Pre-workout supplements are one of the most popular supplements athletes take – and it’s no surprise why. They contain powerful ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, which can help you increase your nitric oxide level for greater pumps and even improve your performance during high-intensity exercise. (1)(2)
But did you know that taking some of the best pre-workout supplements can also support your weight loss journey? While a nutrient dense diet and consistent exercise still reign supreme when it comes to weight loss, some pre-workouts are specifically designed to enhance fat-burning and boost your metabolism in conjunction with your balanced diet and workout routine. Check out our list of expert-tested and reviewed supplements, so you can find the best pre-workout for weight loss to fit your lifestyle.
The 7 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss of 2024
- Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Wick Mode
- Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Women: Onnit Alpha-BRAIN
- Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
- Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X
- Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Gainful Pre-Workout (non-caffeinated)
- Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: XWERKS Ignite
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best pre-workout for weight loss, we’ve tested nearly 100 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.
- Effectiveness: Pre-workouts aren’t just for show — they need to deliver on what they promise. We’ve extensively tested all products to see if they helped increase our energy levels and pump during workouts while supporting weight loss goals.
- Side Effects: While some people are more sensitive to side effects than others, we’ve had several of our testers evaluate each product to see if they get jitters, tingles, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We’ve also included lower caffeine and stimulant-free options for those who are highly sensitive to stimulants.
- Formulation Quality: We’ve vetted supplement facts tables and ingredient lists to bring you the best pre-workout supplements with high-quality ingredients and without harmful additives or low-grade fillers that could negatively impact your health.
- Taste: Taste matters because nobody wants to drink a yucky pre-workout drink. A pre-workout that tastes good is easier to incorporate into your routine and helps you stay consistent with use. From blueberry lemonade to cherry limeade, we’ve searched far and wide for the tastiest pre-workout supplements to include on our list.
- Solubility: While clumpiness is less of an issue with pre-workout supplements compared to protein powders, we’ve tested these picks in room temperature and cold water to make sure they mix well.
- Value: From economical picks starting from $0.57 per serving to more premium selections that cost up to $3.00 per serving for those with more specific dietary needs and fitness goals, we’ve got a range of products that deliver the best value.
- Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing is important because pre-workout supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. Pre-workout supplements verified by third-party testing organizations are more likely to be free from contaminants and accurately labeled, providing peace of mind that you’re consuming a product that is safe, effective, and stands for quality. We’ve done the research for you on whether each pick has gone through third-party testing or not.
Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
Third-party tested and clearly dosed, Transparent Labs LEAN has a huge variety of ingredients for endurance, power, alertness, and focus. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.50 to $1.67
- Key Ingredients: 6g L-Citrulline, 2g Beta-Alanine, 1g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, 1.5g Betaine, 500mg Choline, 180mg Organic Caffeine, 180mg L-Theanine, 50mg Theobromine, 5mg Black Pepper Fruit Extract, 100mcg Huperzine-A
- Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Orange, Cherry Splash, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Fruit Punch
- Sweeteners: Stevia Extract
- Third-Party Tested: Informed Choice
Pros
- Clinically dosed amount of citrulline
- Contains ingredients that may support weight loss
- 8 delicious, fruity flavors to choose from
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Slightly bitter aftertaste
- Could be higher in its beta-alanine content
Transparent Labs LEAN gets our vote for overall best pre-workout supplement for weight loss because of its weight loss-promoting ingredients, clean and effective formulation, and great taste. While this supplement contains a pretty long ingredient list, caffeine and L-carnitine are the ones to pay attention to for weight loss. Caffeine may support weight loss, fat loss, and overall reduction in body mass index (BMI). (3)
This pick contains about the same amount of caffeine as two brewed cups of coffee to help support your weight loss goals. It also contains acetyl L-carnitine HCl, which may support fat loss by promoting fatty acid oxidation in our bodies, but further research is needed. (4)(5)(6)
Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who is a Registered Dietitian, gave this product a 4 out of 5 for its formulation and states, “I love that each dose provides 6g of citrulline malate. Citrulline malate is a nitric oxide enhancer and 6g is a clinically proven dose.” Citrulline malate can support increasing reps to failure, although further studies are needed to understand this effect. (1)
Some marks were deducted, however, for its lower beta-alanine content, since it’s below the 3.2 to 6.4 gram dose, which is shown to potentially improve athletic performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) “While I love the inclusion of beta-alanine, it’s on the lower end of what studies find to be the recommended dose in pre-workouts,” Bourgeois adds.
As far as taste goes, we gave Transparent Labs a score of 5 out of 5 – which makes it one of the best-tasting picks on our list. Our product tester states, “You might notice a very slightly bitter taste, but what I really like is that it’s not overly sweet.” Since this pick contains stevia extract, mild bitterness is expected, but it’s great to have an option that’s free from artificial sweeteners for those who prefer more natural ingredients. It also comes in eight fruity flavors, so if you don’t like a certain flavor, you’ll definitely find another flavor you’ll enjoy.
Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout Review.
Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Wick Mode
Available in three unique flavors, Wick Mode pre-workout packs all the classic pre-workout ingredients, like caffeine, beta-alanine, l-citrulline, and more.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.00
- Key Ingredients: 8g L-Citrulline, 4g Beta-Alanine, 2g L-Tyrosine, 300mg Caffeine, 100mg L-Theanine, 100mg Theobromine
- Flavors: Osaka Cherry Blossom, Baba Yaga Blue Raz, Last Tropical Sunrise
- Sweeteners: Sucralose
- Third-Party Tested: No
Pros
- High doses of ingredients for tough workouts
- Flexible dosing with one or two scoops
- Mixes well, tastes great
Cons
- Not for those who are sensitive to caffeine
- Contains artificial sweetener sucralose
- Not third-party tested
Ready to channel John Wick’s energy, focus, and determination during your training sessions? For your most intense workouts, you’ll want to give Jacked Factory Wick Mode a try since it’s one of the strongest pre-workouts for weight loss. While many pre-workouts out there skimp on clinically researched doses, Jacked Factory has you covered with the highest doses of caffeine, L-citrulline, and beta-alanine to support your workouts and your weight loss journey.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. gave this formulation a 4 out of 5 stars and states, “I like that it has research-backed doses of beta-alanine and L-citrulline to improve endurance and increase nitric oxide production.” First, caffeine may support weight loss in conjunction with a calorie deficit while fueling your workout. (3) Second, citrulline may help you get more reps into your workout. (1) Lastly, beta-alanine, at the 4-gram dose found in this pick, may boost your performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) While it’s not third-party tested and contains some proprietary blends, we appreciate the transparency around the amount and source of its clinically dosed ingredients.
Our product tester raved about this pick’s effectiveness and dosing flexibility, stating, “I took this for weeks, and it’s easily one of my all-time favorite pre-workouts now. I used it in the mornings before jiu-jitsu, and in the evenings before lifting weights. I do one scoop for morning workouts and it’s just the right amount of stimulation. I do 1.5 scoops when I want all the energy for lifting weights.” However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to adjust the dose to fit your needs or look for a pick with lower caffeine content to avoid getting the jitters. While the touted effects of this pre-workout are based on a 2-scoop serving, you could take just 1 scoop based on your needs.
Aside from its high effectiveness, Jacked Factory Wick Mode scored 5 out of 5 stars for taste and 5 out of 5 stars for solubility. It’s sweetened with artificial sweetener sucralose, which some people choose to avoid if they prefer natural ingredients (check out our list of the best natural pre-workouts if that sounds like you). Lastly, despite being in a larger serving size (2 scoops), it surprisingly blends well with water in a shaker bottle. Overall, if you need a pre-workout that’s as intense as your workouts, try Jacked Factory Wick Mode.
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Women: Onnit Alpha-BRAIN
Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout boasts a unique formula aimed to increase energy and focus. Choose between two flavors and several subscription options to save money.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.25 to $3.00
- Key Ingredients: 2.4g Beta-Alanine, 2.4g Citrulline, 225mg Ashwagandha, 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 125mg Alpha-GPC
- Flavors: Yuzu Peach, Tiger’s Blood
- Sweeteners: Stevia Extract, Monk Fruit Extract (Luo Han Guo Extract)
- Third-Party Tested: Rainforest Alliance, UTZ
Pros
- Contains ashwagandha to help women with focus, hormonal balance, and PMS
- Citrulline and beta-alanine combo to support exercise performance
- Free from synthetic dyes and gluten
Cons
- Citrulline content is low
- Contains proprietary blends
- Expensive
Ladies – we know it often feels like all the pre-workout supplements out there are catered toward men. Research even shows that men are more likely to take pre-workout supplements than women. (7) That’s why we’ve tested many pre-workouts and believe Onnit Alpha-BRAIN is one of the best pre-workouts for women for weight loss. It includes ashwagandha, which has been traditionally used for stress and nervous system support and could be a huge help for women in particular. (8)
Ashwagandha may specifically support women’s health by balancing hormones and reducing PMS symptoms. (9)(10) It may also help busy, on-the-go ladies maintain their energy levels according to our team’s testing. Our product tester states, “I usually feel more focused after taking most pre-workouts, but Alpha-BRAIN is one of the best for this. I’ve even taken this before work instead of coffee for that extra attention.”
While we appreciate that this pre-workout formula includes ashwagandha, our team gave the formulation a 3.25 out of 5 because it’s not as hard-hitting as other pre-workout powders. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. notes, “I like that this product combines beta-alanine with L-citrulline – it’s sure to give you a good energy boost for a hard-hitting workout.” However, the L-citrulline content is lower compared to other picks on our list and compared to most of the research that speaks to its training benefits. “It also contains proprietary blends and I like to know exactly what I’m taking,” Bourgeois adds.
As far as taste goes, we recommend the Tiger’s Blood flavor over the Yuzu Peach, “I’d give Yuzu Peach a 3 out of 5 for flavor because it is bitter, but Tiger’s Blood is a clear 5 out of 5,” our tester states. The bitterness is from stevia extract, which has an aftertaste. However, this pick also contains monk fruit extract, which is a natural sweetener that’s a little less bitter.
Overall, while this pick can cost up to $3 per serving, Alpha-BRAIN might be worth it for women who are looking for a well-rounded pre-workout for weight loss that can deliver on their fitness goals while meeting nutrition needs that are unique to women.
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
Transparent Labs BULK Black is one of the strongest pre-workout supplements on the market. This product comes in five delicious flavors and has high levels of must-have pre-workout ingredients, like caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.80 to $2.00
- Key Ingredients: 8g L-Citrulline, 4g Beta-Alanine, 2.5g Betaine, 275mg Caffeine, 1.3g Taurine, 1g L-Tyrosine, 300mg Alpha-GPC
- Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy, Black Cherry, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranate, Watermelon Peach
- Sweeteners: Stevia Extract
- Third-Party Tested: Informed Choice
Pros
- Clinically dosed ingredients to support men’s workouts
- Natural testosterone-boosting ingredients
- Highly rated for taste
- Mixes well
Cons
- Inclusion of proprietary blends
- Bitter aftertaste to some individuals
While there are many ingredients in Transparent Labs BULK Black, several ingredients stand out that make this product one of the best pre-workouts for men for weight loss: vitamin D, zinc, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine. While further research is needed, studies show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and lower testosterone levels, as well as zinc levels and testosterone levels. (11)(12) Whether you have a testosterone deficiency or are looking to boost your levels, this pick has you covered with natural testosterone boosters.
This formula also contains two important amino acids. It contains 8 grams of citrulline, which is an amino acid that is known for its ability to raise nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow during even the toughest workouts for men. (1) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. agrees and states, “This is a clinically effective dose of citrulline malate to improve strength, muscle endurance, and aerobic performance.” It also contains a clinically effective dose of 4g of beta-alanine, an amino acid that helps delay muscle fatigue without feeling tired. (2)(13) This means men can go harder on workouts with more reps, resulting in more lean muscle growth.
Lastly, caffeine is known for its fat-burning properties, to help men achieve that chiseled look and a lower body fat percentage. (3) With 275mg of caffeine, this product is a high-stim formula that is ideal for caffeine lovers but may not be a fit for those sensitive to caffeine. Overall, we scored this formula a 4.25 out of 5 with minor deductions based on the inclusion of proprietary blends, although all ingredients are third-party tested for purity, safety, quality, and efficacy.
We know that many pre-workouts can taste bitter or overly sweet. Our product testers gave this product a 5 out of 5 stars for taste and think the sweetness is just right. “The Peach Mango flavor is a tropical paradise. I could drink this all day just for the taste,” our tester tastes. With a 4.5-star average rating on the Transparent Labs website and raving reviews on Amazon, customers who have tried this product also agree. However, some Amazon reviews note a bitter aftertaste from the stevia sweetener.
Read our full Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout Review.
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X
Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout is one of our favorite budget-friendly pre-workout supplements. This comes in five flavors, too and multiple size options, for those who prefer to buy in bulk.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $0.57 to $0.83
- Key Ingredients: 4g L-Citrulline, 2g Beta-Alanine, 2g Taurine, 1.5g Betaine, 300mg Caffeine, 200mg Alpha-GPC, 250mg Tyrosine, B-vitamins
- Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Grape
- Sweeteners: Sucralose
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, but doesn’t state where
Pros
- Best value for your money
- Contains powerful ingredients
- Easy to drink
Cons
- Not clinically effective doses
- GI symptoms if taken on an empty stomach
- Artificial flavors and sweeteners
Everything related to achieving your fitness goals and weight loss can be expensive – from gym memberships to fitness apparel – especially if you’re already dishing out extra money for the best supplements for weight loss. For those on a tight budget, Nutricost Pre-X can cost as little as $0.57 per serving when buying the bulk 60-serving tub on Amazon, although even the 30-serving tub is also still an economical option with a cost of $0.83 per serving compared to other picks on the list.
While economical, this pre-workout formula isn’t too shabby. Overall, we gave Nutricost Pre-X a 3.75 out of 5 for its effective and simple formula. Our tester states, “Even two hours after taking it, I didn’t have a big drop in energy as I do with other pre-workouts.” However, while it contains powerful pre-workout ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine, the L-citrulline is not provided in a high enough dose to support muscle gain. (1) (13)
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit. For example, there’s no set standard amount of L-citrulline in a pre-workout, but most studies point to a need for at least 6 to 8g per serving.” Additionally, although it contains natural color (beetroot), it contains artificial flavors and colors, which some people may not want in their supplements.
Given the high caffeine content, you might also experience a slight laxative effect. Caffeine can stimulate colon motility and increase bowel movements. (14) Our product tester, who is a competitive weightlifter, states, “Make sure you don’t take this on an empty stomach. I did that, and it hit me really hard and fast.”
Nutricost Pre-X is also easy to drink and comes in delicious flavors. Our testers tried it in cold water as well as room temperature and enjoyed it both ways. One of our testers gave this pick a 4 out of 5 for taste while another gave it a 5 out of 5. Despite being economically priced, this pick has a decent formula and comes in flavors that you might just swoon over.
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Gainful Pre-Workout
Gainful Pre-Workout is a customizable formula that can either be caffeinated or non-caffeinated. You can also opt to add creatine to your formula at 3,000mg or 5,000mg, depending on the intensity of your workout.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.86
- Key Ingredients: 4g L-Citrulline, 3g Creatine Monohydrate, 1.5g Beta-Alanine, 2g BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine)
- Flavors: Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade
- Sweeteners: Stevia Extract
- Third-Party Tested: No
Pros
- Stimulant-free which means jitter-free, clean energy
- Contains BCAAs
- Low in carbohydrates and sugar
Cons
- Creatine may cause water weight gain
- Not rated as highly on taste
- Some don’t find it as effective as stim options
If you’re sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants and want one of the best non-stim pre-workouts, we think Gainful Pre-Workout is a top choice. Gainful offers both a caffeinated and non-caffeinated option to meet your personalized needs – and this version is 100 percent stimulant-free.
As a registered dietitian, I love that this product uses a clinically studied ingredient (creatine), contains branched-chain amino acids, and is low in carbs and sugar. In the sports nutrition world, creatine monohydrate reigns supreme as the most researched form of creatine. (15) Taking creatine pre-workout can help increase energy to your muscle cells during workouts by generating creatine phosphate. (15)
“In addition to improving muscle function, studies suggest creatine may also enhance cognitive performance,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine.
Additionally, it contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are essential amino acids that your body needs, but can’t produce on its own, so you need to get them through food or supplements. Plus, BCAAs may help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. (16) Now, that’s a win without even needing to stuff your body with stimulants.
Overall, I would rate the formula a 4.5 out of 5 with deductions due to the potential water weight gain from creatine. Although creatine is highly recommended for its athletic performance boost, it may not be the best pre-workout for weight loss if you weigh yourself often. Rest assured, the weight gain you may experience from creatine is due to water weight gain as a result of water being pulled in your muscle cells, though. (15)
Pro tip: Try to weigh yourself first thing in the morning or outside of your workout windows when the creatine is still in your system, and you’re not as overly hydrated.
With stimulant-free options, it can be more difficult to “feel” the effects of the pre-workout supplement. Some customer reviews speak to the lack of effectiveness despite trying out this supplement for a prolonged period, while others rave about the clean energy they get without the caffeine jitters. One of the only other downsides we saw with this product was poor reviews on taste – some customers noted an artificial watermelon taste that they didn’t love. Try it for yourself, though – we think this pick checks all the boxes for a stellar stim-free pre-workout.
Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: XWERKS Ignite
XWERKS Ignite contains ingredients that help both strength and endurance athletes before a training session. We also love that you can choose from four different flavors.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.55 to $1.63
- Key Ingredients: 3g L-Citrulline, 2g L-Tyrosine, 1.5g Beta-Alanine, 150mg Caffeine, 500mg Rhodiola Rosea, 200mg DMAE, B-vitamins (Vitamin B6, Vitamin 12)
- Flavors: Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon
- Sweeteners: Sucralose
- Third Party Tested: No
Pros
- Rated 5 stars on taste by thousands of customers
- Sustainable energy without the crash
- Mild caffeine content
Cons
- May experience tingles
- Expensive for lower doses of ingredients
- Contains fillers and artificial ingredients
If taste is important to you, try XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout. From our testing, we rated it a 5 out of 5, putting it at the top of our list of picks when it comes to taste. Customers on the XWERKS website and Amazon agree, giving it an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars for taste, with the Green Apple flavor receiving raving reviews about it tasting like sour candy. Our tester states, “I really liked the Watermelon flavor, but you can definitely pick up on the artificial sweeteners.” This pick comes in four delicious, fruity flavors that our team and customers seem to love.
Aside from taste, this product contains key ingredients that are focused on sustainable energy so that you don’t crash mid-workout. “You will get the tingles from this, but I also felt very energized and very focused for my workout,” our tester notes. Ignite has a lower dose of caffeine than other products out there, which prevents you from crashing during or after your workout. With only 150mg of caffeine per serving, the caffeine content is well within the limit of under 400mg per day that the FDA recommends. (17) It’s still well within the range, though, to support your weight loss goals. (3)
The formula also contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), which is an antioxidant to fight off harmful free radicals in your body. (18) Moreover, it contains L-citrulline and beta-alanine, which are popular pre-workout ingredients to improve blood flow and delay muscle fatigue, respectively. (1)(2)(13)
However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “Considering its cost per serving, I wish its ingredients were more clinically dosed.” Due to the lower doses of key ingredients and the inclusion of low-grade filler ingredients and artificial ingredients, Bourgeois rated this formula at 2.5 out of 5. While there are cleaner pre-workout supplements on our list, XWERKS Ignite is our recommended pick if you’re a taste and flavor enthusiast.
Read our full XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Review.
Benefits of the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
Pre-workouts can help you lose weight and fat and help you perform more reps so that you can accelerate your progress. Additionally, certain ingredients can help with building muscle mass, while others can support faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of the best pre-workouts for weight loss.
- Lose weight and fat: Pre-workout supplements often contain ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract, which can help you lose weight and fat while boosting your metabolism. (3) “Green tea extract may be a good alternative for athletes who are looking for a metabolic boost but who can’t tolerate the stimulant effects of caffeine,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine. This helps you burn more calories during your workout, resulting in a calorie deficit. When paired with a reduced-calorie diet, these pre-workouts may help you drop the pounds.
- More reps to failure and better pumps: Ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine may enhance blood flow and athletic performance, which can help you push through more reps and achieve better muscle pumps. (1)(2) This can potentially mean faster progress toward your fitness goals, especially for beginners who are eager to see results.
- Build muscle mass: Muscle growth alongside weight loss can help you achieve that “lean” aesthetic. While pre-workout supplements don’t directly help with building muscle, ingredients like creatine can help raise levels of creatine phosphate in your muscles to help build mass over time and more efficiently. (15)
- Faster recovery: Ingredients such as BCAAs and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) in pre-workout supplements can help with faster muscle recovery time by reducing muscle soreness and replenishing lost nutrients. (16)(19) This means you can hit the gym consistently without taking too many recovery days (although we know recovery is just as important!). Pro tip: Consider also taking some of the best whey protein powders – a high-protein diet may support muscle recovery after your workouts. (20)
How Much Do The Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss Cost?
Costs for the best pre-workouts for weight loss can vary widely based on individual needs and preferences. They can range from $0.57 to $3.00 per serving. Whether you’re looking for basic energy boosters or comprehensive blends with multiple benefits, understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice on the shelf.
Pro Tip: When evaluating different pre-workout supplements, be sure to look at price comparisons per serving and not just per scoop, since supplements can have varying serving sizes.
Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss | Transparent Labs LEAN | $1.50 to $1.67 per serving |
Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss | Jacked Factory Wick Mode | $2.00 per serving |
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Women | Onnit Alpha-BRAIN | $2.25 to $3.00 per serving |
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Men | Transparent Labs BULK Black | $1.80 to $2.00 per serving |
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss | Nutricost Pre-X | $0.57 to $0.83 per serving |
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss | Gainful Pre-Workout (non-caffeinated) | $1.86 per serving |
Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss | XWERKS Ignite | $1.55 to $1.63 per serving |
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
If you’re wondering where to start, we have got you covered. Here are the main considerations to keep in mind before choosing a pre-workout for weight loss.
Dosage
Any pre-workout supplement can contain powerful ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, but the dosage needs to be clinically backed for the pre-workout to be effective. As a registered dietitian, I recommend keeping caffeine intake around the equivalent of two cups of coffee per day for its fat-burning effects. (3) Additionally, for L-citrulline (or citrulline malate) and beta-alanine, studies recommend 6 to 8g and 3 to 6g, respectively. (1)(2)(13)Check the supplement facts table to see what the doses of these ingredients are before buying.
Side Effects
There are typically two ingredients to look out for when assessing for potential side effects: caffeine and beta-alanine. While caffeine can help you lose weight and fat, the FDA recommends limiting it to under 400mg per day to avoid its negative effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms and jitters. (17)
If you have felt these symptoms from drinking a cup of joe before, you may want to start with a lower caffeine content pre-workout or choose a product that has a natural caffeine source like green tea extract. As for beta-alanine, this ingredient may cause “tingles”, otherwise known as paresthesia. (21) While this isn’t dangerous, it can be undesirable to many, especially if you’re not used to it.
Fitness Goals
Your dietary needs may vary depending on your specific fitness goals. For example, if you want to feel less sore and speed up recovery after your workouts, you’ll want to look for a supplement that contains BCAAs. (16) If you’re looking for greater pumps to push through a bodybuilding workout or long cardio sessions, you’ll want to find a product that contains a clinically dosed level of citrulline to increase your nitric oxide levels. (1) Start with the outcome you’re looking to achieve and the ingredient(s) that’ll help you achieve that.
Ingredient Transparency
Look for high-quality ingredients that are third-party tested and fully disclosed. As a registered dietitian, I typically don’t recommend products that are full of proprietary blends since you don’t know the source of the ingredient or how much of it goes into the product.
Since supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, ingredient transparency is important so that you’re not putting your health in harm’s way.
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss FAQs
Are pre-workouts good for weight loss?
Pre-workout supplements often contain caffeine and green tea extract, which are known to support your metabolism and help you burn more calories during and after your workouts. When pre-workouts with these ingredients are taken alongside a diet that provides for a calorie deficit, they can be good for weight loss.
What is the healthiest pre-workout?
While what is considered the healthiest pre-workout is highly subjective and depends on your dietary needs and fitness goals, we think Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout is a solid choice for general athletes’ needs. It contains a clinically backed dose of citrulline and other ingredients that may support weight loss. It also comes in delicious flavor choices and is third-party tested with transparent labeling.
Is a pre-workout meal good for weight loss?
A pre-workout meal can be helpful for weight loss since it can provide you with fuel for your workout. As a registered dietitian, I recommend timing the pre-workout meal about 30 minutes to an hour before the workout and keeping it light with a balance of protein and simple carbs that can be converted into energy. It should be more like a pre-workout snack than a full meal, such as a banana with peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt with berries.
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