I have always been a big fan of pre-workout supplements, especially during my college baseball days. They seem to give me the energy I need to get in a great workout, and also seem to be growing in popularity among others as well. Ten months ago I decided that I was going to do a little experiment and test a number of pre-workout supplements to find out which one took the top honors. So far I have used NO-Explode, Black Powder, Jack3d, 1.M.R., and Superpump 250. After using each of these for at least a month, I have formulated accurate reviews, and made my decision on which pre-workout supplement takes the top spot. I'm going to rank each supplement from worst to best, and give my opinion on why I did or did not like it.
5) MRI's Black Powder. Sorry Black Powder, but you are the worst pre-workout supplement that I've used. For those of you who have tried pre-workout supplements, you judge on whether or not it works by the amount of energy it gives you, the length of time the energy boost lasts, the pumps, and the increase in endurance. Black Powder didn't give me any of these. Not only didn't I experience anything positive from this supplement, I also broke out in acne all over my back, chest, and face. As soon as I stopped taking it, the acne disappeared. Because of the lack of everything that Black Powder didn't provide, it's ranked #5 out of 5.
(4) Gaspari's Superpump 250. This is the pre-workout supplement that I'm currently testing out, and so far, it hasn't lived up to its expectations. I notice an initial increase in energy about 15 minutes after I take it, but it wears off about 30-40 minutes into the workout. I started off taking 2 scoops, but quickly found out that it wasn't enough, so I increased to 3 scoops, and these aren't small scoops either. I have to choke it down after using a shaker because it's too thick to stir. The one thing that really bothers me about Superpump 250 is that it has caused me to experience slight nausea that lasts pretty much the entire workout. With these reasons, and the fact that it doesn't increase my endurance is why Superpump 250 is ranked #4 on my list.
(3) BSN's NO-Explode. There is no doubt that this supplement is better than the other two, but still doesn't take pass the top 2 supplements on my list. After I took NO-Explode, I would experience a rush of energy about 20 minutes afterward, and also became extremely focused. When I started my workout, I was able to get in quite a few extra reps. I also noticed that my recovery time between sets were shorter and that I didn't get that normal fatigued feeling later on in the workout. In fact, there were many workouts where I felt like I could have just kept going. The only downfall about NO-Explode is that as time went on, I had to take more of it to feel an effect. All in all, NO-Explode is a great product.
Pre workout supplements
(2) USP Labs' Jack3d. I was debating on whether or not to make this #3 behind NO-Explode, but decided to rank it #2. The one thing I really like about Jack3d is the absolute rush of energy that you experience about 15 minutes after taking it. Not only will you experience a rush in energy, but you also feel a "tingly" feeling all over your face, neck, and hands. This initial boost of energy lasts during most of your workout. You will also experience an increase in endurance and pumps. There are two things that I don't like about Jack3d: (1) I can't take it any later than 4 PM in the afternoon or I will never sleep that night. I made the mistake and took it about 6:30 PM one evening, and stared at the ceiling for a good 5 hours before falling asleep. (2) I started to experience a slight nausea after increasing my scoops from 1.5 to 2.5. There were a few workouts that I had to stop because of the nausea, but after I decreased back to 1.5 scoops, the nausea went away. Once you discover your tolerance level and how long it lasts in your system, Jack3d is one of the best pre-workout supplements out there.
(1) BPI Sports' 1.M.R. 1.M.R. stands for 1 more rep, and it sure does live up to its name! About 15 minutes after you take it, you experience that Jack3d "tingly" feeling and a rush in energy, and that energy lasts during the entire workout. I also experience that focus like I did with NO-Explode, which I really like. Once the workout starts, you are extremely pumped and will notice an increase in reps, endurance, and a decrease in recovery time. Like NO-Explode, I also felt like I could continue working out after I was finished. The only issue with 1.M.R. is the hardcore crash that you experience afterward, but personally, I like that feeling because it makes me feel like I got in an amazing workout, which I did. I have experienced nothing but positive effects from this supplement, and that's why it's ranked #1 on my pre-workout supplement list!
I hope this article has helped you make the decision on which pre-workout supplement you should try next. Like I said, I have used each supplement for at least a month so I could formulate an accurate review. I am going to be trying some other pre-workout supplements here in the next few months, and appreciate any recommendations. Who knows, maybe another one will take over the #1 spot!