What is the Best Preworkout for Men?

From hardcore bodybuilders to weekend warriors, men everywhere turn to pre-workout supplements for that crucial extra edge in the gym. The right pre-workout can take your training to the next level, unlocking greater muscle pumps, strength increases, and athletic performance.

But with so many products on the market making big claims, how do you separate the legit from the duds?

Don't worry, we've got your back.

In this comprehensive guide, we're giving you the scientific scoop on the most effective ingredients, dosages, and formulations for the best pre-workout for men. You'll learn what to look for on the label, how pre-workout can benefit your workouts, and our top picks based on testing and reviews. We've got our team of supplement experts and nutrition nerds to help you choose the ideal pre-workout to take your training, focus, energy, and results up a notch. So grab a snack, strap in, and get ready - the class on how to find your new favorite pre-workout is in session!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preworkout

Ingredients

Image showing a scoop of pre-workout powder next to a note with the ideal supplement flow before and after your workout.

When looking for the best pre-workout supplement for men, it's important to consider the key active ingredients.

Some of the top ingredients to look for include:

Caffeine - A natural stimulant that can increase energy, focus, and alertness. Caffeine is commonly dosed between 150-300mg per serving in pre-workouts (more on caffeine below).
Beta-Alanine - This amino acid has been shown to delay muscle fatigue, allowing you to crank out a few extra reps. Some users report a tingling sensation from beta-alanine.
Citrulline Malate - Boosts nitric oxide production, which can enhance muscle pumps and endurance. L-citrulline also helps reduce fatigue.
Betaine - Also known as trimethylglycine (TMG), this ingredient supports power output, strength gains, and may also aid muscle growth.

The best pre-workout supplements will contain an evidence-based blend of ingredients in optimal dosages without unnecessary fillers.

Taste and Mixability

Man drinking a good-tasting pre-workout supplement from a large jug in the gym.

Choose appealing flavors you'll enjoy and read reviews on taste quality.

Also, a great pre-workout supplement will mix smoothly without clumping or residue, using just a shaker bottle. You might want to try out a few different flavors and mixes before buying a whole tub.

Energy and Focus

Image representing the energy and focus gains from preworkout supplements.

The best pre-workout supplements provide a boost in energy and focus to help power you through intense training sessions.

Here are some key ingredients that can enhance energy and focus:

Caffeine - The most common stimulant found in pre-workouts. Doses typically range from 150-300mg. Caffeine can boost energy levels, and mental alertness while delaying fatigue. This cycle will contribute to better muscular endurance over time.
L-Tyrosine - An amino acid that is a building block for dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters important for focus and concentration. Tyrosine enhances cognition under stress.
L-Theanine - An amino acid that enhances the cognitive effects of caffeine, helping improve alertness and attention. L-theanine may also reduce caffeine jitters.
Choline Bitartrate - A precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is associated with enhanced cognition, focus, and memory formation.

Optimal energy and focus come from an evidence-based blend of ingredients like these in clinically effective dosages, unlike other pre-workout supplements. Avoid pre-workouts with opaque proprietary blends.

Value and Dosage

A filled supplement scoop sitting next to measuring tape and weights, metaphorically representing the value and dosage of the best preworkout supplements.

Consider per-serving and per-container prices before incorporating a pre-workout supplement into your workout routine. Aim for 4-5 uses per week, so a 30-serving tub lasts over a month, with larger containers usually providing the best value. Also, look at labels to check proper dosing of key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and caffeine based on clinical research.

NutriFitt's Top Pre-workout Picks

Carnage Advanced Pre-workout

Image of Carnage Advanced Pre-Workout (Cinna de Mango flavor) from NutriFitt for improved workouts and reduced muscle soreness.

Carnage Advanced Pre-Workout from NutriFitt is an intense high-stimulant pre-workout formulated for advanced athletes.

It contains 6 grams of L-citrulline and 3.2 grams of beta-alanine for muscle pumps and endurance. The formula also includes 400 mg of caffeine along with 40mg synephrine HCl to break down fat and yohimbine for enhanced blood flow.

Image of the Carnage Advanced Pre-Workout ingredient label.

Carnage contains patented ingredients like EndoFLo and VitaCholine to boost nitric oxide levels and enhance the mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Carnage allows users to push through grueling training sessions with massive energy surges, tunnel-vision focus, and the ability to grind out extra reps. It comes in 7 flavors, including Cinna de Mango, Blood Cherry Lemonade, Grape Candy, and Psychopath Punch (a better version of fruit punch).

Symbiote Extreme Pre-workout

Image of Symbiote Extreme Pre-workout (White Out flavor) from NutriFitt, ready to help you gain mass, lose weight in the form of fat, and reach your goals.

Symbiote Extreme is NutriFitt's most intense pre-workout yet, created for the most hardcore trainees to enhance exercise performance. It contains a whopping 479mg of caffeine from varied sources like caffeine anhydrous, caffeine citrate, and Infinergy.

Rather than DMHA, Symbiote Extreme includes alternative stimulants like Eria Jarensis for intense energy and focus and rauwolfia extract for increased circulation. The formula also contains CognatiQ and NeuroMZO for enhanced mood and cognition.

For muscle pumps, Symbiote Extreme contains 4 grams of L-citrulline along with 205mg of Choline Bitartrate. Unique ingredients like Betaine, L-tyrosine, Choline, and DMAE heighten mental acuity during workouts.

Image of the Symbiote Extreme Pre-workout ingredient label.

Reviewers praise Symbiote Extreme for powering them through even the toughest training sessions and improving workout performance overall. This one has great flavors like White Out, Dragon Gummy, Sour Watermelon, and Apocalyptic Sherbet. The formula mixes smoothly and easily.

Men's Pre-workout FAQ

How long before a workout should I take preworkout?

Taking a pre-workout 30-45 minutes before you start allows enough time for the ingredients to enter your bloodstream and take effect, so you can maximize energy, focus, and performance during training.

What are some good alternatives to caffeine in preworkout?

Some stim-free pre-workout options to replace caffeine include ginseng, green tea extract, and cocoa extract. These can provide an energy boost without caffeine's side effects. Check out our Carnage Pump for a non-stim pre-workout supplement to add to your gym session.

Can preworkout cause side effects?

Pre-workouts are generally safe if used as directed, but some may experience side effects like jitters, headaches, trouble sleeping, nausea, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and tingling skin. These can be caused by ingredients like caffeine or beta-alanine. Start with a low dose to assess tolerance.