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Choosing the Right Pre-Workout Energy Booster
Finding the energy to get through an intense workout session can often be a challenge. After a long day at work or school, it’s easy to find yourself too drained to crank out a hard set of squats or a few additional reps on the chest press machine.
In these situations, a well-designed pre-workout energy booster could be invaluable. From increased energy to improved focus, these energy boosters offer a variety of benefits that can help you power through your gym routine and turn a lacklustre exercise session into a workout to remember.
This being said, how should you select a pre-workout energy booster that suits your needs? Here are 5 essential factors to consider:
Factor #1: Exercise Intensity and Duration
The intensity and duration of your workout influence the type of pre-workout energy booster that best suits your needs. For shorter, more intense activities, opt for energy boosters that contain caffeine. A potent stimulant, caffeine can give you a valuable lift that will help you get through hard workouts. However, be mindful of your caffeine tolerance and avoid overconsumption to prevent jitteriness and dehydration.
Conversely, for longer workouts that are less intense in nature, opt for stimulant-free sources of energy like seeds and nuts. These nutrient-dense foods are a great source of healthy fats that can provide sustained energy over the course of a long workout without introducing the risk of a sugar or caffeine crash.
Factor #2: Presence of Essential Vitamins
Vitamins B and D can both play pivotal roles in sustaining energy levels. B-vitamins help provide cells with energy, meaning that a deficiency in these vitamins can be a significant cause of fatigue.
Similarly, a deficiency in vitamin D is commonly associated with muscle fatigue. A 2013 study by researchers in the UK found that a deficiency in vitamin D can compromise mitochondrial function, making muscles fatigue more easily.
Find an energy booster that contains these essential vitamins can help maximise energy levels, especially in individuals that are prone to vitamin deficiencies due to their lifestyle habits.
Factor #3: Carbohydrate Composition
Carbohydrates are essential for fuelling muscles during exercise. Energy boosters with simple carbohydrates–such as glucose and sucrose–provide quick energy boosts perfect for short bursts of intense activity. Meanwhile, complex carbohydrates like maltodextrin deliver sustained energy, making them suitable for endurance activities. Choose an appropriate pre-workout energy booster based on the type and duration of your workout.
Factor #4: Protein Content
Some pre-workout energy boosters include protein, which supports muscle recovery and repair. Protein-enriched supplements are particularly beneficial before intense workouts or strength training sessions, helping to aid muscle recovery and reduce soreness.
Factor #5: Caloric Density
For those watching their calorie intake, low-calorie or zero-calorie options will likely be preferred for providing a burst of pre-workout energy. These options can get you through your workout without contributing to excess calorie consumption, supporting weight management goals.
An Ideal Option: 5-hour ENERGY® Shots
Depending on individual needs, the perfect pre-workout energy booster might differ from person to person. Nonetheless, 5-hour ENERGY® shots provide a comprehensive solution that can add an extra dimension to any gym-goer’s arsenal. Made with a synergistic blend of B-vitamins, each shot of 5-hour ENERGY® contains zero sugar and just 4 calories, perfectly complementing healthy lifestyles. Additionally, each shot also features caffeine produced from green tea, offering a potent energy boost that can elevate your workouts without the jitters or harsh side effects common with other stimulants.
Learn more about 5-hour ENERGY® and explore our full range of energy shots here.
