Pre-workout supplements combine synergistic ingredients to increase muscle performance and “pump” during your workouts. The “pump” describes the feeling when your muscles swell from the blood being pumped into them during resistance training. These products all contain some form of the amino acid L-arginine, which acts as a precursor to nitric oxide, or NO, a gas that increases blood flow to working muscles, according to “Natural Anabolics.”
Jack3D
Jack3D from USP labs is a simple yet effective formula and ranks number one on the list of top-selling pre-workout products, according to BodyBuilding.com. It contains creatine, L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and beta-alanine. In addition, geranium extract, cafffeine and scizandra may add an adaptogenic boost to give you energy during your workouts.
NO Explode
BSN’s NO Explode contains L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate as well, but offers a more complex formula with L-citrulline, NAD, trimethylglycine, glycerol and many other known performance-enhancing substances. NO Explode won the BodyBuilding.com Pre-Workout Supplement of the Year Award in 2009 and the NO Product of the Year Award 2005 through 2009. BSN now offers this product in a conveniently portable 4-oz. power shot.
SuperPump 250
Gaspari Nutrition’s SuperPump 250 can increase lean mass in a single dose, according to the May 2010 “Muscle & Performance: Super Supplements” feature article. This product contains the powerful energizing herb rhodiola, insulin secretagogues, turkesterone and much more. SuperPump 250 has also been credited with lowering body fat percentage, increasing mental focus and boosting strength.
NO Shotgun
VPX offers NO Shotgun, which combines creatine, arginine glutamine, beta-alanine and branched-chain amino acids in a formula that boasts a pharmaceutical delivery system, according to “Muscle & Performance” magazine. This delivery system allows the active ingredients to reach the bloodstream 100 percent intact, they claim. Each serving contains nearly 20 mg of muscle-building amino acids.
White Flood
Controlled Labs White Flood pre-workout supplement offers a formula which contains the amino acid GABA, known for its growth hormone-boosting properties, according to “Natural Anabolics.” This formula contains L-arginine and L-ornithine, beta-alanine, natural caffeine and the antioxidants CoQ10, selenium and zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids.
Animal Pump
Universal offers a training pack of pills that you take 30 to 45 minutes before a workout. The formula contains three forms of creatine, L-arginine, L-ornithine, caffeine and antioxidants like N-acetyl cysteine, grapeseed extract, green tea and alpha lipoic acid.
About this Author
Andrew Bennett enjoys exploring health and fitness through his personal workouts, as well as researching the latest about the subject. As a natural body builder, Bennett enjoys the ongoing pursuit of health and wellness in all aspects of life. He writes articles, blogs, copy, and even award-winning screenplays.
