Pre-workout Supplement?

[cyclops]

Anybody take one before hitting the iron? Like one of those pre-made ones.

 

[Lurker]

I always thought if you need a pick me up more than a cup of coffee then maybe a nap is in order rather than the workout. I see people popping speed and hitting the smelling salts to get that adrenaline rush for just a gym session. This ain’t the damn Olympics. I prefer the Easy Strength type workout from Dan John and Pavel. Frequent mid level lifts with intuitive progression.

There are a couple threads below where it has been discussed before.

 

[nbznj]

I only supplement vega protein essentials here in Canada (damn good brand) and I've always used Optimum nutrition serious mass anywhere I've lived - Europe,US,Canada. All you need is a complete nutrition and a load of good carbs when you're working out.

You could always supplement citrulline and creatine. Stimulants aren't great.

 

[omnivoracious]

Brad Schoenfeld was interviewed recently on the Barbell Shrugged podcast. He suggested BCAAs aren't super relevant if you are taking in quality protein like whole foods or a whey or casein shake. He said your daily goal should be to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. He said caffeine definitely helps work capacity but you don't need carbs to spike insulin. A whey shake on its own will spike enough insulin to get the job done. I train first thing in the morning and have been taking a whey shake on my way to the gym. Will probably try to figure out a way to add in some caffeine but haven't done so yet. Caffeine pills would probably be the easiest way to go as I don't want all the other stuff that is added to pre-workout supps.

 

[Mossy]

I only supplement vega protein essentials here in Canada (damn good brand) and I've always used Optimum nutrition serious mass anywhere I've lived - Europe,US,Canada. All you need is a complete nutrition and a load of good carbs when you're working out.
You could always supplement citrulline and creatine. Stimulants aren't great.

Hello, not knocking your suggestion, just sharing some thoughts.

I believe citruline is anti-Peat because it raises Nitric Oxide(NO), which is pro-aging. I understand that sometimes a mild non-Peaty substance can used, if its use outdoes the overall harm, and if you can counter the harm, which in this case it seems Vitamin C and E counter the harmful effects of NO, per a post by haidut.

My personal experience supplementing with citruline per-work was temporary very good, and very bad. It truly does pump up my muscles like I never thought possible; truly, it's unreal -- like I'm looking at someone else in the mirror. But, it drops my heart-rate to dangerous levels. I understand everyone is different, and some may be able to handle it, but just sharing my experience. Since a really bad episode with low heart-rate, I now only use watermelon juice to get my citruline, versus supplementing. I grind up and juice the rinds along with the watermelon, which contain most of the citruline.

My experience has been pretty good with coffee, though a stimulant, it is a good pre-work. In addition, your suggestion of creatine has helped me as well, but I'm taking some time off from that.