8 Best Pre Workout For Beginners – Only For Men Who Want Results
We aim to feature only the best products and services. We include products we think are useful for our readers.
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Attention, New Gym Goers!
Revealed on this page…
- The 9 Best Pre Workout For Beginners That Will Get You REAL Results
- Why You Can’t-Wait Any Longer Before Getting A Pre Workout
- The Incredible Benefits Of a Quality Pre Workout
- The Ingredients You MUST Avoid At All Costs
ONE: I’ve gone from fat to fit and can prove it.
TWO: I know the struggle of searching for an effective product
THREE: 10+ years of knowledge and experience with pre workouts.
So, when it comes to finding the best pre-workouts for beginners, you can trust me.
Quick View Top 3
It can be difficult to make a choice as a beginner to pre-workouts. It was for me.
There’s so much information and options out there and we’re all n different fitness journeys.
How are you supposed to know what will work well for you?
The ingredients list can be long and complex.
That’s why I am here.
Are you sensitive to caffeine? I got you.
Love your energy drinks? I got you too.
The pre – workouts on this list all have the ingredients proven to give you a major boost in energy after a long day. They are:
- Proven to help you focus in the gym so you don’t keep scrolling on Tik Tok.
- Proven to increase the max reps you can push in the gym. To get that last rep in that will make your muscles grow.
- I will discuss the most important stuff you need to know and make it simple so you can make a decision more easily.
Still not sure? Just reach out and I will gladly help you make a decision.
Let’s jump right in…here’s my full list!
The 8 Best Pre-Workouts for Beginners
- Best Overall – C4 Original
- Best For Muscle Gain – Bucked Up
- Best For Fat Loss – Total War
- Best Flavor – Pre Kaged
- Best High Caffeine – Ryse Loaded Pre
- Best Low Caffeine – C4 Sport
- Best Vegan Option – Ghost Legend
- Best Budget Option – SixStar Explosion
1. Best Overall – C4 Original
To keep it simple.
If you’re a beginner and want a solid pre-workout for a boost in energy & focus, zero calories that has vitamins and that will give your results…
Choose the trusted C4 Original Pre-workout.
C4 Original
Want to build muscle? It comes with creatine for muscle gain. The beta alanine will take care of increasing your rep count. The boost in energy and focus will be provided by the caffeine. They hit the sweet spot, giving you 150mg of caffeine.
Features:This pre – workout brand has taken the fitness world by storm since 2011. They have perfected their formula since then.
It comes with 150mg of caffeine. This is the PERFECT amount when starting out, you’ll get all the benefits without the potential side effects. They offer so many delicious flavors, believe me… they have the perfect flavor for you.
Solid choice. Over 77% of 25,000 customers give it 5 stars. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product meaning that it’s highly rated, well-priced, and available to ship immediately.
Comes with beta-alanine, which will help with muscle endurance in the gym and delay muscle fatigue. It may also cause a harmless tingling sensation which I simply love.
Check out my other article where I reviewed which C4 flavor is best.
2. Best For Muscle Gain – Bucked Up
Feeling skinny and want a pre – workout that will help you to gain muscle?
Go with Bucked Up.
BUCKED UP
Bucked Up is formulated to boost your performance and get you results. What’s great is that they don’t hide anything, their ingredients are scientifically backed and fully transparent.
Features:Bucked Up comes with 2,000mg Beta Alanine which will help you grow your Arnold’s arms.
To give you that energy boost and increase in focus it comes with 200mg of caffeine. It also comes with Himalayan rock salt that helps in increasing hydration.
They guarantee results or get ALL your money back…So there’s zero risk to you.
3. Best For Fat Loss – Total War
Want to lose body fat? But worry about having enough energy to work out?
Total War pre workout is the one to go with.
TOTAL WAR
Contains Green Tea Extract that has been shown to help with fat loss. Comes packed with quality ingredients. To give you a boost in energy and focus it delivers 320mg of active caffeine.
Features:When you’re in a caloric deficit, energy to workout can be an issue.
This pre – workout will give you a boost in energy & focus. It contains 320mg of active caffeine (including 100mg of di-caffeine malate) powder that help you to blast through your workouts. It contains green tea extract that has been shown to boost fat loss.
It’s formulated and packed with quality ingredients that help increase blood flow. Each container comes with 30 servings. Not only that, it’s also vegan! See how it stacked up against other vegan pre workouts we ranked.
The flavor is great, so you won’t be disappointed. Every scoop offers a delicious and refreshing flavor that never sacrifices your workout energy for taste.
4. Best Flavor – Pre Kaged
Want results but the taste is important?
Pre-Kaged is the one to choose.
PRE KAGED
It’s formulated to taste amazing with packing scientifically tested ingredients.
Made with organic caffeine and pure L-tyrosine. It comes with electrolytes from Himalayan Pink Sea Salt
I really like this pre – workout. It will have you going and you’ll have to force yourself to stop working out.
You get a great balance of energy boost, an increase in focus, and more power to push in the gym.
You will notice a nice boost in energy thanks to the 188mg of organic caffeine and pure L-tyrosine. Free from banned substances free and tested by a third party.
It comes with electrolytes like sodium from Himalayan Pink Sea Salt to support hydration and fluid balance during your workout. It also comes with vitamins B6 and B12.
Every serving has 10 calories. You might like that it has zero artificial ingredients, colors or flavors.
Having tasted many brands of pre workout as of now Pre Kaged is the best-tasting pre workout.
It tastes like straight-up juice. The powder itself is also very refined. This means that it completely gets dissolved in the water making it a smooth drinking experience.
5. Best High Caffeine – Ryse Loaded Pre
Want an energy explosion?
Make sure you pick Ryse Loaded Pre.
RYSE LOADED PRE
Love caffeine? Ryse comes with a whopping 420mg of total caffeine to boost your energy and focus. Use with caution. They use quality ingredients that are fully transparent and backed by research
Features:Always feel tired at the gym? Feel lazy or sleepy in the middle of your gym session?
Then definitely go with Ryse pre – workout.
It will blow your socks off!
Ryse comes with a whopping 420mg caffeine anhydrous and 120mg (true yield = 90mg) slow release for a major boost in energy and focus.
They use quality ingredients, the label is transparent, and is backed by research.
The flavors are great! They have great nostalgic signature flavors like Ring Pop, Smarties, Kool-aid, and Bazooka.
You’ll be able to push through fatigue and kill it with those extra reps for bigger muscles. This is all thanks to ingredients like L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, and Thinkamine,
Give it a try!
6. Best Low Caffeine – C4 Sport
Sensitive to caffeine?
Then C4 Sport is the one to choose with 135mg of caffeine.
C4 SPORT
With only 135 mg of caffeine, it will give you a great energy boost without any negative side effects. This is for sure a great option for if you are sensitive to caffeine. This is a trusted brand that produces products that will deliver results. This product is optimized to help you achieve your personal best.
Features:What I love about this brand is that it will give you results.
The caffeine content is a low 135mg, so you will get a boost in energy but without the potential negative side effects. It has beta-alanine which is proven to increase your endurance and lower muscle fatigue.
The flavors C4 offers are amazing. You are sure to find a flavor that you will absolutely love.
Another great thing, this product is third-party tested and it’s also recognized by the US anti-doping agency.
So if you want a solid pre – workout with less caffeine make sure you go with the C4 Sport.
7. Best Vegan Option – Ghost Legend
This pre – workout is vegan-friendly.
They use quality ingredients and offer amazing flavors.
GHOST Legend
Perfect choice if you’re vegan. Thanks to the totally transparent label you know exactly what you’re getting. Comes with Beta-Alanine, Nitrosigine, and others that will give you some serious energy, pump, and focus benefits.
Features:Ghost pre – workout is a vegan premium product.
I love that they don’t use proprietary blends, use quality ingredients, and have a fully transparent label. I can’t ask for more!
Has all the great ingredients that you would want in a great pre – workout. For the boost in focus they added 150mg of natural caffeine.
They use l-citrulline that is vegan fermented, you will get all the pumps without the stomach discomfort.
The brand is known for its great-tasting flavors.
So in a nutshell. If you want a killer pre workout that’s also vegan.
Ghost Legend pre workout is the way to go.
8. Best Budget Option – SixStar Explosion
This is the best budget pre – workout on the market.
Save money without sacrificing quality.
SixStar Explosion
Delivers a solid This is the best budget friendly pre – workout on the market. Do not miss out. For solid pumps, they’ve included ingredients like taurine, L-citrulline, L-citrulline malate. This is the best budget pre – workout available.
Features:Looking for a good workout at a budget price?
This is the only option you should go for.
SixStar Explosion comes from the makers of the very popular fitness supplement brand MuscleTech.
Every scoop will deliver 135 mg of caffeine to give you a boost of energy and sharp mental focus. You will be able to increase your intensity in the gym!
It comes with ingredients that will give you the pumps you want!
Want to pay less but not sacrifice results?
Choose SixStar Explosion.
How I Chose the Best Pre Workouts for Beginners
Choosing the right pre – workout supplement for a beginner is very scary.
But I got you.
I have a lot of experience with many pre – workouts on this list. I did research to rank the top 9 pre – workouts for beginners based on my experience, customer reviews, effectiveness, ingredients, and taste.
How I Tested & Ranked
Simple, I started by researching and gathering information on pre-workouts on the market which would be fit for beginners.
I narrowed down my list based on their ingredient profile, including amounts of caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide boosters. I also considered customer reviews, taste, mixing ability, and price.
I analyzed the impact it would have on your performance, energy levels, and focus. I also considered the potential side effects, such as jitters, crashes, and upset stomachs.
And after all that work I was ready to reveal the 9 best pre-workouts for beginners.
Benefits of Pre Workout
This supplement is a staple for many gym-goers. Having said that, pre workouts can be especially good for beginners. Here’s my list of the must-have benefits of taking a pre – workout supplement:
Boost Your Energy & Focus
This is the benefit that makes taking pre workouts worthwhile by itself. You get a boost of energy and focus.
No more dragging yourself to the gym.
It will make it easier to power through every workout, even your toughest ones.
So stop hesitating and get the pre workout now.
Improve Your Mood & Motivation
I have some great news for you.
Not only do you get more energy, pre – workouts can also improve your mood and motivation.
Ingredients like caffeine and some amino acids are known to impact your mood in a positive way.
This will help you feel more energized and motivated to tackle your workout.
Say bye to endless scrolling on Tik Tok while sitting on the bench press machine.
More Strength And More Muscle Gains
You will stop being weak. Why?
Well, pre – workouts can help increase your strength.
Pre workout usually contains creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine. You should be happy about that.
They have been proven to increase your muscle strength and power. You will be able to lift heavier and push yourself harder during your gym sessions.
More strength = more muscle gains.
Also, ingredients in pre – workout also help increase the blood flow to your muscles.
They deliver more oxygen and nutrients which will help your muscles to recover and grow.
Over time, this will lead to gains in muscle size and muscle definition.
Improve Your Gym Endurance
Remember the last time you felt like you couldn’t push another rep?
Remember the burning sensation in your muscle?
These are important for muscle growth.
Pre workouts help in delaying this effect. Ingredients like citrulline malate and beta-alanine help to delay the onset of fatigue.
This will allow you to push yourself harder for longer during your workout.
This all simply translates to more effective gym sessions and better results because of it.
Key Ingredients in Pre Workouts
So now you know what the benefits of a quality Pre-workout supplement are.
Please I don’t want you to get ripped off when buying a pre workout.
So look for these key ingredients when buying pre-workout.
Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid that boosts energy production in your muscles. The most common for is creatine monohydrate.
This superman ingredient can help increase your physical performance, help you build some serious muscle strength, and reduce your recovery time.
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is a form of caffeine that is highly concentrated. It can enhance your mental focus, make you feel alert, and give you a boost of energy.
If just starting out with caffeine you should start with a lower dose. Try starting at around 100-150mg per serving, it’s important to assess your tolerance.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine, this amino acid is a true friend. It helps increase carnosine production in the muscles.
What does this do?
This can help improve your endurance, delay fatigue in your muscles, and boost your gym performance. Beta-alanine is safe and effective, so make sure it’s included on the ingredient list of your pre-workout.
L-Citrulline & Citrulline Malate
I call them the C twins. These amino acids help with improving your blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and also enhance your performance.
They are also very good at reducing muscle soreness after a heavy workout.
Taurine
Taurine is a hydration hero. This amino acid enhances hydration, improves your recovery time, and increases your endurance in the gym.
Next to that, it is also known for having a calming effect, this is a great ingredient for beginners who are sensitive to caffeine. It will counteract caffeine’s potential negative effects.
BCAA’s (Branched Chain Amino Acids)
Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids. They help to enhance your muscle growth, improve recovery time, and reduce muscle fatigue.
BCAA are considered safe and effective ingredients, surely for beginners.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that will help enhance your mental focus, your alertness, and cognitive function.
Have a bit of stress?
It’s also good at that, it will help reduce it and improve your mood. So whenever possible, try to choose a pre-workout that also includes it.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid. It can enhance mental focus, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. All of these benefits are great.
Sensitive to caffeine? Then it will also help with that as it’s also known for its calming effect.
Side Effects
Seeing as your just starting out with pre workout. Please take time to consider the potential side effects.
When taking a pre workout, pay close attention to any negative side effects you might experience. Things such as jitters, energy crashes, upset stomachs, or other nasty side effects.
The pre workouts on this list deliver serious results. Generally, they don’t have these side effects. Everyone is different so assessing which pre workout fits you best is important.
Ingredients to Avoid
The ingredients we described now are safe and effective for gym goers at every level.
BUT
There are also some ingredients that you should avoid. Here are some of them.
DMAA
DMAA (aka 1,3-dimethylamylamine) is a FDA-banned stimulant due to its potential health risks. DMAA can cause serious issues like heart problems, and high blood pressure, and can lead to dangerous side effects.
DMHA
DMHA (aka 2-aminoisoheptane) is another stimulant just like the DMAA we just discussed. It has also been banned by the FDA. DMHA can cause similar side effects to the DMAA.
High Caffeine Doses
I am a big fan of the benefits that caffeine offers. Benefits like enhanced mental focus and boost in energy levels.
However,
On the flip side, consuming high doses of caffeine can lead to different side effects that no one wants. Side effects like feeling jittery, anxious, and energy crashes.
If you don’t have much experience with caffeine, start with a low dose of caffeine. You can then slowly increase the dosage as you assess your tolerance.
Alpha Yohimbine
Next on the list is alpha yohimbine. Please avoid it.
The stimulant Alpha yohimbine can increase your heart rate, causing you to feel jittery or feeling anxious. Besides that, it is also known to cause upset stomachs and give you headaches.
I recognize that it can provide you with a temporary boost in energy. I just think that the potential negative side effects outweigh the potential short-term benefits.
Optimal Dosing
Keep it simple.
Make sure that you follow the instructions on the label. Use the recommended dose of pre-workout supplement to avoid any adverse side effects.
Start with half a dose if you feel like one full dose might be too much. Evaluated the experience with half a dose.
Do you feel the boost in energy and want a bit more of a boost? increase it then to a full dose.
If you feel like it’s giving you the perfect amount of energy boost. Then keep it at that level for a while.
Quality Ingredients
Quality matters…especially when it comes to supplements. The quality of the ingredients will make all the difference.
Use this blog post to check the ingredient list of the pre workout. Make sure you read the next section on how to choose a pre workout. This way you are sure to make better decisions when purchasing the products.
How To Choose The Best Pre-Workout As a Beginner
Beginning your journey on the gym lifestyle can be overwhelming. Choosing the correct pre-workout supplement to start off with can add to that stress.
But, don’t worry! I got you.
With these tips, you can choose the best pre-workout for your needs. Choosing your first pre workout doesn’t have to be complex or difficult. Just follow the steps below.
- Choose your fitness goal. Do you want o lose some fat and become a bit leaner? Want to go from skinny to a beefy muscle guy?
Setting a goal is important as it will make every decision you make in this journey much easier. - Make sure that you read the label: Look for ingredients that we discussed in this blog. Do the ingredients help you achieve your goals? For example, caffeine will help give you boost of energy, and creatine monohydrate will help in building muscle. Avoid ingredients that you are sensitive to.
- Take taste and flavor into consideration: Some pre-workouts are known to taste awful. If that doesn’t bother you, then this doesn’t apply to you. But most people find that the taste should at least be decent. The good news is that all the pre workouts on this list taste great. That’s not only my opinion, many customers comment on the flavor is great. You have so many options when it comes to flavor that you are sure to find one that you’ll fall in love with.
- Begin with small doses: Start with small doses as a beginner to check and assess your tolerance. If you experience any negative side effects, consider lowering the dose or switching to another preworkout.
- Consult a professional: If you have any questions consult a medical professional. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. Remember, be and stay safe in everything you do.
FAQ
Best pre workout for beginners weight loss
If your goal is to lose weight, you definitely should give C4 Orginal a try! It’s a solid choice with ZERO calories, the brand has proven itself effective. The C4 brand has been around for a long time and has perfected its product.
Best pre workout for beginners to gain muscle
If what you are aiming for is muscle gain muscle, then you want to consider Bucked Up. It tastes amazing, has zero sugar, and comes with a fully transparent label. It’s made from scientifically backed ingredients. Has beta-alanine which promotes muscle growth, strength, and endurance.
Click here to check out on Amazon.
Which pre-workout is best for beginners?
The overall winner is the C4 Orginal pre workout. Why?
It contains ingredients that will help you increase your strength and build muscle. It offers it in many very delicious flavors which are all sugar-free. One serving of C4 Original has 150mg of caffeine. This amount is perfect to start with.
If that is still a bit too high, try the C4 Sport which has 135mg of caffeine.
I do not recommend starting as a beginner with anything higher than 150mg of caffeine. If higher, you increase the chances of feeling jittery and anxious.
Should I take pre-workout as a beginner?
This is my short answer: it is not necessary, but it can definitely help you get faster results.
Want faster results? Then get a good pre workout like C4 Orginial or Bucked Up.
Both these supplements will give you a boost in energy and focus.
You can definitely use this extra boost to power through your workout, especially on days when you’re feeling tired or lacking motivation.
Is C4 a good beginner pre-workout?
Yes, it’s one of my personal favorites. I believe that every beginner should consider starting with C4 Original. C4 is a well-established and popular pre-workout supplement.
It contains a perfect amount of caffeine (150mg) to start with. It also contains nitric oxide boosters, and other ingredients to help you power through your workouts.
I have used many pre workouts brands and products. I still use the C4 Original as my trusted go-to when hitting the gym.
When should I start taking pre-workouts?
Well, it’s your body so you decide.
If you have been going to the gym for a short while now then it might be a great option.
What is a short while?
Well, after going to the gym for 1-2 months I think it’s a great time to consider starting using a pre workout.
Best beginner pre workout reddit
You’ll find many suggestions on reddit. Mentioning many products that are on my list.
I suggest starting with the C4 Original.
Best Tasting Pre Workout
The yummy factor.
Well, if you want an intense flavor go for the Ryse Loaded Pre, Pre Kaged or Ghost Legend.
For a slightly more natural juice flavor consider Bucked Up.
If you want something more like a kool-aid mix, then try the C4 Original, Total War or Pre Kaged.
This I do promise, with so many options you are sure to find the right one—your favorite go-to. Don’t be afraid to try different ones, you will have a lot of fun in the process.
Are Pre-Workouts Safe for Beginners?
Pre-workouts supplements are generally considered safe.
Just make sure you take it as directed. Read the label carefully.
If you have any medical conditions, make sure you consult a trusted medical professional before starting any supplements.
Pre workouts are great products to have in your arsenal to get results in the gym. Just make sure to use them safely and wisely.
Do Beginners Need Pre-Workout?
Need? No.
But you surely will lose gaining the results you otherwise can get with a good pre workout.
Feel like you want to get more results?
Been going to the gym for 1-2 months?
I’d suggest you get a quality pre workout like C4 Original, Bucked Up, or Ghost Legend.
How Does a Pre-Workout Actually Work?
Pre-workouts work by supplying your body with vitamins and nutrients. These will give you a boost in energy, focus that you need to perform great at the gym. It will also delay muscle fatigue, increase your endurance and many others.
It contains ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide boosters. These ingredients will stimulate your nervous system, increase your energy levels, and improve endurance and focus.
Take a pre-workout before hitting the gym. You’ll give your body a much-needed extra boost and you’ll push through tough workouts and get massive results.
Bottom Line
With so many great pre workout supplement options out there, it can be hard to decide.
Here are the best pre workout for beginners:
The overall best pre workout is the C4 Original. It has 150mg of caffeine which is perfect for a beginner. It also has all the results-producing ingredients anyone could want.
If you want raw muscle gain then use the Bucked Up and use Total War for fat loss.
Ryse Loaded Pre is for a high caffeine boost, C4 Sport is the low caffeine option. The vegan-friendly option is the Ghost Legend.
If the flavor is a priority I suggest going for Pre Kaged, and the only quality budget option is SixStar Explosion.
Try any one of these supplements today and watch your results in the gym explode!
