How Long Does Pre-Workout Last To Get The Ultimate Benefits

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A number of readers have written us asking How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?

If you have been living under a rock for the last umpteen years and don’t know what pre-workout supplements are.

Please continue reading to learn how soon before your workout you should take it and other important facts you need to know.

What is a Pre-Workout?

Pre-workouts typically contain caffeine, other stimulants, and possibly other natural substances.

The purpose of the ingredients is to enhance and speed up your physical training and athletic performance.

This post-workout drink is also often used to improve athletic endurance and recovery.

Is It Good for Me?

It depends on your goals. Some individuals need a pre-workout supplement to boost their energy and make their workouts more effective.

Others take the supplements for the boost in mental clarity and alertness they give them.

You should always discuss your goals with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

There is some evidence that some people with asthma or food allergies should avoid pre-workouts, as they could cause a reaction.

Is It Safe?

In general, pre-workouts aren’t exactly safe. The FDA does not approve pre-workouts or any other kind of supplement.

However, pre-workouts can’t be regulated like drugs, so it’s up to the companies to provide safe supplements.

That said, pre-workouts can still cause some serious damage if you’re not careful.

The biggest problem with pre-workouts is that they contain a lot of caffeine – about 5-8 grams in a single serving.

As a rule, most people should avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks before working out, especially if it’s an endurance-oriented workout.

That’s because caffeine increases your heart rate and can seriously drain your energy.

Furthermore, most pre-workouts contain ginseng, which also increases heart rate.

Pre-Workout Supplements

Most pre-workouts are delivered in a liquid or powder form, with various ingredients used to help increase your energy, alertness, focus, and muscle performance.

Some pre-workouts have as much as 200 mg of caffeine. While there’s no scientific research to say how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy.

It’s typically not a problem to consume more than 200 mg in a day, since the average amount of caffeine you consume in a day is 40 mg.

However, if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, make sure to check with your doctor before consuming caffeine.

There are also a number of pre-workout supplements that are safe for pregnant women.

The FDA approved Guided Movement, a pre-workout supplement that’s safe for pregnant women.

How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?

The half-life of a pre-workout product is one of the most important factors to consider when determining how long it will take for that supplement to wear off.

The majority of pre-workout ingredients have a half-life of 4-6 hours. That’s why we recommend taking your pre-workout around an hour before your workout to allow for the most effective results.

Caffeine, for example, takes approximately 30 minutes to take effect and has a peak period of roughly 1.5 hours.

The initial effects of creatine and beta-alanine begin 30-60 minutes after ingestion and peak up to 2 hours later.