Pre-workouts are great for increasing energy, strength, and power during a workout, but could they also aid in weight loss? While pre-workout isn’t a magic solution for shedding pounds, its influence on exercise performance could indirectly support weight loss efforts by enabling more effective, calorie-scorching workouts. Furthermore, some of the best pre-workout products for weight loss are formulated with metabolism-boosting ingredients that may help you burn more calories.
Our team of certified personal trainers, nutrition experts, and competitive athletes has tested over 100 pre-workout supplements. In 2024, we helped nearly 12,000 consumers find a pre-workout supplement to help enhance their workout performance.
Using our team’s expert insights and my input as a registered dietitian nutritionist, we rounded up 10 pre-workout supplements geared toward enhancing energy levels and boosting your workout intensity, all in the pursuit of aiding your weight loss journey. We rated each pre-workout supplement using our supplement testing methodology, evaluating factors such as:
- Ingredients: Does the pre-workout contain ingredients that are clinically shown to support weight loss? Are they available in research-backed doses?
- Solubility: Does the powder dissolve completely, or does it leave clumps behind?
- Taste: Is this something we look forward to drinking before every workout?
- Effectiveness: Do we feel more energized and focused after taking the pre-workout?
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
- Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
- Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X
- Best Pre-Workout for Women’s Weight Loss: Legion Pulse Naturally Sweetened & Flavored Pre-Workout
- Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Kaged Pre-Kaged
- Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
- Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Onnit Alpha BRAIN
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Bulk Black
- Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Energy: C4 Ultimate Shred
- Best Pre-Workout for Running and Weight Loss: MyProtein THE Pre-Workout
- Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Genius Pre
Compare Side By Side
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| Transparent Labs LEAN | Nutricost Pre-X | Legion Pulse | Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout | Jacked Factory Nitrosurge | Alpha BRAIN | Transparent Labs BULK Black | C4 Ultimate Shred | MyProtein THE Pre-Workout | Genius Pre | |
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| Price Per Serving | $1.67 | $1.10 | $2.25 | $2.25 | $0.87 | $3.00 | $1.83 | $2.75 | $1.03 | $1.90 |
| Serving Size | 14.2 g | 17 g | 23.5 g | 29.6 g | 8.4 g | 10.4 g | 21.4 g | 20.3 g | 15.6 g | 15.9 g |
| Third-party Tested? | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Caffeine | 180 mg | 300 mg | 350 mg | 274 mg | 180 mg | 200 mg | 305 mg | 300 mg | 150 mg | 0 mg |
| Beta-Alanine | 2 g | 2 g | 3.6 g | 1.6 g | 1.6 g | 2.4 g | 4g per serving | 3.2 g | 2 g | 2 g |
| Citrulline | 6 g citrulline malate | 4 g | 8 g citrulline malate | 6.5 g | 3 g L-citrulline | 2.4 g | 8 g citrulline malate | 3 g | 4 g | 6 g citrulline malate |
| Flavors | 8 flavors | 3 flavors | 19 flavors | 7 flavors | 11 flavors | 2 flavors | 8 flavors | 4 flavors | 7 flavors | 4 flavors |
Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
Good for: Athletes wanting improved stamina, focus, and fat burning during a workout.
Transparent Labs’ LEAN pre-workout supplement promises to deliver better endurance, power, alertness, and focus. The fat loss component is less of a guarantee with few reports of an actual change in body composition.
What our tester says:
“It was slightly bitter and not too sweet—an okay combination. Although, it didn’t dissolve completely, that didn’t affect the experience, in my opinion.”
Transparent Labs LEAN is specifically designed to enhance energy and fat burning. Its combination of stamina-boosting ingredients, fat-loss support, and focus-enhancing components may benefit those wanting to intensify their workouts and change their body composition.
LEAN contains effective doses of citrulline malate (6 grams), beta-alanine (2 grams), and BetaPure betaine (1.5 grams) to enhance energy, muscle endurance, and strength during a workout. Each serving offers200 milligrams of PurCaf organic caffeine to reduce the sense of effort and increase repetitions to failure.
What makes LEAN unique is its fat-burning complex, consisting of chromium picolinate, zinc, and acetyl l-carnitine. Chromium picolinate is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and helps regulate blood sugar. Some research1 suggests that chromium supplementation may help reduce body weight in obese individuals, but these effects are small.
Zinc is required for thyroid hormone production and regulation. Zinc is needed for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), which is essential for maintaining normal metabolism. Dysregulated thyroid hormones can lead to changes in metabolism and weight gain.
Finally, l-carnitine serves as a crucial molecule for moving fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane within cells. To put it simply, it facilitates the transport of fats into the mitochondria, where they undergo conversion into energy in the form of ATP, so you end up burning more fat.
The one ingredient you won’t find here is creatine, though some people may prefer a pre-workout without creatine.
GGR editorial team member and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tried this pre-workout and rated solubility a 4 out of 5. “It’s not opaque once mixed, and I did notice a few ‘floaties’ that required some extra shakes,” she adds.
LEAN comes in eight different flavors. The product contains only natural flavors and sweeteners. Nicole rated the taste a solid 5 out of 5, saying it had a slightly bitter taste but wasn’t too sweet overall. “I attribute the sweetness profile to the lack of artificial sweeteners and flavoring agents,” Nicole adds. “Naturally, you’re not going to get that sugary sensation that you’d get with other, more synthetic ingredients.”
Find out more in our full Transparent Labs LEAN review.
| Price Per Serving | $1.67 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Orange, Cherry Splash, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Fruit Punch |
| Key Ingredients | Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, chromium picolinate, zinc, acetyl l-carnitine |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X
Good for: Folks on a weight loss journey looking for an affordable pre-workout boost.
Nutricost Pre-X is an affordable pre-workout at about $1 per serving. There are five flavors to choose from, each with a light and refreshing taste. Each serving contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 3 cups of coffee.
What our tester says:
“With this one, even two hours after taking it, I didn’t have a comedown, crash, or feel tired. I could still work really hard through my sessions.”
Most folks will understand that there are some days when getting to the gym can feel like such a drag. But that’s where pre-workout comes in, giving you a boost of motivation and a metaphorical kick in the pants. And if you need a kick in the pants for most of your workouts (like we do) we appreciate ones that offer an affordable price per serving.
Nutricost Pre-X is an exceptional budget option with prices on Amazon starting at roughly $0.63 per serving when you opt for a 60-serving container. “You rarely find pre-workouts in this quantity and at this sub-$1 price point,” notes Jacob Penner, GGR expert contributor and USA Weightlifting instructor. “There’s a reason I’ve used this formulation for so long and give it a 5 out of 5 for value.”
We liked our testing experience with Nutricost Pre-X pre-workout because it not only boosted GGR tester and editorial team member Kate Meier’s energy levels—with 300 milligrams of caffeine—it also gave her mental focus to stay on track during her workout.
In the Pre-X formulation, you’ll find alpha-GPC2, which is an ingredient that’s been shown to increase neurotransmitters for cognitive function and can potentially improve endurance performance and increase natural growth hormone secretion.
When it comes to taste and solubility, Pre-X earns a 4.5 and 4-star rating, respectively. “I actually look forward to drinking the Blue Raspberry flavor, it’s very tasty,” says Kate, but notes you will find a bit of sediment at the bottom of your shaker cup.
Read more in our Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout review.
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.63 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Grape |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, beta-alanine, taurine, nitrosigine, betaine anhydrous, l-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, DMAE, CPC choline, theobromine, huperzine A, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
Best Pre-Workout for Women’s Weight Loss: Legion Pulse Naturally Sweetened & Flavored Pre-Workout
Good for: Women wanting an energy boost and improved athletic performance without artificial fillers, sweeteners, or flavors.
Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Legion Pulse’s stim-free pre-workout formula is a fan favorite. If you’re trying to avoid artificial flavors and chemicals, this may be a good choice.
What our tester says:
“While it mixes well, the Blue Raspberry does have a bitter taste and an unpleasant aftertaste.”
Legion Pulse Naturally Sweetened & Flavored Pre-Workout is a gluten-free, vegetarian pre-workout supplement made with 100% natural ingredients. If you want to avoid artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, this could be a good option. It’s designed to up your energy, maximize strength, and reduce fatigue. You can choose to order Pulse with or without caffeine, too, if you prefer a stimulant-free makeup.
Pulse contains a robust 8 grams of citrulline malate, which assists in boosting nitric oxide production, facilitating improved blood flow, and enhancing nutrient supply to muscles. Citrulline malate may also improve muscular endurance and strength during a workout.
The supplement also features 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, 2.5 grams of betaine, and 300 milligrams of alpha-GPC. These ingredients collectively aim to reduce exercise-induced fatigue, promote muscle growth, and increase power during workouts, so you can push harder and burn more calories for weight loss.
Legion Pulse Naturally Sweetened & Flavored Pre-Workout comes in 22 flavors with caffeine and eight without caffeine. The product is naturally flavored and naturally sweetened. Sweeteners include stevia and erythritol, a sugar alcohol that new studies3 suggest could be correlated with blood clotting. However, this needs to be further studied.
Nicole Davis, GGR editorial team member and certified personal trainer, rated the taste a 4 out of 5 in our Legion Pulse review. She found Pulse to be sweet with a bit of a bitter taste. “Be warned, though, that the common stevia aftertaste definitely makes its presence known with this pre-workout powder,” she adds. “If you’re not a fan of this, I’d suggest opting for a different alternative.”
The product’s solubility was impressive, and we rated it a 5 out of 5. The mixed solution is opaque without any grittiness or floaties.
Jacob Penner, USA Weightlifting L-2 coach and GGR expert panel member, has tried roughly 50 pre-workouts, and this is one of his favorites. “This blend has a 1:1 ratio of l-theanine (350 milligrams) to caffeine (350 milligrams), so you get a really balanced experience,” he says. “If you set aside all of the high-stim pre-workouts, this is probably one of my favorites because every time I use it, I feel energized but not over-stimulated.”
| Price Per Serving | $2.25 |
| Serving Size | 2 scoops |
| Flavors | With Caffeine: Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, Mojito, Sour Mango, Blue Raspberry, Piña Colada, Lemon Lime, Cotton Candy, Rainbow Sherbet, Cherry Limeade, Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, Sour Candy, Watermelon, Arctic Blast, Green Apple, Strawberry Margarita, Frosted Cranberry, Peach Ring, Pink Lemonade, Blood Orange, Grape Caffeine-Free: Fruit Punch, Blue Raspberry, Sour Candy, Arctic Blast, Strawberry Kiwi, Green Apple, Tropical Punch, Grape |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline DL malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, alpha-GPC |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Kaged Pre-Kaged
Good for: Bodybuilders wanting a powerful pre-workout that contains creatine and BCAAs for improved energy and muscle gains.
Kaged Pre-Kaged is expensive, but is formulated with research-backed dosages of key ingredients like caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline.
What our tester says:
“There’s a definite richness to the deep green color, and you’re almost visually cued that this pre-workout is designed to give you a substantial boost of energy.””
Kaged Pre-Kaged is formulated to provide you with improved energy, focus, endurance, and strength for better workouts and greater gains. It’s vegan, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and made without artificial flavors, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its formulation.
Pre-Kaged contains creatine HCL (1.5 grams) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to speed up muscle growth. When you gain more muscle, your body burns more calories throughout the day, even at rest, which could support weight loss.
Creatine HCL could be more absorbable and result in greater body composition changes compared to creatine monohydrate4. BCAAs, which consist of leucine, lysine, and valine, are known for their role in the production of new muscle and reducing soreness post-workout.
Other ingredients include L-citrulline (6.5 grams) for nitric oxide production and the best pumps, BetaPower betaine (2.5 grams) to enhance strength and muscle endurance, and Carnosyn beta-alanine (1.6 grams) to enhance mental clarity and recover faster.
Pre-Kaged includes 274 milligrams of caffeine, which may be a bit much if you’re sensitive to the potential side effects of caffeine. Consider starting with a half scoop to avoid caffeine jitters and assess your tolerance.
GGR editorial team member and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tried the Crisp Apple flavor. “When you open the shaker you smell it first, before tasting, and it definitely smells and tastes like apples,” she says in our Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged review. Nicole liked that the flavor wasn’t too sweet and rated it a 5 out of 5. All flavors are sweetened with sucralose and stevia.
Nicole rated solubility a 4 out of 5, as well. The solution was a little thick and did not completely dissolve. “This unique thickness also lent itself to a somewhat unappealing mouthfeel,” she adds. “However, there’s a definite richness to the deep green color, and you’re almost visually cued that this pre-workout is designed to give you a substantial boost of energy.”
| Price Per Serving | $2.25 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Crisp Apple, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Berry Blast, Orange Crush, Grape |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, beta-alanine, creatine hydrochloride, l-taurine, n-acetyl l-tyrosine, green coffee bean, l-leucine, l-isoleucine, l-valine, coconut water concentrate |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
Good for: Anyone easing into pre-workouts who desires more energy without the intense hype and sensations from stronger dosages.
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout is a generally positively reviewed pre-workout with 180 milligrams of caffeine and a large variety of flavor options.
What our tester says:
“I like that you still get 180 milligrams of caffeine with 1 scoop, so you get the energy but without all the other effects.”
Jacked Factory is full of nitric oxide boosters that will help give you that jacked look while lifting weights. The product includes two supplement facts labels: one for a single scoop serving, and one for a double scoop serving. If you are a pre-workout beginner, you may want to start with a single scoop so you can build up to higher doses of certain ingredients, like caffeine.
Each two-scoop serving contains 6 grams of L-citrulline, which aligns with the clinically studied recommended dosage of 3 to grams. L-citrulline is a nitric oxide booster that increases blood flow to the muscles, giving you a visible pump during your workout.
It also contains beta-alanine and betaine anhydrous5, which studies show may reduce fatigue, enhance strength, and extend exercise duration. Some consumers may notice a tingling sensation in their hands, arms, or neck after taking Nitrosurge. This is due to the beta-alanine and is entirely normal and harmless, typically subsiding within an hour.
With 360 milligrams of caffeine in a double scoop serving or 180 milligrams of caffeine in a single scoop, either serving will provide a sufficient surge of energy. Research6 shows that caffeine may help reduce appetite, which could help you consume fewer calories and lose weight.
Furthermore, the included theobromine and L-theanine support mental focus, so you can avoid distractions for a more effective workout. Nutritional Neuroscience research7 suggests that L-theanine combined with caffeine is beneficial for improving performance during cognitively demanding tasks.
Nitrosurge comes in 13 flavors, including Cherry Limeade and Sour Peach Rings. GGR product testing experts and avid weightlifters Jacob Penner and Kate Meier rate taste a 5 out of 5. “We tried Strawberry Margarita (which looks like it’s only available on Amazon). It is wildly delicious. Like, I’d drink this by the side of a pool over ice. Drink it all day,” Kate says in our Nitrosurge pre-workout review.
We rated solubility a 5 out of 5. Our testers put one scoop in a shaker cup with 500 milliliters of water and it dissolved perfectly.
Our testers tried a single scoop, which only gave them half the dosage of the active ingredients. They didn’t experience any tingle, itchiness, or hype because of the lower dosages. Jacob says, “This is what makes it really good for a beginner who isn’t ready to get the mad-hype feeling you get with other pres. I like that you still get 180 milligrams of caffeine with this so you get the energy, but without all the other effects.”
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.75 |
| Serving Size | 1-2 scoops |
| Flavors | Cherry Limeade, Arctic White, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Pineapple, Sour Peach Rings, Watermelon, Baba Yaga Blue Raz, Osaka Cherry Blossom |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine, l-theanine |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Onnit Alpha BRAIN
Good for: Individuals wanting an effective, natural pre-workout that improves focus, energy, and intensity.
Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized. It only comes in two flavors; the Tiger’s Blood flavor is our preferred choice.
What our tester says:
“I felt incredibly clear and prepared for my lifting session. While I didn’t get the tingles like I do with other pre-workouts, I definitely still got a pump.”
Onnit Alpha BRAIN is made with natural flavors, sweeteners, and colors. This pre-workout is formulated with key ingredients that support the mental focus and physical energy you need to make the most of every training session.
Alpha BRAIN contains pre-workout staples such as beta-alanine, l-citrulline, and alpha-GPC for increased energy, endurance, strength, and focus. The l-citrulline dose of 2.4 grams is a little low considering the clinically studied recommended dosage is 3 to 6 grams.
This product offers 200 milligrams of caffeine and 50 grams of dynamine, ingredients that can improve cognitive performance during mentally taxing tasks when combined. With caffeine, dynamine may help improve working memory, cognitive control, and reaction time. “I feel really locked in when taking this, and I actually prefer it when I know I need to return to work post-training,” states certified nutrition coach and GGR editorial team member, Ben Emminger. “It’s a great way to boost clarity and stay sharp throughout the day,” he adds in reference to his 4-out-of-5 effects rating.
What’s more, each serving provides 225 milligrams of nooghanda, a trademarked form of ashwagandha extract. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that supports improved memory, focus, and stress relief. Some 2021 research8 indicates it may also improve physical strength and power.
Alpha BRAIN comes in two flavors, Tiger’s Blood and Yuzu Peach. Both are sweetened naturally with stevia and colored using vegetable juice. Given this limited flavor roster, we rate this natural pre-workout supplement at a conservative 3 out of 5.
GGR editorial team member Kate Meier tried this product, along with several members of her weightlifting team. “We had multiple people on our team try this,” she says in our Onnit Alpha BRAIN pre-workout review, “And they all agreed: This brings great focus and clarity to your workout. It’s not overly stimulating; it’s more of just feeling very present and ready to do the work. No tingles from this one, either. Two of our testers said they still got a good pump from this pre-workout.”
| Price Per Serving | $3 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Tiger’s Blood, Yuzu Peach |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, caffeine, dynamine, nooghanda |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Bulk Black
Good for: Those wanting a potent pre-workout to take their energy levels, strength, and endurance to the next level.
Transparent Labs’ BULK supplement is attractive to those whose primary focus is split between potential muscle gain and a pre-workout pump. While the taste is questionable, the product works well for most users.
What our tester says:
“The Blue Raspberry flavor is exactly what you’d expect from your typical Blue Razz—it’s not too sweet either, which I like.”
Transparent Labs Bulk Black pre-workout offers a more potent version of the Transparent Labs’ BULK pre-workout formula. As one of the strongest pre-workouts we’ve tested, Bulk Black boasts elevated levels of caffeine anhydrous and Infinergy. It’s formulated to enhance strength, endurance, and blood flow to the muscles. Bulk Black is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and food dyes.
Key ingredients in this potent pre-workout include 8 grams of citrulline malate, 4 grams of beta-alanine, and 2.5 grams of BetaPure betaine anhydrous. Citrulline malate may help improve strength and aerobic performance, since it’s thought to absorb better than the commonly used L-citrulline.
Beta-alanine, commonly underdosed in other pre-workouts, increases muscle carnosine levels, delaying muscle fatigue and improving endurance. Betaine is synergistic with citrulline and beta-alanine, supporting reduced fatigue so you can complete more reps.
Moreover, this supplement incorporates nootropics to enhance mood and sharpen focus. For instance, l-tyrosine, an amino acid thought to assist in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, plays a role in attention, motivation, and mental focus. Alpha-GPC is known for its potential ability to improve cognitive function, improving memory, learning, and focus.
Anthony O’Reilly, certified personal trainer and former GGR performance editor, tested the Peach Mango flavor and rated it a 5 out of 5. “It tastes so good that I actually want to sip it rather than just gulping it down like most pre-workout.”
The powder mixed really well, too. Anthony didn’t experience any unwanted clumps or floaties, so he rated solubility a 5 out of 5.
Anthony acknowledges this product comes with a higher price tag, but thinks it’s absolutely worth it. He rated this product’s effects a 5 out of 5 and said, “Energy was quick, long-lasting, and non-crashing.” He experienced some minimal face tingles and noticeable strength gains and mental focus.
| Price Per Serving | $1.83 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Mango, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy, Black Cherry, Cherry Kiwi, Blueberry Pomegranata, Watermelon Peach |
| Key Ingredients | Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, l-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, green coffee bean, l-theanine, theobromine |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Energy: C4 Ultimate Shred
Good for: Anyone who’s looking for a metabolism- and energy-boosting pre-workout.
C4 Ultimate Shred contains numerous ingredients proven to increase your metabolism, which could lead to weight loss. Although some key ingredients, like l-citrulline, are underdosed you will get a big energy boost from the 300 milligrams of caffeine and other stimulants in this pre-workout.
Best Pre-Workout for Running and Weight Loss: MyProtein THE Pre-Workout
Good for: Runners wanting to elevate their energy and power output with fewer muscle cramps.
THE Pre-Workout supplement is made by a reputable brand and can potentially help support your health and fitness goals. Its higher cost may be prohibitive to some.
What our tester says:
“I appreciate the slightly sour taste, and I experienced no unwanted side effects with the artificial sweeteners.”
MyProtein THE Pre-Workout is formulated to elevate your next run or cardio session to its fullest potential. It contains adequate doses of the most effective ingredients to give you prolonged energy and power.
THE Pre-Workout provides 4 grams of l-citrulline to amplify blood flow to your muscles, improve strength, and intensify power. Each serving also provides 2 grams of beta-alanine, which enhances muscle buffering capacity, meaning you can run further without experiencing muscle fatigue.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout with Creatine
Furthermore, it offers 2.5 grams of betaine to boost power output, enabling you to push yourself harder during sprints. With 150 milligrams of caffeine, you’ll feel energized without the crazy jitters you may experience with other pre-workouts much higher in caffeine. BioPerine, a patented black pepper fruit extract, is a less common ingredient included in THE Pre-Workout for its potential to support enhanced nutrient absorption.
Nicole Davis, GGR editorial team member and certified personal trainer, really liked the taste of this product, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I appreciate the slightly sour taste, and I experienced no unwanted side effects with the artificial sweeteners,” she adds.
Solubility wasn’t as impressive, and we rated it a 3 out of 5. The powder didn’t completely dissolve giving the drink a cloudy taste and there were visible floaties.
Nicole rated effectiveness a 4 out of 5 in our MyProtein pre-workout review. She felt energized and focused during her workout. “You do experience some skin tingles given the 2 grams of beta-alanine, but they dissipate pretty quickly,” she notes. “I wouldn’t hesitate to take this pre-workout powder before a long run or jog.”
| Price Per Serving | $1.50 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Lemonade, Orange Paradise, Peach Ring, Spicy Mango Margarita, Spicy Strawberry Margarita, Watermelon |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, n-acetyl l-tyrosine, caffeine anhydrous, theacrine |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Genius Pre
Good for: Athletes wanting the mental focus and concentration from a pre-workout but without the caffeine.
Genius Pre stimulant-free pre-workout uses nootropics in place of caffeine to increase energy levels and awareness.
What our tester says:
“Taste-wise, this is one of the best pre-workouts I’ve ever had, and I’ve had 50+ pre-workouts.”
Genius Pre is a caffeine-free pre-workout infused with nootropic ingredients and formulated to unlock your greatest physical potential. This product is enriched with cognitive-boosting components to keep you in peak mental form during your workout, without the stimulants.
Genius Pre is packed with substantial doses of citrulline malate (6 grams), CarnoSyn beta-alanine (2 grams), and betaine (2 grams). These components elevate nitric oxide production, enhance blood flow, and strengthen the mind-muscle connection for more effective workouts.
Beyond these performance-boosting ingredients, Genius Pre incorporates nootropics for enhanced cognitive function. L-tyrosine, for instance, may help enhance cognitive flexibility in task-switching performance. Additionally, alpha-GPC can help support focus and memory, ensuring you’re fully immersed in your training session.
Genius Pre offers four flavor options, all free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. Jacob Penner, USA Weightlifting L-2 coach and GGR expert panel member, absolutely loves the Blue Raspberry flavor, which he says tastes just like a blue ICEE. He rated taste a 5 out of 5 and says, “Taste-wise, this is one of the best pre-workouts I’ve ever had, and I’ve had 50+ pre-workouts.”
Regarding solubility, Jacob says in our Genius pre-workout review that it, “Blends very well; I did one scoop with about 16 ounces of water; no noticeable issues with blending.” Ultimately, he rated solubility a winning 5 out of 5.
Jacob compared the effects of this pre-workout to how you might feel after taking a mood stabilizer, euphoric, calm, and focused. He rated effects a 4 out of 5 and says, “I was relaxed, not stimulated; clear, and ready to take action.”
| Price Per Serving | $1.90 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Grape Limeade, Sour Apple, Sour Cherry |
| Key Ingredients | L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, l-tyrosine, alpha-GPC |
| Third-Party Testing | No |
Other Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss We Researched
It’s fair to say we’ve tested a lot of pre-workouts. Tons of them include quality ingredients that could take your workout to the next level and help you lose weight. Here are a few more pre-workout products that didn’t quite make this list.
- Gorilla Mode: The product contains 2.5 grams of creatine and a whopping 9 grams of l-citrulline for enhanced strength, muscle growth, and a massive pump. Read our full Gorilla Mode pre-workout review for more info.
- 4 Gauge: Made with beetroot juice to boost nitric oxide production and creatine to support muscle protein synthesis. Doesn’t include beta-alanine, so you won’t experience any annoying itching or tingling.
- Blackwolf Pre-Workout: Includes L-arginine for increased nitric oxide production and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
Our team of product testers, consisting of certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, and CrossFit coaches took many factors into consideration to choose the best pre-workout supplements for weight loss. With our first-hand experience using these products, we were able to take notes regarding ingredient quality, cost, taste, solubility, and effectiveness. We then rated each product on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the following categories:
Ingredients
We looked for pre-workout supplements that specifically contained high-quality ingredients that may support weight loss, like caffeine, green tea extract, and l-carnitine. Additionally, we aimed to choose products with clinically effective doses of common pre-workout ingredients, such as citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine, to amplify your workouts so you can burn more calories.
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, “A few ingredients to avoid in pre-workout supplements include yohimbe, DMAA, and p-Synephrine. It’s also good to check for proprietary blends, artificial sweeteners and colors, and high caffeine dosages.”
We followed his advice and aimed to include pre-workout supplements without these ingredients when compiling the list above.
RELATED: Types of Pre-Workout
Cost
We intentionally selected a wide range of pre-workout options to fit different budgets. Supplements with fewer, basic ingredients are often more affordable, while those with a unique blend of ingredients, including amino acids, creatine, and herbal extracts, can be more costly. Consider the dosages of ingredients and number of servings when making a decision about the cost-effectiveness of a product.
Taste
If you’re going to add a pre-workout to your supplement stack it needs to taste good. This is something you’ll likely be taking several times a week and you’re less likely to be consistent if you’re choking each sip down with disgust. Our testers provide reliable feedback regarding taste. Also, check out customer reviews on the product website to see what others have to say.
Solubility
There’s nothing worse than a clumpy, gritty pre-workout that just won’t mix. We don’t expect every product to completely dissolve (although that’s nice), but we do expect a smooth drink that’s easy to consume and doesn’t require a lot of extra shaking.
Benefits of Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
While pre-workout supplements are not direct weight loss products, they can offer several benefits that may support weight loss efforts.
Increased Metabolism
Pre-workouts commonly contain ingredients that enhance muscle growth, like creatine. Increased muscle mass raises metabolism, meaning you burn more calories, which could help you lose weight. Additionally, pre-workout ingredients, like caffeine, are known to increase your metabolic rate, so you scorch even more calories.
Potential Appetite Suppression
Pre-workout ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract may have appetite-reducing effects. For instance, green tea extract reduces ghrelin, a hormone that makes you feel hungry. You could find yourself less interested in unnecessary snacking and large portion sizes.
Better Focus
“Pre-workout supplements can help you perform at your best during your workouts. They typically contain a combination of ingredients that can boost energy, reduce muscle fatigue, enhance endurance and strength, and improve focus,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.
When your focus is zoned in, your workout is more effective. When you’re able to train strategically and without distractions, you’re more likely to push yourself to the next level. This means more reps, heavier weights, and further distances, which is likely to mean more calories burned.
Can Pre-Workouts Help You Lose Weight?
Before we answer this question, it’s important to note that weight loss largely comes down to your nutrition and exercise habits. “Regular physical activity can help you manage and maintain a healthy body fat percentage by burning calories. This can help create a calorie deficit, especially when combined with a nutritious diet that includes adequate protein and other nutrient-dense foods,” says registered dietitian and exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
That said, while the main purpose of pre-workouts isn’t weight loss, it can indirectly support weight loss efforts in several ways. For instance, pre-workout commonly contains stimulants that enhance energy levels and alertness. This can lead to more effective workouts, allowing you to exercise at a higher intensity for longer, which may increase calories burned and contribute to weight loss over time.
Additionally, some ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract, may boost your metabolic rate and promote the breakdown of fat for fuel. This means you could increase calorie burning throughout the day, which could help you shed pounds.
Some ingredients in pre-workout, like caffeine, could have appetite-suppressing effects. These effects can help with portion control and result in a calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
Common Pre-Workout for Weight Loss Ingredients
Certain pre-workouts include fat-burning ingredients that may promote weight loss. Here are a few ingredients that are commonly found in pre-workout supplements that could help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals.
- Caffeine: Caffeine has the potential to boost metabolic rate and promote fat burning, potentially contributing to weight loss. Caffeine might also have an appetite-suppressing effect, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Green tea extract: Green tea extract, which is full of antioxidants, may reduce the production of ghrelin (a hunger hormone) and may decrease appetite. It could also promote the breakdown of stored fat for energy.
- Capsaicin: Capsaicin is the compound in red chili peppers that makes them spicy. It increases thermogenesis, the production of heat in the body, causing the body to burn more calories.
- L-Carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid involved in fatty acid transport that may help burn fat during exercise.
FAQs About the Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
Is there a pre-workout that helps you lose weight?
Yes, there are many pre-workouts that could help you achieve more intense workouts so you can burn more calories for weight loss. Pre-workout alone isn’t a magic weight loss supplement. However, pre-workout combined with regular physical activity and a healthy diet may help you lose weight.
“Managing body fat effectively involves a combination of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments,” adds exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
What is the best pre-workout to lose weight?
We suggest Transparent Labs LEAN for weight loss. It’s formulated to amplify energy levels and promote fat burning. Its unique blend of endurance-boosting elements, fat-loss support, and focus-enhancing ingredients can be advantageous for individuals looking to elevate their exercise sessions and transform their body composition.
Which pre-workout is best for fat loss and muscle gain?
We suggest choosing a pre-workout with creatine, like Kaged Pre-Kaged, for fat loss and muscle gain. Gaining muscle speeds up metabolism, helping you burn more calories.
What is the best pre-workout for women’s weight loss?
If you’re looking for the best, we suggest Legion Pulse pre-workout for women’s weight loss. It’s a gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly supplement composed of 100% natural ingredients. Its purpose is to elevate your energy levels, optimize strength, and combat fatigue.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
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