into the top supplements that have made a significant impact on the market.

Each product is chosen based on its formulation, user reviews, and the potential to enhance your workout performance and muscle growth.

High-Energy Pre-Workouts

Pre Kaged Elite

Pre Kaged Elite

Product Overview

  • The Pre Kaged Elite is loaded with caffeine, AmaTea®, Alpha-GPC, L-Tyrosine, and Huperzine A, offering a massive pump and energy boost.

Pros

  • Massive pump from 10,000 mg of L-Citrulline and NO3-T (Creatine Nitrate).
  • High caffeine level for those seeking an intense energy kick.

Cons:

  • The high caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone, especially those sensitive to stimulants​​.

Wrecked by Huge Supplements

Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout

Product Overview

  • Wrecked by Huge Supplements is known for its massive dose of L-citrulline and comprehensive ingredient profile, Wrecked is designed to deliver peak performance.

Pros:

  • Includes a variety of performance aids like lion’s mane mushroom and turmeric.
  • Offers an intense energy boost with a high dose of caffeine.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for those who prefer a pre-workout without a high stimulant level​​.

Stimulant-Free Options

Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free

Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free

Product Overview

Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free offers a stimulant-free option without sacrificing the benefits of increased blood flow and pump.

Pros:

  • Features 3 trademarked ingredients and is Informed Sport certified.
  • Great for those looking to avoid caffeine but still want pre-workout benefits.

Cons:

  • May not provide the same level of energy boost as caffeinated options​​.

For Muscle Building

Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Powder

Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Powder

Product Overview

The Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Powder focuses on an Explosive Energy Blend with a moderate amount of caffeine.

Pros:

  • Includes velvet bean extract for potential testosterone boost.
  • Suitable for evening workouts due to lower caffeine content.

Cons:

  • Contains only one gram of creatine per serving​​.

Natural Ingredients

Naked Energy by Legion Athletics

Naked Energy by Legion Athletics

Product Overview

The Naked Energy by Legion Athletics is a 100% nature-based pre-workout, offering a clean energy boost without artificial additives.

Pros:

  • All-natural ingredients and free from artificial sweeteners or dyes.
  • Available with or without caffeine to suit individual needs.

Cons:

  • The taste might not appeal to everyone due to natural sweeteners​​.

Vegan Options

BlackWolf Pre-Workout

Product Overview

Offers a vegan-friendly formula with no proprietary blends.

Pros:

  • Includes 3g of muscle-building Creatine Monohydrate per serving.
  • Offers both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions.

Cons:

  • Uses artificial sweeteners, which might not be preferred by all​​.

Best Tasting

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge

Jacked Factory NITROSURGE Pre Workout Supplement

Product Overview

Jacked Factory NITROSURGE Pre Workout is renowned for its taste. It doesn’t compromise on effectiveness.

Pros:

  • Affordable and effective, with a good balance of ingredients.
  • Wide range of flavors to suit any preference.

Cons:

  • Taste is subjective; what’s best for one might not be for another​​.

Best for Cardio Training

6AM Run Marathon Pre-Workout

6AM Run Marathon-Pre Workout

Product Overview

The 6AM Run Marathon-Pre Workout is specially formulated for cardio training, with a blend of caffeine, green tea extract, and theobromine.

Pros:

  • Aids post-run recovery with 12 unique amino acids.
  • Lower caffeine content suited for cardio workouts.

Cons:

  • Might not provide the high energy levels desired by those focused on strength training​​.

Stimulant-Free Muscle Support

STIM-FREE by Transparent Labs

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Product Overview

The Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is a stimulant-free option loaded with effective muscle ingredients.

Pros:

  • Utilizes natural ingredients and is loaded with amino acids.
  • Offers a caffeine-free experience without energy crashes.

Cons:

  • Direct purchase only and slightly above average in price

Why Should You Take Pre-Workout Supplements?

Pre-workout supplements are more than just an energy boost. They’re formulated to optimize your workout performance and enhance muscle gain through a combination of key ingredients. Here’s why they’re essential:

  • Energy Boost: A primary benefit is the significant energy boost they provide, allowing you to train harder and longer.
  • Improved Performance: Ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine work together to improve your overall workout performance.
  • Enhanced Focus: Many pre-workouts contain nootropics to help sharpen focus and concentration during workouts.
  • Increased Muscle Pump: Ingredients such as L-arginine and citrulline malate increase nitric oxide levels, enhancing blood flow and muscle pump.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain

When selecting a pre-workout supplement, consider the following factors to ensure you choose one that aligns with your muscle gain goals:

  • Ingredient Quality: Look for supplements with high-quality, scientifically backed ingredients.
  • Caffeine Content: Consider your tolerance to caffeine. Some prefer a high-energy pre-workout, while others might need a stimulant-free option. Here is a detailed review on Non-Stim vs Stim Pre-Workout
  • Your Fitness Goals: Whether you’re focusing on strength, endurance, or both, choose a pre-workout that supports your specific goals.
  • Flavor and Mixability: Since you’ll be taking it regularly, find a flavor you enjoy and a powder that mixes well.

Top Considerations

  • Ingredient Transparency: Opt for supplements that clearly list all ingredients and their dosages.
  • Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects, especially from high caffeine content.
  • Dietary Restrictions: For those with dietary restrictions, look for vegan, gluten-free, or non-GMO options.

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Conclusion

Selecting the best pre-workout for muscle gain is crucial for maximizing your training results. High-energy options like Pre Kaged Elite and Wrecked by Huge Supplements are perfect for those seeking an intense boost, while Elite Ultimate Pre and Transparent Labs BULK cater to a more balanced workout approach. For individuals sensitive to stimulants, Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free provides a caffeine-free alternative.

Products such as Cellucor C4 Original are popular for muscle building, and Naked Energy by Legion Athletics offers a natural ingredient profile. Vegan athletes might prefer BlackWolf, known for its vegan-friendly ingredients. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for younger individuals considering supplements like C4, to ensure the chosen pre-workout aligns with health needs and fitness goals.

FAQs on the Best Pre-Workout For Muscle Gain

What is a good pre-workout for building muscle?

A good pre-workout for building muscle typically contains ingredients like caffeine for energy, beta-alanine for endurance, creatine for muscle growth, and citrulline for improved blood flow. Products like Transparent Labs BULK and Pre Kaged Elite are highly rated for their muscle-building benefits.

Which preworkout is the best?

The best preworkout varies depending on individual goals and tolerances. For overall muscle gain and performance, Transparent Labs BULK is highly recommended for its comprehensive ingredient list and transparency. However, preferences on stimulant levels and specific goals (such as endurance or strength) may lead individuals to choose other products like Cellucor C4 or Pre Kaged Elite.

What should I drink before a workout to build muscle?

Before a workout to build muscle, drinking a pre-workout supplement that includes creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine, and citrulline can be beneficial. These ingredients help increase energy, endurance, and muscle pump, which can lead to more effective workouts. Additionally, a protein shake or a drink with BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) can also support muscle synthesis and recovery.

Does C4 pre-workout help with muscle growth?

Yes, C4 pre-workout can help with muscle growth indirectly by enhancing workout performance, energy levels, and endurance. Ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine improve focus and delay fatigue, allowing for more intense and longer workouts, which can contribute to muscle growth over time. However, direct muscle growth benefits are more closely associated with supplements containing creatine.

Can a 15 year old take C4 Pre-Workout?

It is generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before a minor starts any pre-workout supplement, including C4. The caffeine content and other stimulants in pre-workouts can affect adolescents differently than adults, and a healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on the individual’s health history and nutritional needs.

Which C4 is best for muscle gain?

For muscle gain, C4 Original is a popular choice because it includes ingredients like creatine nitrate for muscle growth and beta-alanine for endurance. However, for those looking to specifically enhance muscle gain, considering a pre-workout that is more heavily focused on muscle-building ingredients like creatine monohydrate may be beneficial. Supplements tailored towards muscle gain often contain a blend of ingredients that support not just energy and endurance but also direct muscle synthesis and recovery.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting me.

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Dennis Kiplimo

Dennis Kiplimo is a graduate of Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya, with a BSc in Nursing. He is a fitness enthusiast and founder of denstarfitness.com