In today’s society, we have more fitness routines, strenuous workouts, and energy-packed enhancers and supplements than ever before. With so many products being promoted on social media, at your local gym, and even in your personal email, it’s hard to tell which are truly safe and beneficial for a healthier lifestyle.
For those who believe getting in a great workout each day is the path to a healthy and fulfilling life, supplements are all the rage. Pre-workouts are known for giving a person’s body the energy it needs to complete a workout, stay focused, and feel less fatigued afterward. One important question many people have, however, is how much caffeine is in pre-workout? While the answer varies depending on which supplements you use, most pre-workouts include anywhere from 150 to 300 mg of caffeine.
If you’re a user of these supplements you may be wondering if that level of caffeine is a good thing or dangerous for your body. That’s what we’re here to find out. We’ll take a look at the amount of caffeine in pre-workout along with the benefits and the dangers. This will help you determine whether adding this to your health regimen is the right move for your aspirations of a healthier lifestyle.
What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?
If you’re new to the fitness world, you may not know what pre-workouts are. In short, pre-workouts are supplements used to give you the energy to work out hard and not feel like you’re running out of energy before you finish up. They also claim to give people the focus they need to stay on track while exercising. It’s a great way to fuel the body so it’s ready for the activities ahead.
Pre-workouts come in several forms. Shakes, pills, powders, and even meals come with these supplements. Most of these supplements are taken roughly 30 minutes before a workout. They include a boost of carbohydrates to increase blood sugar levels for an energy increase, caffeine, and several other energy-boosting ingredients. Pre-workout is considered very energizing for fitness enthusiasts and a great way to get their workout going.
The Caffeine Levels in Pre-Workout
While each type of pre-workout contains a different amount of caffeine, most tend to stay between 150 and 300 mg. To sum that up a bit, it’s equal to 2–3 cups of coffee. Luckily, you can decide how much caffeine you want in your pre-workout. By simply taking a look at the ingredients listed on the particular brand you choose, you can decide whether you want your caffeine level on the lower end of the spectrum or the higher side.
How Much Caffeine Is Considered Safe?
One of the most important things to remember when thinking about the caffeine levels in your pre-workout is, will you be having more caffeine throughout the day? If you’re a soda drinker, each one you drink has caffeine in it. It’s the same with coffee. Even certain foods like chocolate contain caffeine. This is why balancing how much caffeine you take in with your pre-workout against the rest of your daily intake is so important.
The recommended daily allowance of caffeine is 400 mg. If you use a pre-workout that has higher levels of caffeine, you may easily go over the amount recommended for an adult each day. While some people feel no adverse effects of higher levels of caffeine, others do. Those with intolerances or who are new to high levels of caffeine may show signs of jitters, increased heart rate, and even upset stomach. Keep all of this in mind when choosing the pre-workout that is best for your health and situation.
Is Pre-Workout Bad for You?
While pre-workout isn’t considered bad for you, when used properly, it can be dangerous if misused. When starting any supplement or program, it is best to speak with your doctor first. They will be able to help you better understand what pre-workout includes and how it can affect your body. If they approve, then follow the directions to the letter. Like with most any supplement out there, people will boast about using too much and how much better their workout was thanks to it. This type of overuse isn’t sustainable. To avoid issues, use Pre-Workout correctly and routinely. You’ll have great workouts and feel great the right way.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to add pre-workout supplements to your fitness plan, go for it. Keep in mind, however, like with any supplement there are risks. Yes, you’ll be ingesting anywhere from 150 to 300 mg of caffeine with each use. This will help keep you focused and energized for your workout. Unfortunately, according to the brand you use, it may also mean you need to skip those morning cups of coffee on the days you workout.
Featured Image Credit: RossHelen, Shutterstock
