Can You Take Pre-Workout Without Working Out? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Take Pre-Workout Without Working Out? ›

So, to answer the titular question: yes, it's okay to take pre-workout supplements without going to the gym. But there are a few caveats to this: Not all pre-workouts should be taken without working out. Pre-workouts without exercise do not confer the benefits of exercise (obviously).

Pre-workout supplements are designed to increase energy levels and focus, and are typically taken before exercising. However, when not training, pre-workout supplements can still provide benefits. They can help to boost energy levels and mental focus, as well as increase alertness and concentration.

Additionally, some pre-workout supplements contain ingredients such as caffeine and other stimulants that may cause unwanted side effects if taken without exercise, such as increased heart rate, jitters, and nervousness.

Benefits of pre-workout

Although, it should be noted that this supplement does not produce results on its own merit. Instead, it's an energy-producing supplement. The theory behind using pre-workout is that when you have the energy to work out longer and harder, there will likely be an acceleration in results.

Pre-workout supplements can increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, which may lead to overtraining, per a 2021 study in Nutrients. Overtraining can result in injuries, fatigue and decreased physical and mental performance.

“Some negative side effects when consuming pre-workout supplements can be anxiety, increased heart rate, digestive upset, dehydration, increased risk of muscle cramps, diarrhea, headaches, increased water retention, increased risk of kidney stones, poor sleep, and more depending on a person's reaction to this ...

Yes, dry scooping preworkout can be bad for your health. Swallow any powder dry, and you risk choking and aspiration (when something accidentally enters your airways). Aspirating powder can lead to aspiration pneumonia and trouble breathing.

“These products can be beneficial and safe to take if the ingredients are correctly listed on the label and the company is credible,” Patton says. If you work out a lot, though, you probably shouldn't take pre-workout more than once a day, and always be sure to carefully follow dosage instructions.

Empty vs Full Stomach: Taking pre workout on an empty stomach can help speed up absorption, but for some, it may also cause stomach upset. If that's the case for you, try having a small snack about an hour before taking the supplement.

Generally, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour for pre-workout to take effect. With this in mind, it's always a rule of thumb to start mixing your pre-workout at about half an hour before getting your sweat on.

How late is too late for pre-workout? ›

As mentioned, you should drink your pre-workout 20-30 minutes before training and make sure you don't consume your pre-session energy boost within 4 hours of bedtime, as this could affect your ability to sleep.

It depends. While some people find that pre-workout supplements are helpful for energy, focus, and stamina, this doesn't mean they're ideal for everyone or that you can't have a good workout without using one.

Coffee can be used as a pre-workout to help you feel more alert and energized. Research has found using caffeine pre-workout enhances aerobic endurance and muscle strength, increases fat burn, and delays muscle fatigue.

Pre-workout supplements, also called “pre-workouts,” are meant to give you energy for when you exercise. The main ingredient in most of them is caffeine. These supplements often come in pill or powder form. Some of the ingredients in certain pre-workouts can be good for your health and your workouts.

The main or noticeable effects of a pre-workout, will last for approx 60-90 minutes, but they could last up to several hours depending on individual responses and caffeine content.

Take pre-workout about 30–60 minutes before exercising so it has time to work in your body. And if it has caffeine, be careful when you take it because it could affect your sleep. Even if you skip pre-workout supplements, eating right before and after exercising is really important.

For some, tea (hot or iced) could work. Another option to consider is a caffeine pill. Some people take pre-workout supplements, which essentially do the same thing. Lastly, some simply avoid the caffeine in their pre-workout routine, and that's absolutely okay.

While a pre-workout formula like LADDER Pre-Workout can be part of a fitness and healthy eating plan that helps you lose weight, it doesn't directly influence weight loss, says Trevor Thieme, CSCS, senior director of fitness and nutrition content at LADDER.