Pre workout supplements are becoming an increasingly popular way to get the most out of a training session. But there are many myths floating around about what pre workout can do, and it’s important to know the truth in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to use them. In this article, we’ll break down some of the common myths about pre-workout supplements and discuss the facts that everyone should understand before taking one.
1: Pre-workout will make you bulk up
One of the most common myths about pre-workouts is that they will help you bulk up quickly. While it’s true that pre-workouts can help improve your strength and endurance during a workout, they won’t cause you to gain muscle mass overnight. Building muscle takes time and dedication; no supplement alone can provide this benefit without a proper training routine.
2: Pre-workouts are safe to use every day
Another common misconception is that pre-workouts are perfectly safe to use on a daily basis without any potential side effects. While many of the ingredients in pre-workout supplements have been tested and found to be safe, they still contain stimulants such as caffeine, which can be dangerous if taken in large doses or over a long period of time. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and consult your doctor if you have any concerns about regular use.
3: Pre-workout supplements give you energy
While it’s true that some pre-workout supplements contain ingredients designed to give you an energy boost, that doesn’t mean they’ll suddenly give you endless amounts of energy throughout the day. Many people think that taking a scoop of pre-workout before a workout will give them more energy throughout the day, but this isn’t realistic as your body needs time to adjust to the stimulant effect after ingestion.
4: All pre-workout supplements contain the same ingredients
Not all pre-workout supplements are created equal; each brand has its own unique blend of ingredients depending on the benefits they’re trying to achieve for the user. Some may contain more caffeine than others, while others may focus more on amino acids or vitamins. It’s important to read labels carefully so you know exactly what ingredients are in each product before deciding which one is right for you.
5 : Taking a pre-workout is the only way to get results
This couldn’t be further from the truth! While taking a quality pre-workout supplement can definitely help to improve performance during your workout, it’s certainly not necessary for results – diet and exercise remain paramount regardless of whether or not you decide to take a pre-workout supplement.It’s also important to remember that developing habits such as a consistent sleep schedule, proper nutrition and adequate hydration during your days off are just as important to achieving positive results from your overall workout as taking extra supplements.
6 : Natural pre-workout alternatives don’t offer the same benefits
Many people assume that natural alternatives aren’t as effective because they don’t contain artificial additives like other products, but this isn’t always the case! There’s plenty of research showing that certain herbs, spices and other natural extracts can provide effective support and performance enhancement when used correctly. For those looking for a milder stimulation than traditional synthetic options can offer, finding a balanced combination could be beneficial.
7 : Stimulants and other ingredients found in pre-workout products can be harmful to your health if used over a long period of time.
This largely depends on the dose, frequency of use, personal sensitivities/allergies etc. Generally, however, many people experience few health problems with moderate use, but again, it all comes down to individual factors. If you are unsure, it would be wise to consult a medical professional before starting a new regime!
The bottom line
Whilst there are certainly some misconceptions surrounding pre-workout supplements, understanding how these work along with potential side effects can help to ensure safe use when incorporating them into a fitness regime. Most importantly – relying solely on supplementation without an appropriate diet/exercise plan is likely to yield minimal positive change overall, therefore investing effort in both areas is just prudent!
