If you've ever done any cardio in your life, you know that you either love it or hate it. You'll love this article if you love cardio as I do. But if you hate it, well, I think you'll love the article even more.
In this article, I'll talk about the best pre workout for cardio you can get. I’ll also help you get answers to questions such as “Is pre workout good for cardio?” and “Should I take pre workout before cardio?”.
For those serious about getting in shape, pre workout can be an important part of a fitness routine. And while finding the motivation and energy needed for extra cardio exercises can be challenging, pre-workout supplements can give an extra push!
The majority of the current literature suggests that supplementation with these products improves various types of exercise performance and can potentiate training adaptations.
They provide power by boosting your blood flow which in turn helps deliver oxygen quickly throughout the muscles used while exercising.
A pre workout mix will help reduce fatigue and improve exercise performance by allowing you to push yourself harder while doing cardio.
So, if you’re looking for an extra boost before hitting the gym or running track to do some cardio, pre-workout supplements may be just what you need to achieve optimal results!
I'm here to put together this list of the 8 best pre-workouts for cardio from all I've used so far.
Let's dig in!
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Transparent Labs BULK Advanced Pre-Training Formula.
It boasts a combination of ingredients to promote strength, muscle pumps, stamina, focus, and energy. You get all that for a very reasonable average price, which is fantastic. You'd expect it to cost more, but that is a nice surprise in my book.
Top 8 Pre Workout for Cardio Reviewed
- Transparent Labs BULK Advanced Pre-Training Formula – Top Pick
- Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout – Runner Up
- Beyond Raw LIT
- C4® Original Pre Workout Powder
- Naked Energy Pre Workout Supplement
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
- Gorilla Mode Pre Workout
- Insane Labz Psychotic Gold, High Stim Pre Workout Powder
1. Transparent Labs BULK Advanced Pre-Training Formula – Top Pick
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Pina Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi, Sour Grape, Watermelon, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime, Peach Mango
- Caffeine: 180 mg Caffeine + 30mg Caffeine Malate (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine
- Package Information: 30 servings per container
- Serving: 21 g - 23 g
- Price per serving: ∼$1.65
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended by Athletes: Thor, Paul Sklar, Ryan Treadaway
photo by chramfitness1120
Transparent Labs BULK advanced pre-training formula is a top-of-the-line pre-workout supplement designed to help you get the most out of your workouts.
It boasts a combination of ingredients to promote strength, muscle pumps, stamina, focus, and energy. You get all that for a very reasonable average price, which is fantastic. You'd expect it to cost more, but that is a nice surprise in my book.
Bulk provides you with over 6g of L-Citrulline in each serving - it's formulated to increase vasodilation and improve exercise performance for optimal results. Also included is Caffeine Anhydrous – providing ultimate focus, mental clarity while working out and endurance performance.
This is the perfect way to kickstart my workout routine. There's a total of 12 flavors! I've tried them all, and they are all great. So, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, you can't go wrong.
Definitely a deserved top pick on this list!
Positives:
Average price point for premium-like quality
Great ingredients breakdown
12 rich-tasting flavors
Could be better:
180 mg of caffeine might be not enough for very experienced athletes or athletes who use pre-workouts for a long time
Large dose of beta-alanine may cause a tingling sensation (also called paresthesia, harmless side effect)
2. Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout– Runner Up
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Raspberry Mojito, Bomb Popsicle, Rainbow Burst, Peach Rings
- Caffeine: 250 mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 100mg Di Caffeine Malate (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, L-Tyrosine
- Package Information: 20 servings per container
- Serving: 30.2 g
- Price per serving: ∼$2.50
- Company Founded: 2019
- Recommended by Athletes: Jo Esthetics, Jeremy Ethier, Bret Mossing
photo by usto_84
Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements is packed with a whopping 8 grams of L-Citrulline. I love that! Beta-Alanine is at its clinically approved amount.
When you take this formula, you'll experience improved muscular pumps during workouts when you take this mix. And that increased fullness in the muscle allows for better performance in terms of intensity and volume without premature fatigue setting in. The reason why I've placed this formula up so high is that you can feel its effects. You feel like you can do whatever you set your mind to.
The Wrecked formula supplies you with 250mg Caffeine Anhydrous plus 100mg Di Caffeine Malate to relieve mental exhaustion, reduce feelings of sluggishness before workouts and reduce perception of exertion during exercise.
Once it kicks in – you'll know.
When it comes to the flavors, I'm a simple guy - if it tastes great, then it tastes great, and I don't care what it is. I've tried three out of four flavors. I still need to do the Bomb Popsicle. As for the other ones - they taste amazing!
The price point, though, is almost double compared to the pre-workout in 1st place, so make sure to weigh out what is important to you.
Positives:
Great ingredients breakdown
- High stimulation
- Easily mixes in water
Could be better:
Most expensive per serving in this list
Only 20 servings per container
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Gummy Worm, Ice Fireworks, Orange Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Jolly Rancher
- Caffeine: 250 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate, L-Citrulline
- Package Information: 30 or 60 servings per package
- Serving: ∼13.5g
- Price per serving: ∼$1-1.33
- Company Founded: 2017
- Recommended by Athletes: jordr_fit, Reece Hawkins
photo by teamallrhoadesleadhome
If you went with this one, even if you were a seasoned cardio-lover, you’d probably be happy with the results.
Beyond Raw pre workout formula offers seven flavors. They taste ok. I can’t complain much, but others on this list have a more robust or better taste.
The mix easily dissolves in water. I like to take mine with milk, which is no issue.
The pre workout formula has a perfect amount of caffeine – that will keep you focused on your workout, but at the same time reducing the risk of side effects. Funny enough, even though there is more caffeine, I didn’t feel the amount of stimulation that one would expect.
All in all a good product, and you won’t regret getting it – but there are better choices on this list.
Positives:
Optimal amount of caffeine; Increased Focus
Contains Creatine
Very popular on Amazon (Amazon’s Chose)
Could be better:
*** Suboptimal dose of citrulline
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon, Grape, Watermelon, Frozen Bombsicle, Icy Blue Razz, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Strawberry Margarita
- Caffeine: 150 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: CarnoSyn®, Citrulline Malate
- Package Information: 30 and 60 serving tubs
- Serving: 6 g
- Price per serving: ∼$0.8-1.00
- Company Founded: 2002
- Recommended by Athletes: Scott Stevenson Jr, Derekt Pratt, Jason Diaz
photo by jeph_21
It's a reliable and effective pre-workout powder that can help you stay focused and energized during training sessions.
It contains 150mg of caffeine to give you the energy needed for your cardio session. The caffeine amount is not the highest, but it will give you the focus you need to finish your workout without interruption.
Additionally, this powder has Beta-Alanine, which has been shown to improve exercise performance, particularly for high-intensity exercise lasting 1–4 minutes. So if you're a fan of high-intensity interval cardio, this ingredient can be an important part of your pre-workout.
C4 Original Powder is a well-made workout formula. When you take it, it'll provide you with the needed benefits so you can get your cardio done without a problem. The 9 flavors available provide you with a significant number of choices. There's something for everyone.
It has an easy-to-mix formula. You can mix it smoothly with water. Super easy to blend and a great pre workout drink for cardio choice.
Positives:
Super easy to mix
Сontains several vitamins
Could be better:
Low dose of Citrulline
Stimulation effect
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Blueberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Watermelon
- Caffeine: 175 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine
- Package Information: 30 servings per package
- Serving: 10 g
- Price per serving: ∼$0.95-1.1
- Company Founded: 1986
- Recommended by Athletes: Maria Birova, Taylor Fritz, nattbfit
photo by wreckitrikka
If you are reading this, chances are you weren't even born when Optimum Nutrition was founded. They've been around since 1986 and are still here today – that has to count for something. They are either adamant about staying in the market or producing good quality products.
Well, based on how popular their Gold Standard pre workout formula is on Amazon, I'd say it is the latter.
This formula contains only select banned-substance-free ingredients, so based on the ingredient list and its transparency, you can be confident that you are consuming a recipe that will help you get ready for a top-quality cardio workout and will give you the energy and focus on nailing it.
It features 175 mg of caffeine from natural sources — for energy that lasts throughout your workouts without the crash or jittery feeling. Some pre workouts like Gorilla, for instance, can give you that jittery feeling that some people don't like or find uncomfortable. With the Gold Standard pre workout, you might not have those issues.
In addition, the formula includes 1.5g of Beta-Alanine for muscle endurance and training volume, 3g of Creatine Monohydrate for strength gains and power.
This product contains a whopping 3 grams of creatine monohydrate. For those who take exactly such a dose, it can be very convenient. In this case, you will not need to take creatine separately.
This product has four tastes to choose from. It gives you a mild kick without the jittery side effects. And it is very affordable, which is an excellent benefit of this pre-workout.
Positives:
Reputable brand, bestseller on Amazon
Сontains a large dose of creatine monohydrate
Contains added vitamins
Could be better:
Very low dose of citrulline
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Original Taste, Fruit Punch, Citrus
- Caffeine: 200 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: Beta-Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate
- Package Information: 50 servings per package
- Serving: 4.8g (2 scoops)
- Price per serving: ∼$0.9-1.50
- Company Founded: 2014
- Recommended by Athletes: Generation Iron, Scott Stevenson Jr
The original flavor is pure bitterness – and however weird that might sound – it is a refreshing turn of pace. At first, I wouldn’t say I liked that taste, but after a while, it really grew on me. Just because of that fact, this product will always have a special place in my heart.
If you don’t like artificial additives, this product is for you.
The people behind Naked Nutrition seem to be going above and beyond for their customers because they apparently have all their pre-workout supplements independently third-party tested for heavy metals, guaranteeing they meet the highest safety and quality requirements. That is nice.
And all this comes with a very reasonable price tag.
I think this product is well-placed on this list, and if it weren’t for the above-listed benefits, I think I’d place it lower. But all in all, it is a good product, and if you want a good pre workout for cardio, you won’t be disappointed with Naked Energy.
Positives:
Optimal dose of caffeine
Contain creatine
No additives
Could be better:
No citrulline at all
Even though it has no specified flavor, it is not tasteless so you can’t mix it with your favorite drink without altering its taste
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Bombsicle, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Jungle Juice, Lemon Lime, Mango Peach, Lemonade, Mojo Mojito, Orange Krush, Tigers Blood, Volcano Burst, Watermelon
- Caffeine: 175 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Creatine Monohydrate, Betaine
- Package Information: 40 servings per container
- Serving: 15.4 g
- Price per serving: ∼$1.25
- Company Founded: 2017
- Recommended by Athletes: Evan Holmes, Ally Miller, Lex Little
photo by bryan.dumas3
Gorilla Mode Pre Workout is a good pre-workout supplement designed to increase your endurance while providing lasting energy. The Gorilla pre workout formula has 175 mg of caffeine. Such a dose will allow you to get the desired effect, but at the same time the risks of side effects will be lower than if you took, for example, 300 mg of caffeine.
This product doesn't stop there - it also features 2.5 g Creatine Monohydrate, 4.5 g of Citrulline and 1.25 g Betaine. All these are good.
However, this is the rare case when the pre-workout does not contain beta-alanine. Due to the lack of this specific ingredient I lowered the rating for the stimulating effect. Along with caffeine, beta-alanine is one of the key ingredients of any pre-workout formulation. And while beta-alanine is effective in high-intensity exercise lasting 1-4 minutes, some of us like HIIT. Therefore, for HIIT-style cardio, beta-alanine can be a very desirable ingredient.
With Gorilla, you feel the kick. Body heat, energy, and focus are really enhanced with this one.
The product tube is terrific. It looks plain, but its textures are really nice and give the product a premium feel. You can also choose from 12 different flavors. Some were ok, but the Tropical Punch was excellent. I realize that taste is subjective, but Gorilla Mind has gone the extra mile to give you some really great flavors to choose from.
Positives:
Contain creatine monohydrate
12 flavors to choose from (you can’t go wrong with tastes like Tigers Blood or Volcano Burst)
Could be better:
Lacks Beta-Alanine
I would like a higher dose of citrulline
- Item Form: Powder
- Best For: Aerobic performance, Muscular endurance
- Flavor: Blue Punch, Cherry Bomb, Fruit Punch, Grape, Gummy Candy, Orange, Pina Colada, Watermelon
- Caffeine: 325 mg (per serving)
- Special Ingredients: Beta Alanine, L-Citrulline
- Package Information: 15 – 35 servings per container (depending on product size)
- Serving: 5.4-5.8 g
- Price per serving: ∼$1.85 - $2.3
- Company Founded: 2014
- Recommended by Athletes: jpsmitty72, Conor McGregor
photo by gains.city
Except for the crazy package, what immediately stands out with this pre-workout for cardio is – the caffeine amount. 325 mg per serving – YIKES! That is A LOT!
It also warns that you aren’t supposed to take this product 4 hours before sleep because, as you can imagine – you might have some issues with sleeping.
The combination of ingredients has been scientifically backed and includes Beta-Alanine and L-Citrulline.
With this one, you won’t be sacrificing focus, as this pre-workout contains enhancers that keep you on track throughout your sessions. It’s the caffeine, mostly.
There are 8 flavors to choose from, and while they taste great – the names are kind of bland. I mean, you can’t have a crazy product that has the word “Insane” in its name and then give it the flavor “Orange”. This is so counter-intuitive. This is my personal opinion on this, and this doesn’t affect the main point – how the product performs.
It does what it is supposed to – it preps your body for cardio and helps it get more quickly.
Positives:
Strongest kick out of the bunch
Could be better:
Can make you feel jittery because of too much caffeine (be careful with this product)
Contains a blend of different ingredients without a specified dose for each (except caffeine)
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Why do you need pre workout while doing cardio?
Pre-workout supplementation can help you to get more out of your cardio workouts.
Pre-workout can provide added energy, endurance, focus, mental clarity and better athletic performance, which are all important factors for getting the most out of a cardio session. By taking pre-workout before cardio, you will be able to push harder and further than before, making it easier to reach your goals in less time than before.
That's what the power pre-workouts bring to the table - you can let them do all the heavy lifting or prolonged cardio for you while you completely focus on your workout. I’ve listed a few great reasons for using pre workout before each cardio:
Improved Performance
One of the primary benefits of pre-workout supplements is that they can help to improve your performance during cardio exercise. First of all, these effects are provided thanks to caffeine.
Because pre-workout includes substances that may enhance your energy levels and endurance, they make it possible for you to exercise for longer and at a greater intensity.
Increased Fat Burning
Improved Focus
In addition to improved performance and increased fat burning, pre-workout supplements can also help to improve focus during cardio exercise. Again, we owe this effect mainly to caffeine. It's easy to lose attention and become distracted while doing cardio exercises since the motions tend to be repetitive and tedious.
You'll be able to remain on target and keep up your intensity during your workout if you take pre-workout powder, since it includes substances that may aid in enhancing alertness and attention.
How to Find the Best Pre Workout for Cardio?
But pre-workout supplements are not all created equal. It's essential to understand the ingredients in pre-workout products and how they may affect you before consuming them. For instance, pre-workout products contain caffeine or other stimulants, which can cause jitters or crashes if taken in excess.
They also may contain beta-alanine, creatine, citrulline, amino acids or their derivatives - for boosting energy levels, increasing muscle contractions and muscular endurance. But some of these ingredients may cause bloating and stomach issues if taken too much (for example, creatine). Others may cause a tingling sensation (beta-alanine).
To ensure you get the best pre-workout for your cardio routine, research a variety of pre-workout formulas and choose one that contains the right ingredients for your needs.
In addition to researching pre-workouts, it's also helpful to look at user reviews. For example, this is how I often decide which flavor to choose.
Consider Your Goals
The first step in finding the best pre-workout for cardio is considering your goals. Are you looking to improve your endurance, or are you simply looking for a way to boost your energy levels?
When you have a clearer idea of what you want to do, you will be better able to trim down your choices and choose a solution to assist you in accomplishing your goals.
Read the Label
Once you have a few products in mind, it's essential to read the label before making a purchase. Having all the information in front of you will help you understand what components each product contains and the potential effects those components may have on your body.
This will enable you to understand the contents of each product and how they may affect your health. It's also critical to consider the serving size and the number of servings per container.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. These precautions are especially proper if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as some supplements may not be safe for these groups of people. Also, most pre-workout supplements include 200 mg of caffeine (approximately 2 cups of coffee), so check with your doctor beforehand.
Once you have that out of the way, you can feel confident that you are choosing a safe and effective product.
Keep in mind that young people under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women should not take pre-workouts. If you have blood pressure problems or are taking any medications, this type of supplement may be contraindicated. Talk to your doctor!
Pre Workout Tips for Cardio
Pre workout tips for cardio are essential for anyone who wants to make the most of their exercise routine. Cardio activities such as running, jogging, cycling and any other type of aerobics can help burn calories quickly and improve your overall physical performance.
However, if you follow the right pre-workout tips for cardio, you may reach your goals more efficiently and quickly.
To ensure a successful workout session with maximum results, here are five vital pre-workout tips for cardio that you should incorporate into your routine:
Warm Up Your Muscles
It is vital to warm up your muscles before starting any cardio activity. Warm-up activities, such as mild jogging may assist in preparing your body by raising body temperature and increasing blood flow to the muscles. Starting lighter can reduce the risk of injury and even reduce muscle soreness after your exercise session.
Hydrate
Our bodies need water to perform optimally during exercise. Before your workout, your urine color should be almost clear. Never start training in a state of dehydration!
Fuel Up
Dress Appropriately
Set a Goal
FAQs
Is it good to take pre-workout for cardio?
Taking pre-workouts before cardio can be beneficial if they are handled correctly and used in conjunction with other proper nutrition and fitness practices.
Pre-exercises give you the energy to push harder. The extra power benefits those who want to maximize their results and take their fitness to the next level. Many pre-workouts contain caffeine and other stimulants, which can increase alertness, focus, and energy levels. The extra boost can be beneficial for long cardio sessions, where energy and focus may wane towards the end of a workout.
However, it is crucial to use pre-workouts responsibly and follow the recommendations for intake. Some products may contain stimulants that can cause unwanted side effects or even harm your health if taken in excess.
Conclusion
Pre workout formulas are excellent in giving you the focus and energy needed to do cardio and maximize your efficiency in terms of cardio benefits. They come in all kinds of flavors and with different intensities, so you can find one that suits your body the best.
Transparent Labs BULK ADVANCED PRE-TRAINING FORMULA receives the highest score and my TOP PICK rating. The Transparent Lab’s pre workout for cardio formula gives you the best value for your money – which can be seen based on the high points it scored across all categories.
If you have already used any of my 8 recommended pre workouts for cardio or have just now decided to buy them, please share your thoughts and impressions via the comment section below. I would be delighted if you would share your experience and tell me if my pre workout review helped you to get the right one for you.
References:
- How Much Caffeine in a Cup of Coffee? A Detailed Guide // Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
- The Science Behind Caffeine // Examine: https://examine.com/articles/science-behind-caffeine/
- The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials // Pubmed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335479/ - Health Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements // WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/health-benefits-pre-workout-supplements
- Should You Take a Pre-Workout Before Cardio? // PerformanceLab: https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/pre/should-you-take-a-pre-workout-before-cardio
- Pre-Workout for Cardio: Is It Effective? // Prelabpro: https://www.prelabpro.com/blogs/nutrition/pre-workout-for-cardio
- Should You Take Pre-Workout Supplements? // Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pre-workout-supplements
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
Torokhtiy Team
Hi @Henry!
Pre-workout before cardio isn’t necessarily bad, but it depends on the individual and their goals. Some people find that pre-workout supplements provide an energy boost and enhance their performance during cardio workouts. However, others may experience negative side effects like jitters or an increased heart rate. It’s important to consider your own tolerance to stimulants and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating pre-workout into your routine. Listen to your body and make informed choices based on your unique characteristics and needs.
Henry
Is pre workout before cardio bad?
Lillian
As a dedicated powerlifter, I’ve tried my fair share of pre-workout supplements, but Transparent Labs BULK Advanced Pre-Training Formula truly stands out. With its potent blend of ingredients, including 6g of L-Citrulline for enhanced vasodilation and exercise performance, this preworkout before cardio has become my go-to choice. The added Caffeine Anhydrous provides the ultimate focus and mental clarity, fueling my endurance during intense workouts. The reasonable price is a huge bonus. I can’t recommend it enough. The only minor downside is the strong taste, but the benefits far outweigh it.