Can You Take Pre-Workout Without Working Out?

Pre workout supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their ability to boost energy, focus, and performance during workouts. However, is it appropriate to consume pre workout without exercising?

Some people may be inclined to, whether it’s for the caffeine or for the other stimulants. In this post, we’ll explore the main effects of taking pre workout without working out and whether it’s advisable or not.

What Happens if You Take Pre Workout Without Working Out?

If you take pre workout supplements without exercising, you may experience adverse side effects although there have been some studies that have suggested potential cognitive benefits.

1. Stimulation

Ingredients such as caffeine, synephrine, and yohimbine, may lead to jitters, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or increased heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

Certain ingredients such as creatine, caffeine, magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. Creatine is generally well-tolerated although anecdotally, have been reported to contribute to gastrointestinal distress.

Caffeine and magnesium, especially magnesium citrate, have laxative effects. Sodium bicarbonate can contribute to nausea, vomiting, or gas.

3. Dependence

Caffeine and other compounds can stimulate the central nervous system. These ingredients are meant to increase alertness, focus, and energy levels, which can be particularly appealing for individuals who have demanding jobs or lifestyles.

Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to the stimulant ingredients in pre workout supplements, which means that larger doses may be needed to achieve the same effect.

This can lead to a cycle of increasing doses and dependence on the supplement. Pre workout supplements can have a placebo effect as well, meaning that individuals may feel more energized or focused simply because they believe the supplement will have that effect. This can lead to a psychological dependence on the supplement.

4. Risk of Overconsumption of Certain Ingredients

A study that reviewed the common ingredient profile of popular pre workout supplements found that the top ingredients in multi-ingredient pre workout supplements are beta-alanine, caffeine, citrulline, tyrosine, taurine, and creatine.

While the average amounts of certain ingredients, such as beta-alanine and creatine, are less than clinically-supported doses, anyone who takes these supplements separately or other supplements that may contain these same ingredients should be aware of the total amount taken in a day.

On the other hand, the amount of caffeine per serving has been found to be about half the 400mg maximum recommended intake of caffeine in a day. This may be too much if there are other or multiple caffeine sources such as coffee or tea throughout the day.

5. Improved Cognitive Functioning

A review of the research on caffeine and cognitive function found that while caffeine can improve mental alertness, attention, and reaction time, the effects vary depending on the dose, individual sensitivity, and habitual caffeine intake.

A meta-analysis of the research on creatine and cognitive function found that while creatine supplementation may have a small positive effect on certain cognitive tasks, such as short-term memory and intelligence, the evidence is limited and more research is needed.

It is important to note that the effects of pre workout supplements can vary depending on the individual and the specific ingredients in the supplement. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

Pre-Workout We Recommend

Promix All Natural Pre Workout

• Item Form: Powder
• Best for: Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue, Training Volume 
• Caffeine: 200 mg
• Special Ingredients:
  • 3.2 grams Beta-alanine
  • 3 grams L-Tyrosine
  • 1 gram Taurine
  • Vitamin C
  • B12 (Methylcobalamin)
• Flavors:
  • Mixed Berry, Pink Lemonade, Florida Orange, Strawberry Lemon, Cherry Lime, Raspberry Lemon, Lemon, Tingle-free Lemon
• Serving Size: 6.3 – 9.5 grams 
• Price per Serving: $1.06
• Company Founded: 2011
• Recommended by Athletes: Odell Beckham Jr., Rashaad Slowley, Chelsey Wilkens, DJ Sackmann

CHECK LATEST PRICE

Promix Nutrition Pre Workout is a dietary supplement designed to enhance physical performance and energy during exercise. It is a plant-based pre workout formula that contains vitamins B12 and C, beta-alanine, L-Tyrosine, taurine, and caffeine.

These ingredients work together to increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve focus during workouts. The product has been third-party-tested for heavy metals and common allergens (gluten and soy).

The product is designed to be taken 20 minutes before exercise. It is recommended to start with half a serving, which is one scoop, mixed with water or your favorite beverage. Promix Nutrition Pre Workout is available in many flavors, including lemon, mixed berry, strawberry lemon, tingle free lemon, cherry lime, and raspberry lemon.

FAQ

Is It Bad to Drink Pre Workout Without Working Out?

It’s generally not recommended to drink pre workout without working out as these supplements are formulated to enhance physical performance, and taking them without exercising can lead to unwanted side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.

Can You Take Pre Workout Just for Energy?

Yes, you can take pre workout for the energy boost it provides, especially if you need to stay alert or focused during long work or study sessions. One study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a pre workout supplement improved cognitive function and alertness in healthy young adults, suggesting that it may have benefits beyond just physical performance.

Can I Take Pre Workout Before Work?

Taking pre workout before work is generally safe as long as it’s done in moderation and you don’t have any pre-existing health conditions that could be exacerbated by the supplement. It’s important to follow dosage instructions, avoid taking it too close to bedtime, and consult your healthcare practitioner to review any new supplements against your medical history and medication regimen.

Conclusion

Pre workout supplements are intended to enhance physical and cognitive performance during exercise and physical exertion. While some individuals may choose to use them in the absence of exercise, the variety and doses of the individual ingredients in different products may elicit adverse effects.

Therefore, it is not recommended to use them routinely when not working out. A good alternative is coffee or tea. Have you ever used pre workout without working out? How did you feel? Let us know in the comments, below!

Also read:

• Best Vegan Pre Workout
• Best Pre Workout on Keto
• Pre Workout With No Artificial Sweeteners
• Pre Workout for Breastfeeding
• How Much Pre Workout Is Too Much
• How Long Does Pre Workout Take To Kick In
• Can You Take Pre Workout While Fasting
• Is Pre Workout Bad for Teens
• Best Clean Pre Workout

References:

1. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks // Jissn: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-1.
2. Creatine Supplementation: An Update // Journals: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/Fulltext/ 2021/07000/ Creatine_Supplementation __An_Update.3.aspx.
3. Magnesium Citrate // Medlineplus: https://medlineplus.gov/ druginfo/meds/a619019.html.
4. Sodium bicarbonate Side Effects //Drugs: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/ sodium-bicarbonate-side-effects.html.
5. Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements //Ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC6413194/.
6. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? //Fda: https://www.fda.gov/consumers /consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how- much-caffeine-too-much.
7. Caffeine as an attention enhancer: reviewing existing assumptions //Springer: https://link.springer.com/article/ 10.1007/s00213-012-2917-4.
8. Creatine Supplementation and Cognitive Performance in Elderly Individuals //Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/6011270_Creatine_ Supplementation_ and_Cognitive_ Performance_in_Elderly_Individuals.
9. The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance //Biomedcentral: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7.
10. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media team.