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Live Lean Nation…so you’re just not feeling the energy to go to the gym, well on today’s episode of Live Lean TV I want to talk about various pre-workout energy boosters. Because lets face it…
If you’re not moving your body, good luck living lean.
I admit, I like caffeine. I find it helps me focus. It keeps me alert. I feel more motivated. And it gives a nice boost of energy. And you may not realize this, but caffeine has been shown to help increase fat burning and lifting heavy weights just seems easier when you’re amped up. So lets cover more natural options as well as pre-workout supplement options.
Lets start with the more natural options.
This is my go-to. Studies so consuming coffee before workouts can increase endurance during training, decrease muscle soreness post training, and increase fat burning. I always go with black coffee and a packet of natural sweetener. The energy jolt from coffee still hits me good and I don’t feel the energy crash often associated with some energy drinks, so coffee is one of my favs.
If you don’t like coffee. An alternative source for caffeine is Green Tea before workouts.
Although not as strong, green tea will still help elevate fat burning and increase antioxidants consumption which will help lower inflammation from your workout. Because yes, even though you’re doing a good thing by working out, you’re actually increasing inflammation in your body, so load up on antioxidant rich foods to decrease free radicals in your body.
Lets move on to some more hardcore options.
I have to admit, most pre-workout supplements have been a miss for me. In other words, a lot of the ones I’ve tried have either not hit me, or they hit me hard for a short period, then my energy crashes before my workout ends.
I was just sent samples of X2Performance which as you can see is a pre-mixed solution. If you want to get a free sample of these to try (you just pay a small shipping cost), click here. I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m planning on trying it before tomorrow’s chest workout, which I’ll be filming for you. I’ll let you know what I think in that blog. Stay tuned.
And too be 100% transparent with you like I always am… “I am currently participating in a sponsored marketing campaign for X2PERFORMANCE®, so I have received some form of compensation for this post. But all opinions are 100% mine. I am not a puppet. And of course, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.” Thanks for that FDA.
So pre workout supplements in a pre-mixed solution or powder is another option.
And lastly, a quick on the go option, is an energy drink like a Rockstar that you can buy at any convenience store.
Now I admit, I’ve said it before, I don’t recommend these everyday. But I have been open in saying that I have one maybe once a month when I’m looking for a quick energy boost. I repeat NOT EVERY DAY. I’m just giving options people.
If the choice is A: skip a workout because you’re lazy, or B: have one of these and then go kill it in the gym, I’d choose B. Just being real and transparent like I always am with you.
So there are your choices Live Lean Nation. I do recommend so form of caffeine prior to your workouts, but if you’re highly sensitive to caffeine or are just a bundle of energy you’re awesome just the way you are. Stick to water and go kill it!
And yes, make sure you’re consuming a lot of water before, during, and after your workout! And try to limit the caffeine if you’re training at night, because your sleep will take a hit. And we all know sleep is key for those recovery gains!
In the comments below, tell me which is your favorite pre-workout drink?
Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
I like mixing 1/2 serving of organic plant based protien with 2cups coffee
in shaker
I found that if I drink even a little caffeine before working out my heart
pounds the whole time and it actually saps my energy. It happens even with
just a few sips of coffee and with no cardio such as running or elliptical.
what if i drink one monster everyday 5 times a week before workout
What do you recommend for a pre workout snack versus a drink? I usually
have a banana and a tablespoon or two of almond butter or string cheese and
an apple. Also, is it true to have a post workout snack/drink within 30
minutes of a workout? Thank you! And I love your videos!
Muscle sport international lean preworkout revolution anabolic series
special edition YO! Damn thats good!
Just subscribed. Your videos are awesome! I’ve been drinking WARRIOR HERS
preworkout.
Pre-Jym by Jim Stoppani
But red bull if fully packed with sugar!
Brad what are your thoughts on creatine? I’ve been using Beast Creature
creatine lately. Do you have any pros/cons on taking it?
Hey there I was wondering is honey a good way to get some energy for work
outs or running since it’s a natural sugar?
I Take MusclePharm Assault… But Lately I been Out I Been Eating a Cliff
Bar Everytime I workout and Been helped ALOT..I mean I am 287 pounds and b4
I recently been trying The Cliff Bar I couldnt run 4mins Str8 on The
treadmill now I can Run 12mins + now…
Rockstar and gas staion products are garbage there are better alternative’s
with nutrient’s to help boost your workout rockstar,redbull,redline are not
the way invest in a good preworkout. Never promote crap into your body even
for a quick boost. $38.99 costco for 60 servings 2 month supply decent pre
workout vs a rock star for $3 one shot. Brad i follow your living lean but
on this one its a fitness no take.
Favorite pre is Condense from Puru labs!!!! Best shit ever!!
You could take some spoonfuls of MCT or coconut oil for a caffeine-free
choice. I’m a tea drinker, but I don’t purposefully drink it pre-workout. I
work out in the afternoon, so I’ve stopped having caffeine for the day by
then.
I use MontaVida coffee with MCT oil in it! I feel great and my workouts are
much better!
amazing
Hey Brad, how come you recommend green tea instead of black? black tea has
way higher amounts of caffeine, almost 50mg which is about half what you
get from black coffee.
Oh baby! You failed to mention my FAVORITE DRINK EVER!!!!!! MELTDOWN – by VPX! It’s the SHEEEEEZZZZEEEEEE!!!! Weee! PS: We are long over due to make a video together.
Great post, Brad! I have been trying X2Performance and love it…I’d never used one (besides if my workout fell in the morning when I have coffee anyways) and it’s been awesome! Tried it back country skiing, in the gym, for long runs… Not jittery or a crash at all. Love how honestly you approached everything and cant wait to hear what you think about X2!
why can’t i Use it Everyday ? or Every training day ?
my favorite pre-workout drink would be coffee
I start every morning workout with Beachbody’s Energy & Endurance. It’s the only pre-workout I’ve tried that doesn’t make me jittery or even nauseous. Coffee doesn’t kick in fast enough for me. E&E only takes 10 minutes and it’s yummy (lemon-lime). I continue to test other products, but nothing can beat the natural blend of E&E!!
I take 2 scoops of ON amino energy. Sometimes 3 scoops.
I take my scoops of ON amino energy. Sometimes 3 scoops.
Great video Brad, going to look into these recommendations
Tried NoExplode and didn’t sleep for 24+ hours. Didn’t try it again.
I tried No Xplode too… It was awful!!! Made me feel sick.
C4
i started to use optimum nutrition amino energy like 2 weeks ago, just one
small scoop makes the trick
I train fasted only drink water.. But im a cardio athlete
C4 extreme… coffee w cream…. monster mean bean …. and in that order
I’m a caffeine addict who will probably have ulcers or stomach cancer in
the near future
C4 extreme… coffee w cream…. monster mean bean …. and in that order
I’m a caffeine addict who will probably have ulcers or stomach cancer in
the near future
Cardio Igniter. Great for pre-cardio,post resistance.
Like the bodybuilding legend Leroy Colbert says “if you need a pre workout
to train the body ain’t ready.” That stuff is garbage and harmful. Shot of
espresso maybe, but thats it.
I love cellucor c4
Coffee when real sleepy, green tea when feeling alright….
and I almost find that having 0 carbs pre workout but having like a
gatorade during workout really help me stay energetic
The best thing i do for energy pre-workout is: having a small lunch and a
coffee before the workout, very important. by the way, which place are we?
in Men’s Health….
Best Pre Workout Drink Options … what do you take before a workout?