How to Take Pre-Workout Powders for Maximum Performance: BullFit PreWorkout
by Ben Wilkinson
The Essential Guide: Utilizing Pre-Workout Powders for Optimal Outcomes
Regardless of if you're an established athlete, new to the fitness world, or an everyday gym enthusiast, you're likely familiar with pre-workout powders and their promise to boost your performance. However, the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements depends on both their quality and how you use them.
This guide will walk you through how to use pre-workout supplements like BullFit's PreWorkout for maximum effectiveness. Even if you've been using our pre-workout powders for a while, the guidelines in this article might help you fine-tune your regimen. We'll also answer common questions our customers ask about using pre-workouts.
Pre-Workout Powder: The How-To
Using pre-workout powder is quite simple. Here's a general guide on how to take pre-workout, specifically BullFit PreWorkout, before you hit the gym:
Follow the Label Instructions
Each pre-workout supplement may have unique instructions and dosage recommendations, so it's crucial to read the label and adhere to the suggested usage guidelines. (We'll delve more into specifics for BullFit pre-workouts later.)
Begin with a Half-Serving to Test Tolerance
If you're new to pre-workout supplements, it's advised to start with a smaller dose (e.g., half of a standard serving) to evaluate your tolerance, especially if the formula contains stimulants like caffeine. Pre-workout supplements usually include a scoop to help you measure the correct amount; generally, one heaping scoop is equivalent to one full serving.
Note: Pre-workout serving sizes are determined by mass, not volume. For maximum accuracy, weigh the powder in a full scoop and adjust as necessary. For instance, if you're using BullFit pre-workout, a full serving is 14.2 grams, roughly one heaping scoop. But, due to variations in powder density and moisture content, the exact amount in a full scoop might be slightly more or less than 14.2 grams.
Add Liquid to a Shaker Bottle or Glass
Pre-workout powder mixes best with cold/chilled water or fruit juice in a shaker bottle, but a glass cup will work if you don't have a shaker. Fill the shaker bottle, or glass, with the recommended amount of liquid—8-12 ounces for a full serving of BullFitPreWorkout (use 4-6 ounces for a half serving).
Measure and Add the Pre-Workout Powder to Your Shaker/Cup
Measure the suggested serving size of pre-workout powder using the provided scoop or spoon. If precision matters to you, use a milligram or gram scale to weigh out the serving. Then, add the powder to the liquid in your shaker bottle or glass.
Shake or Stir Thoroughly
Once the pre-workout powder is added to your shaker bottle, make sure the whisk mixing ball is inside and secure the lid tightly. Shake robustly for 5-10 seconds to ensure the powder is completely mixed with the water. If you're using a glass, stir the mixture with a fork or spoon until the powder is fully dissolved.
Consume 20-30 Minutes before Exercise
Pre-workout supplements are designed to be taken before your workout session, typically around 20-30 minutes beforehand. This allows enough time for the ingredients to be absorbed by your body.
Evaluate Your Tolerance and Adjust the Dosage (if Necessary)
Monitor how your body reacts to the pre-workout supplement. If you experience any adverse effects or feel excessively stimulated, you may need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different product. Generally, a stimulant-free pre-workout formula is the best option if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Addressing Pre-Workout: FAQs
Q: "Do I need to take breaks from pre-workouts occasionally?"
A: If you're using a pre-workout that contains stimulants (e.g., caffeine, synephrine, theobromine), it's generally wise to take 1 to 2 weeks off every 3 to 6 months to reduce/reset your tolerance. (This also implies cutting out other sources of stimulants, like coffee and energy drinks.) There is no need to cycle off a stimulant-free pre-workout, though.
Q: "Why do I feel dehydrated after using pre-workout supplements?"
A: Pre-workout powders often contain stimulants, especially caffeine, which increase heart rate, urination, and body temperature. Hence, it's crucial to drink additional water—and some electrolytes—during your workout to stay adequately hydrated.
Q: "Why doesn't my pre-workout supplement provide the same energy boost as before?"
A: You've likely developed a high tolerance to caffeine, the primary stimulant in most pre-workout supplements. In some cases, increasing the dosage of pre-workout can restore the expected energy boost, but this will also increase your tolerance (and potentially side effects).
For most fitness enthusiasts and athletes, the better option is to take 1 to 2 weeks off stimulant-containing pre-workouts and cut out other sources of caffeine, like coffee and energy drinks.
Q: "Can I consume pre-workout every day, even on rest days?"
A: Yes, but be conscious of your total caffeine intake; tolerance can rapidly increase if you consume large amounts of caffeine every day, which can ultimately decrease the efficacy of a stimulant-based pre-workout on the days you exercise.
Q: "Why does my skin tingle after using pre-workout powder?"
A: This is a harmless side effect of beta-alanine, called "paresthesia." Beta-alanine is a common ingredient in pre-workout formulas that raises muscle carnosine levels. You can learn more about why this causes a tingling/itching sensation by reading: What Causes the Beta-Alanine Tingle?
Q: "Can I take pre-workout on an empty stomach?"
A: Yes, but it might cause stomach discomfort in some people. If you're prone to digestive upset, try taking your pre-workout with a small snack.
Q: "Can I mix my pre-workout with a protein shake?"
A: Yes, but bear in mind that protein can slow the absorption of the pre-workout ingredients. For optimal results, consume your pre-workout separately from your protein shake.
Q: "Why does pre-workout make me feel jittery?"
A: This is likely due to the caffeine content in your pre-workout. If you're sensitive to caffeine, consider trying a stimulant-free pre-workout or taking a smaller dose.
Q: "What can I do if the taste of the pre-workout is too strong?"
A: If you find the taste of your pre-workout too strong, try diluting it with more water. Alternatively, you could mix it with a flavored beverage to mask the taste.
Q: "Can I use pre-workout for non-gym workouts, like yoga or pilates?"
A: Absolutely! Pre-workout can enhance focus and energy levels for any type of exercise. Just be mindful that the stimulants might not be as beneficial for relaxing exercises like yoga.
Shop BullFit Pre-Workout Supplements
Now that you're armed with the know-how of using pre-workout supplements, visit the BullFit store and pick up your favorite PreWorkout! The formulas for BullFit have been recently upgraded, so stay tuned for an upcoming blog post that details the improvements!
by Ben Wilkinson
The Essential Guide: Utilizing Pre-Workout Powders for Optimal Outcomes
Regardless of if you're an established athlete, new to the fitness world, or an everyday gym enthusiast, you're likely familiar with pre-workout powders and their promise to boost your performance. However, the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements depends on both their quality and how you use them.
This guide will walk you through how to use pre-workout supplements like BullFit's PreWorkout for maximum effectiveness. Even if you've been using our pre-workout powders for a while, the guidelines in this article might help you fine-tune your regimen. We'll also answer common questions our customers ask about using pre-workouts.
Pre-Workout Powder: The How-To
Using pre-workout powder is quite simple. Here's a general guide on how to take pre-workout, specifically BullFit PreWorkout, before you hit the gym:
Follow the Label Instructions
Each pre-workout supplement may have unique instructions and dosage recommendations, so it's crucial to read the label and adhere to the suggested usage guidelines. (We'll delve more into specifics for BullFit pre-workouts later.)
Begin with a Half-Serving to Test Tolerance
If you're new to pre-workout supplements, it's advised to start with a smaller dose (e.g., half of a standard serving) to evaluate your tolerance, especially if the formula contains stimulants like caffeine. Pre-workout supplements usually include a scoop to help you measure the correct amount; generally, one heaping scoop is equivalent to one full serving.
Note: Pre-workout serving sizes are determined by mass, not volume. For maximum accuracy, weigh the powder in a full scoop and adjust as necessary. For instance, if you're using BullFit pre-workout, a full serving is 14.2 grams, roughly one heaping scoop. But, due to variations in powder density and moisture content, the exact amount in a full scoop might be slightly more or less than 14.2 grams.
Add Liquid to a Shaker Bottle or Glass
Pre-workout powder mixes best with cold/chilled water or fruit juice in a shaker bottle, but a glass cup will work if you don't have a shaker. Fill the shaker bottle, or glass, with the recommended amount of liquid—8-12 ounces for a full serving of BullFitPreWorkout (use 4-6 ounces for a half serving).
Measure and Add the Pre-Workout Powder to Your Shaker/Cup
Measure the suggested serving size of pre-workout powder using the provided scoop or spoon. If precision matters to you, use a milligram or gram scale to weigh out the serving. Then, add the powder to the liquid in your shaker bottle or glass.
Shake or Stir Thoroughly
Once the pre-workout powder is added to your shaker bottle, make sure the whisk mixing ball is inside and secure the lid tightly. Shake robustly for 5-10 seconds to ensure the powder is completely mixed with the water. If you're using a glass, stir the mixture with a fork or spoon until the powder is fully dissolved.
Consume 20-30 Minutes before Exercise
Pre-workout supplements are designed to be taken before your workout session, typically around 20-30 minutes beforehand. This allows enough time for the ingredients to be absorbed by your body.
Evaluate Your Tolerance and Adjust the Dosage (if Necessary)
Monitor how your body reacts to the pre-workout supplement. If you experience any adverse effects or feel excessively stimulated, you may need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different product. Generally, a stimulant-free pre-workout formula is the best option if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Addressing Pre-Workout: FAQs
Q: "Do I need to take breaks from pre-workouts occasionally?"
A: If you're using a pre-workout that contains stimulants (e.g., caffeine, synephrine, theobromine), it's generally wise to take 1 to 2 weeks off every 3 to 6 months to reduce/reset your tolerance. (This also implies cutting out other sources of stimulants, like coffee and energy drinks.) There is no need to cycle off a stimulant-free pre-workout, though.
Q: "Why do I feel dehydrated after using pre-workout supplements?"
A: Pre-workout powders often contain stimulants, especially caffeine, which increase heart rate, urination, and body temperature. Hence, it's crucial to drink additional water—and some electrolytes—during your workout to stay adequately hydrated.
Q: "Why doesn't my pre-workout supplement provide the same energy boost as before?"
A: You've likely developed a high tolerance to caffeine, the primary stimulant in most pre-workout supplements. In some cases, increasing the dosage of pre-workout can restore the expected energy boost, but this will also increase your tolerance (and potentially side effects).
For most fitness enthusiasts and athletes, the better option is to take 1 to 2 weeks off stimulant-containing pre-workouts and cut out other sources of caffeine, like coffee and energy drinks.
Q: "Can I consume pre-workout every day, even on rest days?"
A: Yes, but be conscious of your total caffeine intake; tolerance can rapidly increase if you consume large amounts of caffeine every day, which can ultimately decrease the efficacy of a stimulant-based pre-workout on the days you exercise.
Q: "Why does my skin tingle after using pre-workout powder?"
A: This is a harmless side effect of beta-alanine, called "paresthesia." Beta-alanine is a common ingredient in pre-workout formulas that raises muscle carnosine levels. You can learn more about why this causes a tingling/itching sensation by reading: What Causes the Beta-Alanine Tingle?
Q: "Can I take pre-workout on an empty stomach?"
A: Yes, but it might cause stomach discomfort in some people. If you're prone to digestive upset, try taking your pre-workout with a small snack.
Q: "Can I mix my pre-workout with a protein shake?"
A: Yes, but bear in mind that protein can slow the absorption of the pre-workout ingredients. For optimal results, consume your pre-workout separately from your protein shake.
Q: "Why does pre-workout make me feel jittery?"
A: This is likely due to the caffeine content in your pre-workout. If you're sensitive to caffeine, consider trying a stimulant-free pre-workout or taking a smaller dose.
Q: "What can I do if the taste of the pre-workout is too strong?"
A: If you find the taste of your pre-workout too strong, try diluting it with more water. Alternatively, you could mix it with a flavored beverage to mask the taste.
Q: "Can I use pre-workout for non-gym workouts, like yoga or pilates?"
A: Absolutely! Pre-workout can enhance focus and energy levels for any type of exercise. Just be mindful that the stimulants might not be as beneficial for relaxing exercises like yoga.
Shop BullFit Pre-Workout Supplements
Now that you're armed with the know-how of using pre-workout supplements, visit the BullFit store and pick up your favorite PreWorkout! The formulas for BullFit have been recently upgraded, so stay tuned for an upcoming blog post that details the improvements!
