According to fitness experts, pre-workout supplements, often referred to simply as “pre-workouts”, offer a wide variety of benefits to improve your workout performance. One of these benefits is focus. In this article, we’ll explore how a pre-workout can improve your focus. We’ll also offer you reviews on the top 5 best pre-workout supplements for focus.
Which ingredients in a pre-workout improve focus?
Pre-workout supplements are made with a variety of ingredients that, when combined, improve overall athletic performance. Some of those ingredients are believed to improve focus specifically. These ingredients include:
- Tyrosine
- Caffeine
- L-theanine
- L-carnitine
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each one:
Tyrosine
According to experts, tyrosine is often included in pre-workouts because it is believed to improve memory and mental alertness. Tyrosine works by setting off specific neurotransmitters that may enhance mental performance. There is no indication that it can improve physical performance.
Experts recommend that the ideal dosage for tyrosine is 500 milligrams. Unfortunately, many of the pre-workouts on the market underdose on this one, so make sure you pay attention to how much you’re getting in each serving.
Caffeine
We know that caffeine has a variety of benefits associated with focus, including:
- Improved alertness
- Improved mood
- Improved short-term recall
- Quicker reaction time
- Improved mental function
- Decreased risk of depression
Experts recommend a daily intake of 200 to 400 milligrams of caffeine. According to the USDA, anything over that is unsafe.
This is one of the primary ingredients for thermogenic and organic pre-workout supplements. If you have a sensitivity to caffeine, you may want to try a stimulant-free option instead.
L-Theanine
L-theanine and caffeine go hand-in-hand when it comes to focus. One study indicated that the combination of these two ingredients can help you feel less tired and more alert, which improves focus.
At this time, there is not a lot of research available, so experts have not established a recommended dosage. However, most of the studies use a range of 97 to 400 milligrams per day.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine, primarily acetyl L-carnitine, may be helpful for focus. In fact, some early research indicates that it can improve markers of learning. Basically, this ingredient is a great way to boost brain health. Experts recommend a dosage of 500 to 2,000 milligrams daily.
How Pre-Workouts Help with Focus
A pre-workout helps with focus by providing you with the above ingredients. These fitness supplements have been proven to increase muscle growth and provide you with an energy boost to get through even your most intense workouts. They work by increasing your alertness and making you more focused on your workout.
5 Best Pre-Workouts for Focus
When it comes to pre-workouts, there are lots of options. When you start looking, you may find yourself overwhelmed. However, we’ve done the work for you and narrowed it down to what we feel are the top 5 best pre-workouts for focus. Pick one from this list and you can be sure that it’s safe and effective. If you don’t like it, you can try another one. You are not stuck with whatever you start with.
XWERKS Ignite
XWERKS is well-known and respected in the fitness arena for providing high-quality health and fitness supplements. Their pre-workout, Ignite, does not disappoint. One of the major things that makes it stand out from the crowd is the fact that there are little to not side effects associated with it.
Most of the other pre-workouts on the market will provide you with a rush of energy and when it wears off, you crash. This crash doesn’t happen when you take Ignite. This pre-workout gives you sustainable energy to get you through even your most intense workout sessions. Then, as it wears off, it lets you down gently. XWERKS Ignite boosts nitric oxide levels in your body and is one of the strongest options on our list.
Even when you are engaging in the most intense workout sessions, you don’t have to worry about running out of energy. Since Ignite gives you all the energy you’re going to need, you won’t have to consume additional caffeine.
XWERKS combines a variety of ingredients to improve your workout in a variety of ways, including:
- Vitamins B-6 & B-12
- Rhodiola Rosea
- L-tyrosine
- Beta-alanine
- Caffeine
This blend of ingredients helps you avoid both the physical and mental fatigue that often come with intense workout sessions.
According to their website, Ignite gives you more explosive energy, improves endurance, increases muscle mass, and facilitates faster repair and recovery than any of the other options on the market. Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-quality pre-workout without the crash, this is a great option to start with.
Each container costs $49 and offers 30 servings. They do have a subscribe and save 49/program as well that will save you 5%, bringing the cost to $46.55. You can have it delivered every 15, 30, 60, or 90 days. At this time, XWERKS Ignite is available in 4 flavors:
- Green apple
- Watermelon
- Blue raspberry
- Orange
| Type | Powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Vitamins B-6 & B-12, Rhodiola Rosea, L-tyrosine, Beta-alanine, Caffeine | |
| Dosage | 1 scoop/day | |
| Side effects | None | |
| Cost/Servings | $49.00/30 servings | |
| Guarantee? | Yes, 30 days | |
Visit XWERKS here
Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs also has a wonderful reputation in the fitness arena. They are known for bringing high quality, effective supplements to help people achieve their goals. The reason this company stands out from the crowd is the fact that they don’t offer one single pre-workout. They have 6 targeted formulas to choose from:
- Preseries Stim-Booster
- Preseries Stim-Free
- Preseries Bulk
- Preseries HowToBeast
- Preseries Lean
- Preseries Jesse James West
One of the major things these formulas have in common is that they are ideal for boosting energy levels and muscle mass during your workouts.
Transparent Labs only uses ingredients that are backed by science in the appropriate dosages to help you achieve your goals, whether that means losing weight, increasing energy levels, or bulking up. If you are interested in improving your endurance and muscle mass, this may be the best option for you. Ingredients found in their Preseries line include:
- Beta-alanine
- Vitamin D-3
- Potassium
- Zinc
- L-theanine
- Boron
- Caffeine
- Sodium
- L-tyrosine
- Taurine
- Theobromine
- Vitamin B-6 & B-12
If you would prefer a more targeted formula to reach your fitness goals, Transparent Labs Preseries can help. Each container offers 30 servings for $49.99. They do offer a few different flavors so you’re not stuck with the same thing all the time:
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Tropical Punch
- Orange
- Green Apple
- Sour Grape
- Blue Raspberry
| Type | Powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Beta-alanine, Vitamin D-3, Potassium, Zinc, L-theanine, Boron, Caffeine, Sodium, L-tyrosine, Taurine, Theobromine, Vitamin B-6 & B-12 | |
| Dosage | 1 scoop/day | |
| Side effects | None | |
| Cost/Servings | $49.99/30 servings | |
| Guarantee? | Yes, 60 days | |
Visit Transparent Labs Here
CrazyNutrition Intensive Pre-Train
CrazyNutrition came into the fitness arena in 2013, which makes it one of the younger companies on our list. Their pre-workout, Intensive Pre-Train, is formulated with a blend of ingredients proven to improve your performance. You will get a burst of energy without the jitters that are often associated with large doses of caffeine. Plus, this one also lets you down gently as it wears off, so you don’t have to worry about crashing- recovery is smooth.
You will be able to achieve your best performance with Intensive Pre-Train because your focus and concentration will be on point. The powerful ingredients ensure optimal blood flow and nutrient delivery. Plus, muscle fatigue is eliminated, which also helps maximize performance. These ingredients include:
- Piperine
- L-arginine
- KSM-66 ashwagandha
- Betaine anhydrous
- EnXtra caffeine booster
- Citrulline malate
- Taurine
- L-tyrosine
- Whey protein
- Vitamin C
- Beta-alanine
All of these ingredients work together to help you reach your fitness goals. The amino acids help to eliminate cramping and other unpleasant side effects. These ingredients are prove safe and effective, and they’re natural. It is available in three flavors:
- Green Apple
- Blue Raspberry
- Fruit Punch
Each container of Intensive Pre-Train by CrazyNutrition offers 20 servings, and costs $39.99. They also offer a subscription program that allows you to put the product on auto-ship, bringing the cost to $31.99 per container. You can choose how often you have it delivered.
| Type | Powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Piperine, L-arginine, KSM-66 ashwagandha, Betaine anhydrous, EnXtra caffeine booster, Citrulline malate, Taurine, L-tyrosine, Whey protein, Vitamin C, Beta-alanine | |
| Dosage | 1 scoop/day | |
| Side effects | None | |
| Cost/Servings | $39.99/20 servings | |
| Guarantee? | Yes, 60 days | |
Visit CrazyNutrition Here
TestoPrime
TestoPrime is number four on our list of best pre-workouts for focus. This pre-workout not only improves your workout performance, but also testosterone levels. It is specifically targeted to men with low-T.
According to the manufacturer, TestoPrime has been proven to increase testosterone levels, increase confidence, improve muscle mass, increase physician and mental energy, enhance motivation, burn stubborn fat, and so much more- all at the same time.
They also claim that, due to their blend of ingredients, their pre-workout works faster and helps you achieve more than other options on the market. The best part is that this formula contains zero stimulants. Ingredients in TestoPrime include:
- Black Pepper Extract
- D-Aspartic Acid
- Vitamins B-5 & B-6
- Vitamin D
- Fenugreek
- Panax Ginseng
- Garlic Extract
- KSM-66 Ashwagandha
- Green Tea Extract
- Pomegranate Extract
Research shows that this combination of ingredients make it an ideal choice for workout enthusiasts. Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and will experience different results. Many people will see results quickly, as promised by the company. However, it may take longer for some people to achieve results- but they will come.
The amazing amino acid profile means you don’t have to be concerned with side effects that come with some pre-workouts. Each dose of TestoPrime supports even the most intense sessions. The fat-burning effects of TestoPrime are comparable to those of many other options on the market.
One bottle of TestoPrime contains 120 capsules, which will last you 30 days. It costs $59.00. you can buy in bulk, 3 months for $119.99 or 6 months for $179.99.
| Type | Capsules | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Black Pepper Extract, D-Aspartic Acid, Vitamins B-5 & B-6, Vitamin D, Fenugreek, Panax Ginseng, Garlic Extract, KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Green Tea Extract, Pomegranate Extract | |
| Dosage | 4 capsules/day | |
| Side effects | None | |
| Cost/Servings | $59.99/30 servings | |
| Guarantee? | Yes, Lifetime | |
Visit TestoPrime Here
PreLab Pro
PreLab Pro is the final pre-workout for focus on our list. According to their website, this pre-workout will “release the beast”, helping you achieve max strength and stamina during your workouts. This product has been proven to improve even your most intense sessions in several ways.
In fact, PreLab Pro promises that their pre-workout formula will give you the energy you need for your workout, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance, improve stamina and muscle power, and so much more. This all-in-one product targets several goals at the same time so you get the most from each and every one of your workouts.
The ingredients in this formula are proven by science and include:
- Beetroot powder
- Natural caffeine
- L-theanine
- Setria performance blend
The major drawback with PreLab Pro is the fact that it only comes in one flavor: natural berry. Therefore, if you want flavor variety, you might want to try something else.
Most people notice results fairly quickly with PreLab Pro- sometimes after the very first dose. You’ll find that you recover quicker and are more confident about your workouts. Plus, your energy levels will be much higher, which means you will be able to put in more effort. After all, the more effort you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it.
Each container of PreLab Pro offers 20 servings and costs $59.00. You can purchase in bulk, which will save you some. Their best value is the 4 container pack, which costs $177.00. this brings the cost per container to $44.25 each.
| Type | Powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Beetroot powder, Natural caffeine, L-theanine, Setria performance blend | |
| Dosage | 1 scoop/day | |
| Side effects | None | |
| Cost/Servings | $59.00/20 servings | |
| Guarantee? | Yes, 30 days | |
Visit PreLab Pro Here
Other Benefits Associated with Pre-Workouts
Some of the other benefits associated with pre-workouts include:
- Improve workout performance
- Build muscle mass
- Increase fat loss
- Reduce recovery time
- Improves blood flow by facilitating the production of nitric oxide. Citrulline malate is the amino acid that does this.
Many people use pre-workouts to give their workout sessions a boost. These supplements are known for increasing energy levels, which helps you meet your physical goals, regardless of whether you want to lose weight or build muscle.
Doesn’t Coffee Have the Same Effect?
No, coffee does not have the same benefits. However, it is important to note that the effects are similar to those of a pre-workout.
After all, coffee does contain caffeine, which can definitely improve alertness, decrease fatigue, and increase your energy levels. However, coffee does not have the other ingredients that are known to improve focus.
Pre-workout supplements are typically high in caffeine, especially if you compare them to green tea or coffee.
Side Effects of Pre-Workouts
Some of the most common side effects associated with pre-workouts include:
Tingling sensation- due to beta-alanine. Most people find that they can tolerate this, as it’s not life-threatening. However, some have difficulty tolerating it.
Difficulty sleeping- if you use a pre-workout supplement with stimulants too close to bedtime, you may have a hard time falling and/or staying asleep.
High blood pressure, digestive issues, and dehydration- all of these may happen if you consume too much, or you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients.
How We Selected Best Pre-Workouts for Focus
If you decide that you want to try taking a pre-workout to improve your workout sessions, you’ll quickly find that the market is saturated with options. Each one of them makes promises and claims to be the best at improving stamina, increasing energy, enhancing endurance, and so much more. However, it’s important to remember that, like other supplement categories, all products are not created equal. Many of them don’t live up to their promises.
Therefore, when we were creating our list, we considered the following:
Proven Ingredients/Dosages
As you can see, the various manufacturers use their own blend of ingredients and dosages. When creating our list, we did not lean towards one specific manufacturer or another. We did choose products that utilize proven ingredients and dosages. In some cases, a manufacturer may have all of the right ingredients, but doesn’t have the appropriate dosages- so the product is either too strong or not strong enough. Also, we did make sure to avoid products that contain “proprietary blends” because it’s hard to know what you’re getting and how much. We were partial to manufacturers that were transparent about what is included in their formulations.
Honest Advertising
As we investigated the various brands, we found many that tend to exaggerate their benefits. Some of them promise that you’ll shed 30+ pounds overnight or turn you into a bodybuilder within a week. It’s important to remember that these claims are outrageous- there is no way you’ll see results that quickly. Additionally, you won’t see results at all if you don’t put in the effort. Always remember that you get out of it what you put in. The products we chose for our list offer honest advertising.
Third-party Tested
When you purchase a product from an unlicensed manufacturer with little to no reputation or respect in the fitness industry, you increase your risk of consuming a dangerous supplement. You’ll find that the best pre-workouts- and other fitness supplements- are NSF Certified for Sport. This means they have been through some serious testing and proven to be high-quality, safe, and effective.
Research-Backed
You’ll find that some of the pre-workouts have experts including naturopaths, medical providers, and dietitians on their board to approve their products prior to launch. Others are simply marketing teams. We made sure that the pre-workouts on our list are backed by professionals in the industry.
Texture/Flavor
Powdered pre-workouts are designed to be mixed with water, so it’s important that they taste great and mix well. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not likely to use it. We preferred products that have a pleasant flavor and texture. Also, for the most part, we tried to choose products that offer a variety of flavors, so you don’t have to worry about getting burnt out with the same flavor all the time.
Artificial Ingredients/Flavors/Sweeteners
These days, it seems that most consumers are more aware of what they are putting into their bodies and tend to avoid artificial ingredients, sweeteners, flavors, and other additives. We made sure to keep this in mind as we chose the products for our list. We leaned toward products that are all-natural.
Manufacturer Reputation
As we mentioned, some of the manufacturers have a medical advisory board to oversee their product formulations. These companies generally use standardized production techniques and are honest about their ingredients. On the other hand, there are some dishonest companies in the industry that don’t have experience creating high-quality products and attempt to hide information about their products that prove they are lower quality. We verified that the products we chose for our list are made by companies with good reputations.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Reputable companies stand behind their products, offering a satisfaction guarantee to their consumers. Many of them offer a “no questions asked” guarantee. However, you must read the fine print because there are some that offer a guarantee, but only on products that have not been opened. We checked the guarantees on the products we chose and only chose those who are honest about their terms.
Do You Need a Pre-Workout?
One thing you need to keep in mind is that pre-workouts are supplements and therefore, not for everyone. If you have trouble getting through your workout session due to low energy or fatigue, you may want to check into your lifestyle habits first:
- Are you hydrated?
- Do you eat right?
- Are you sleeping well?
You don’t always have to immediately jump to supplementation. You can make some minor changes to your lifestyle. Plus, due to the variations in ingredients, it’s hard to judge how effective they are.
That being said, if you’ve tried a pre-workout and it seems to be working for you, there’s no reason to stop. Just make sure the one you are using is safe. If you’ve decided that you want to try using a pre-workout, consider one of the five on our list. They all align with our criteria above, so you don’t have to do your own research.
At this time, it is believed that pre-workouts may improve your overall athletic performance, but research is ongoing. They are generally considered safe- but they are not critical for your athletic performance or your overall health.
Read: Best Pre-Workout for Cardio Workouts
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Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely substitutes for sound medical or financial advice from a licensed healthcare provider or certified financial advisor. Make sure to consult with a professional physician or financial consultant before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed as the statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA, or Health Canada approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and do not provide any kind of get-rich money scheme. Reviewer is not responsible for pricing inaccuracies. Check product sales page for final prices.
