Pre-Workout supplements can be a great way to increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Here we will go over what you should look for when buying a pre-workout supplement so you can make an informed choice.
Regular workouts are great for the body and mind but let’s be honest, some days it’s harder to get motivated than others. This is where pre-workout supplements come in handy.
Whether you’ve been working out for years or you just started a few weeks ago, it’s important to get the most out of your workout.
Sustaining energy, endurance, improved focus, and motivation are essential to a successful workout session, and supplements that are the best pre-workout for women can help you achieve that success.
We’ve reviewed and chosen five of the best pre-workout supplements for women that we enjoy so that your pre-workout is just as good as your post-workout feeling.
What Is A Pre-Workout Supplement?
Even if you exercise on a regular basis, you may not know what a pre-workout supplement is or have even considered using one.
If you’re like millions of other women who find time to work out, despite a busy schedule, you might have a hard enough time remembering to bring your water bottle let alone a supplement before you head to the gym. What we do pre-workouts is important though.
In short, a pre-workout supplement is designed to help you focus, have better endurance and energy during a workout session.
While pre-workout supplements come in the form of a powder or pill, for this review, we will only be discussing and reviewing pre-workout powders specifically created for women.
Pre workout supplements may vary from one to the next but often contain common ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, amino acids, vitamin complexes like vitamin B12, protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements. That does not mean that they are bad for you, but we just wanted you to know.
Who Benefits From Using A Pre Workout Supplement?
For years, pre (and post) workout supplements were usually targeted towards bodybuilders or male athletes who did intensive training and to improve their performance. Today, there are numerous brands and types of pre-workout supplements on the market, and they aren’t just for athletic men anymore.
Traditionally, men are more likely to lift weights and women may try out a variety of workouts such as yoga, pilates, or even kickboxing. Today, men and women are participating in the same types of exercise, which means that many women may benefit from the best pre-workout supplements.
If you walk daily and do gentle yoga a few times a week, would a supplement pre-workouts be necessary or even beneficial? Maybe not, but if you run and do strength training, you might find that a supplement could help you go that extra mile or lift a little bit more than usual.
It’s common to reach a plateau in fitness goals or even struggle to find motivation. If you find yourself facing these challenges week after week, it may not hurt to try out a supplement pre-workouts. Remember, you don’t need to be a bulky weight lifter to benefit from a supplement.
How To Choose A Supplement that is the Best Pre-Workout for Women
If you walk into any gym, nutrition store, or most big box stores, looking for the right supplement for pre-workouts for women, you might get a little overwhelmed by the results.
So many containers look the same, promise to do the same, and each one is claiming to be “the best pre-workout supplement.” Pre-workout supplements, if you choose the right one for you, can be a worthy investment but you can’t always (and probably shouldn’t) judge by the price tag alone.
Choosing the best pre-workout supplement for women requires knowing what you want from a supplement, reading the label, and understanding how some of the ingredients benefit you.
Taking A Closer Look At Common Ingredients in the Best Pre-Workout for Women Supplements
As with every health and fitness product, it’s a good idea to know what you’re putting into your body; a pre-workout product is no different. The ingredients are everything.
While we mentioned briefly that pre-workout ingredients might vary from one supplement to the next and there are some proprietary blends out there, but we will take a closer look at some of the most common ones and explain what they do for you and how they can help you before a workout. It’s important to know the ingredients before you take a pre-workout supplement.
Caffeine
Many of us use caffeine (usually as coffee or tea) on a regular basis to give our energy a little boost throughout the day. If you’ve never considered having a little caffeine before a workout, it may be worth a try as it can be beneficial.
Studies suggest that low to moderate doses of caffeine (100-200 mg per serving or 1 to 2 cups of coffee) can improve performance and increase alertness, increase blood flow, and help maintain focus. Many pre-workout supplements for women contain natural caffeine often in the form of green tea or cocoa.
Creatine
Most supplements contain creatine, and many people don’t know much about creatine. Our bodies already have creatine, which is a chemical that is also found in red meat and seafood. While creatine is beneficial in many ways, a synthetic version is often added to workout supplements to improve exercise performance or to increase muscle mass.
Protein Or Amino Acids
Protein can be beneficial before (and after) any workout as it can help the body become (and remain) leaner. Whey protein is one of the better types of protein to consume before a workout but if you don’t see “protein” on the label, look for BCAAs.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) include leucine, isoleucine, and valine and these essential amino acids make up approximately one-third of muscle protein, which can be beneficial for intensive workouts. BCAAs are added to pre-workout supplements to support metabolism and also help to boost energy.
More Amino Acids
Other amino acids found in supplements like L citrulline and L tyrosine are common ingredients in supplements. Let’s look at both of them separately to get an idea of how they benefit your pre-workout.
L Citrulline
L Citrulline is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide in our body. Nitric oxide makes our arteries relax and improves blood flow throughout the body. A lot of women take pre-workout supplements with L citrulline malate which is a combination of the amino acid L citrulline with malate which is a compound important for energy production. Together, these ingredients make for a great combination for your pre-workouts.
L Tyrosine
Another amino acid that is often one of the ingredients in supplements for pre-workouts is L Tyrosine. This amino acid works to help your neurotransmitters fire. We like the sound of that. Get that brain working for with this ingredient in your pre-workout supplement.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is another common ingredient added to many pre-workout supplements for women as it helps to fight fatigue during a high-intensity workout. A delay in fatigue means that you can extend your workout session and push yourself a little harder.
Vitamin Complexes
Some important vitamins to look for when selecting a pre-workout supplement are Vitamin-B complex, and Vitamin C. Vitamin B helps to maintain your body’s metabolism and promotes energy while Vitamin C can help your body handle the stress of exercise. It can also help to prevent coughing and wheezing while you work out.
Does Every Woman Need A Pre-Workout Supplement?
As mentioned briefly, not every woman works out the same or even engages in intense exercises. Taking a pre-workout supplement will depend on how hard you are working out. If you’re a runner, take a spinning class, or lift weights you may benefit more when you use a pre-workout supplement than a woman who takes tai chi or water aerobics.
It’s not that one cannot consider a pre-workout supplement, but you should choose a product that will enhance, improve, and help you during your workout. If for example, you take yoga, you may not want (or need) the extra caffeine before your class.
When should you use Pre-Workout Supplements?
If you decide to use pre-workout supplements, make sure you are taking pre-workout supplements at the right times to benefit your workout.
The recommended time for using a pre-workout supplement is 30 minutes before your workout. This will help you get the effects of the supplement and give you some of the performance-enhancing benefits we discussed.
Are there gluten-free Pre-Workout Supplements for Women?
Have no fear! There are many supplements available for a pre-workout for women that are gluten-free. They have all of the essential ingredients like beta-alanine and the amino acid, L citrulline malate powder just without the wheat. Get your pre-workout supplement without worrying about the gluten.
Do your research to find the right pre-workout formula, but know that they are out there and contain all of the best ingredients for you.
Our Top Recommendations for Best Pre-Workout for Women Supplements
- Caffeine: Red Leaf Pre Workout contains 40 milligrams of pure caffeine per serving for a mild, gentle energizing boost without jitters or an energy crash
- Beta-Alanine: 1.0 grams of beta alanine per serving for improved muscle endurance and stamina. This amino acid activates a natural histamine response in the body, which may result in a tingling,...
- BCAA's: Red Leaf Preworkout contains 1,000 milligrams branched chain amino acids per serving, which help your muscles recover after exercise
Our favorite pre-workout for women supplement, the Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer contains many of the common pre-workout ingredients we discussed: beta-alanine and BCAAs. The powder, which dissolves in water, contains a low dose of caffeine in the form of Green Tea Extract.
This powder is a great option for someone who is hesitant or sensitive to caffeine, and the ingredients are natural. It can also be used throughout the day as an energy booster, and the small container (which holds 30 servings) is convenient enough to take on the go.
- Easy to use, great taste
- Great for any kind of workout
- Cranberry extract adds antioxidants
- Small package means frequent reorder
- CLEAN PRE WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT: Naked Energy is a vegan pre workout powder manufactured in the USA with 10 High-Quality ingredients using amino acids, vitamins and caffeine from unroasted coffee beans.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY: A vegan pre workout energizer, with no added sugars, fillers, artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors. Pairs great with a post-workout shake using our Vegan Protein powders to build...
- YOUR BEST WORKOUT PARTNER: Designed specially to enhance athletic performance.** Take as a pre workout drink mix to get clean energy in the gym. Feel the pure, healthy energy needed for a workout, not...
Your pre-workouts just got an energy boost. Naked Energy is a natural pre-workout supplement that includes amino acids and essential vitamins like C, B3, B6, B12, and Calcium. The caffeine content comes from unroasted coffee beans. There are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors and it’s a suitable blend for vegetarians and vegans.
With 50 servings (2 scoops per serving) in each container, you can enjoy the supplement by mixing it into your favorite beverage. This pre-workout supplement is a good option for any woman who is looking for a “no-nonsense” formula and wants something with all-natural ingredients.
- No overpowering or synthetic flavor
- Good “starter” supplement for women who want to try out the best pre-workout supplements
- Too bland tasting
- Might not dissolve in every type of beverage
Much like other quality pre-workout supplements, FitMiss Ignite Pre Workout Supplement is designed “just for women” and boosts energy making it the right pre-workout supplement for many. It also helps to build muscle, while maintaining a lean physique, and may also aid in weight loss.
The “Proprietary Blend” includes Beta-alanine, L-Glycine, Taurine, Beet Root Extract, Hawthorn Berry Powder, and other ingredients. Available in “Strawberry Margarita” flavor, this pre-workout supplement may be just the taste you’re looking for pre-workout.
- Contains some of the essential ingredients you want in a pre-workout supplement
- Tastes good, convenient to take anywhere
- May need to do additional research to find out more about ingredients
Conclusion
Working out can be a lot of fun, but it can also feel like one of the biggest hassles or obstacles in life. Pre-workout supplements are designed to make workouts easier and more of the results we want to see.
Not only is it important to fuel our bodies but also our minds. While many of the pre-workout supplements had things we loved, our “best” pick was Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer. We loved this supplement because the taste was pleasant and was refreshing (it didn’t have a bad aftertaste like some other supplements).
It contains some essential ingredients like Beta-alanine and BCAAs, and it provided enough energy for a high-level hour-long workout. There was no sense of “crashing” or feeling jittery because of a high dose of caffeine.
While this formula may not offer enough benefits to a female athlete training intensively, it one of the better pre-workout products suitable for women who like to workout at the gym, weight lift, run or take a cardio-intensive class like spin. Take a pre-workout supplement to give you the energy levels you need to for muscle growth and building that lean muscle mass.
Our team at The Fitness Tribe often collaborates together to produce content. Many times the content is not written by a single author, instead it is usually a team effort.
Last update on 2023-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API