MAXIMIZING WORKOUTS: THE PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS GUIDE

MAXIMIZING WORKOUTS: THE PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS GUIDE

In the world of sports and fitness, pre-workout supplements have earned a place of honor in the routine of athletes and enthusiasts due to their ability to amplify energy, endurance, and focus. These products are designed to prepare the body and mind for training sessions, ensuring that each movement and repetition are performed at maximum potential.

Combining key ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and, of course, caffeine, pre-workout supplements offer a synergistic mix that supports physical and mental performance.


Caffeine:

The Universal Stimulant Caffeine is an organic compound that acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. It is most well-known for its presence in coffee, but it is also found in other beverages such as tea and some energy drinks. Caffeine can improve alertness, concentration, and the ability to stay vigilant. It can also temporarily boost metabolism and reduce fatigue. However, sensitivity to caffeine can vary from person to person, and excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as insomnia or anxiety.

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation and sleep. Adenosine binds to its receptors in the brain, signaling the body that it is time to rest. When you consume caffeine, it blocks adenosine receptors, thus preventing its action. By blocking these receptors, the levels of other substances, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, increase in the brain. These substances contribute to increased alertness, concentration, and improved mood. Additionally, caffeine can stimulate the production of adrenaline, increasing heart rate and supporting you in moments of physical effort.


Benefits of Caffeine and EFSA Recommendations

  • Can improve energy levels and reduce the perception of effort during workouts. Helps maintain physical performance by delaying fatigue, allowing for longer and potentially more effective training sessions.
  • Improves mental focus and vigilance, which can be particularly beneficial during difficult or long workouts, helping you stay focused on your training goals.
  • Can temporarily increase metabolic rate, leading to greater calorie burning. It can also stimulate the use of fats as a fuel source, potentially conserving glycogen stores for longer endurance efforts.
  • Improves performance in endurance sports such as running, cycling, and swimming, as well as in activities that require short intense efforts, such as weightlifting or sprinting.

Experts from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have investigated caffeine and its effects on various groups. For adults, consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine in a single dose or up to 400 mg (5.7mg/kg) spread throughout the day does not seem to be a concern for most healthy adults. However, taking 100 mg before bedtime could affect sleep.

‘’https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/caffeine’’

Caffeine Metabolism
The time it takes to metabolize caffeine can vary from person to person. Generally, the caffeine metabolism process has a "half-life" of about 3-5 hours. This means that after 3-5 hours, half of the initially consumed caffeine amount has been eliminated from the body. For example, a person who consumes 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine will have 150 mg of caffeine remaining in their system after about 3-5 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid high caffeine consumption at least 5 hours before going to bed.

GENIUS NUTRITION® stands out for the diversity and specificity of its products, each designed to meet the varied needs of athletes. Pre-workout supplements can be divided into two main groups: those containing caffeine and those without caffeine.


Pre-workout products with caffeine
are intended for those seeking a significant boost in energy and focus during workouts. Each of these supplements contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that improves alertness and reduces fatigue, making them ideal for daytime training sessions or for athletes who need extra energy to achieve their performance goals:

  • Warcry® PRE: This supplement is a reliable ally for those aiming for explosive workouts. With beta-alanine to reduce muscle fatigue and L-norvaline for an impressive pumping effect, Warcry® PRE ensures the conditions for surpassing physical limits.
    Learn more about Warcry® PRE here.
  • Warcry® ULTRA: For athletes aiming for peak performance, Warcry® ULTRA offers increased vigilance thanks to hydrochloride caffeine and improves blood circulation with the help of Veinox® and Ginseng, turning each workout into an opportunity to excel.
    Learn more about Warcry® ULTRA here.
  • Warcry® ENERGY: Redefining the concept of energy, this product offers sustained alertness without post-workout energy crashes, ideal for those wanting to maintain a constant level of performance.
    Learn more about Warcry® ENERGY here.
  • Fury Extreme: For unmatched focus, explosive energy, and rapid recovery. With thermogenic and nootropic properties, this supplement will amplify your performance and mental clarity.
    Learn more about Fury Extreme here.


Pre-workout supplement formulated without caffeine
, designed to support performance without negatively affecting sleep cycles or for individuals sensitive to stimulants. It offers benefits such as improving endurance and supporting muscle recovery, making it an excellent choice for evening workouts or for those wanting to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine:

  • Whisper®: Designed for those who train in the evening and want to avoid caffeine. Containing citrulline malate to reduce fatigue and beta-alanine for increased endurance, plus GlycoPump® for hydration, Whisper® offers all the benefits of a pre-workout without disturbing sleep, ideal for evening sessions.
    Learn more about Whisper® here.
  • HEROX: The ideal solution for those wanting the benefits of supplements without affecting sleep. With GABA to calm the nervous system, L-Tryptophan to regulate mood, and melatonin for restful sleep, HEROX ensures the necessary relaxation after intense workouts, making it perfect for evening consumption.
    Learn more about HEROX here.


In addition to pre-workout supplements, there are other products that can support performance:

  • Creatine - consuming creatine before a workout can improve your ability to perform strength and endurance exercises, facilitating enhanced performance during intense workouts. It provides rapid energy to muscles, supporting short and intense workouts, such as weight training or speed exercises.
    Learn more about Creatine here.
  • Arginine - is the precursor of nitric oxide in the body, promoting the dilation of blood vessels. This action can enhance blood flow to muscles during exercise, contributing to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscle tissues.
    Learn more about ARGININE here.
  • Glycogex (cyclic dextrin) Carbohydrates like Glycogex are rapidly digested, providing immediate energy for intense workouts. Additionally, they offer a gradual release of glucose, maintaining energy levels during extended exercises. Consuming cyclic dextrin before a workout can help reduce fatigue, maintaining glycogen reserves. It is well tolerated by most people and tends to be easier to digest than other forms of carbohydrates, reducing the sensation of gastric discomfort during workouts.
    Learn more about Glycogex here.


Conclusion:
Regardless of supplement choice, a balanced diet and proper hydration are essential for achieving optimal results during workouts. Combined with the right supplements, these elements contribute to maximizing performance and recovery in fitness.