A good pre workout can yield a big difference in your training – as it can boost alertness, performance, endurance and even psychomotor skills – but can it happen without caffeine?
Many caffeine-free pre-workouts say that yes – but we’ll put it to test in this article, to let you see if they’re worth the hype or not.
We’ll teach you why you should take out the caffeine, the stimulants present in caffeine-free alternatives and what are the best pre-workouts of this type on the market.
Why Take Out the Caffeine and When to Choose a Non-Caffeine Pre Workout?
If you’re doing alright with caffeine, you should stick to it. Truth be told, they work well for many athletes, gym-goers and people who want an extra edge in their workouts.
If you’re looking for a sign to switch to a caffeine-free alternative, watch out for the following negative effects:
- Jittery behavior
- Problems falling sleep and decreased sleep quality
- Impulsive behavior
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased Anxiety
- Lack of focus and attention issues
It usually happens when you take a caffeine pre-workout 2-3 hours before going to bed as it disrupts your circadian rhythm (source), but it can happen even if you take it during the day.
In persons with heart health problems, it’d be a good idea to replace it because it can increase the chances of suffering a heart attack (source).
In addition, if you want to cycle off caffeine – then it’s the logical route.
If you’re already experiencing such effects and you feel it’s time for a change – welcome caffeine-free pre-workouts. Especially good if you work out at the end of the day.
Are There Still Stimulants in Non-Caffeine Pre-Workout?
To replace the effects of caffeine, they use other ingredients that offer the same or very similar benefits – all while minimizing the risks.
They are not to be confused with stimulants, as they don’t produce serious sympathomimetic effects, and hence, they don’t affect deeply the brain and behavior (source).
They usually contain the following ingredients:
- Taurine: Improves anaerobic lactic metabolism, and hence, can boost the performance of training sessions (source) and it can induce focus and better cognitive performance thanks to reducing stress levels – to the level of being called a “wonder molecule” (source)
- Citrulline: It enhances sports performance and improves subjective perceptions on muscle soreness and perceived exertion after a training session (source)
- Tyrosine: It boosts focus and working memory by reducing stress (source), it improves psychomotor skills, dexterity and coordination by boosting cognitive flexibility (source) and it improves performance under stressful situation thanks to increasing the levels and concentration of adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine
As you can see, such stimulants replace perfectly well the physiological and psychological effects of caffeine – now let’s dive into the best options available on the market.
They haven’t reported serious negative effects as caffeine – and hence they’re labeled as stimulant free pre workout.
What Are the Best Caffeine Free Pre Workouts?
Now that you know the benefits of a non stimulant pre workout, it’s time to see what are the best options on the market right now.
They’re all cxcellent for strength training, endurance training and any type of sport because their formulas feature ingredients that improve strength and even enhance recovery.
Below, a direct review for each.
#1 – Stimulant Free Pre-Kaged Pre Workout by Kaged Muscle
It is a powerful blend of patented ingredients such as Creatine HCl™, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine and a betaine extract – BetaPower®. It increases focus, alertness, endurance, pumps, improves performance and more without the jittery of caffeine.
It comes with a 32gr scoop for a massive dose to experience the effects of the pre-workout right on time.
#2 – STIM-FREE Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs
A combination of citrulline malate, BCAA, beta-alanine, taurine and tyrosine at clinically effective doses – to let the effects kick in soon after taking it and make them prevail during your workout.
Thanks to its entire composition of 13 active ingredient it can increase the nitric oxide to the muscle to take your performance to the next level while improving focus and alertness.
With 23gr per serving – you’ll bring your body and mind the necessary boost to kill it in every single training session.
#3 – Post JYM Recovery and Active BCAAs Powder by JYM Supplement Science
The stimulant-free pre-workout by JYM Supplement Science features a formula that contains BCAAs, creatine, carnosyn beta-alanine, betaine, L-carnitine and taurine to give your muscles and mind the boost you need.
With 21gr per serving – you’ll allow the ingredients to do their job, which is to enhance your physical and mental performance to break through any plateau. Anytime.
Closing Down
Now you know everything about caffeine free pre workout – but if you have questions, let us know in the comments. We’ll answer them to help you to pick the ideal stimulant free pre workout for you.
