What’s the difference between a stimulating pre-workout and a non-stimulating pre-workout? Let’s get started.
For decades, planning a workout supplement routine meant focusing on what to consume after your gym session: high-quality protein that promotes muscle recovery and growth. . But science has ushered in an exciting new era of pre-workout supplements.
Taking the right balance of supplements before a workout can improve your performance and final results. * However, there are many different types of pre-workouts, and there are two main categories: “stimulating” and “non-stimulating.” Here we explain the major differences between the two and why one is better than the other.
What is the difference between Stim and Stim-free?
As their nicknames suggest, Stim and Stim-free pre-workout formulations are distinguished by the presence (or absence) of a stimulant (usually caffeine).
Some people may prefer a non-irritating supplement. However, the two are not equivalent.
“The main reason for including caffeine in pre-workout formulations is because it promotes important benefits in helping improve endurance and athletic performance,” says Paul Falcone, BODi’s Chief Scientist. says the master’s program.
Is a non-stimulating pre-workout effective?
According to Falcone, non-irritating pre-workout formulations may include:
Creatine helps improve muscle mass and strength L-citrulline is a vasodilator (also known as the “pump” you get from weightlifting) that expands blood vessels, enhancing certain aspects of athletic performance such as power output Beta-Alanine helps delay muscle fatigue due to exercise* L-Theanine, an amino acid that supports calm alertness
Therefore, even a non-stimulating pre-workout can be beneficial. But science has discovered that caffeine is the Superman equivalent of Justice League’s pre-workout ingredient. One is definitely a surgical glue, although others are strong in their own right.
“At BODi, we believe caffeine is an important part of your pre-workout formula,” says Falcone. “Its benefits in terms of improving endurance and performance are supported by decades of research.”*
That’s why Beachbody Performance Energize includes 100 milligrams of caffeine along with quercetin and beta-alanine to boost energy and improve performance.
Is non-stim “better” than stim?
Whether a non-stimulating pre-workout supplement is better than a stimulant really depends on what works best for you. Consider your individual situation, including:
Are you sensitive to caffeine? Is caffeine metabolized quickly or slowly? What time of the day do you usually exercise?
So why do a non-stimulating pre-workout?
Some people avoid caffeine at all times of the day because it can cause negative side effects such as irritability and an upset stomach. For them, a non-stimulating pre-workout may be the best choice.
And even the most die-hard Java addict regrets consuming too much caffeine late in the day, making it difficult to fall asleep or having interrupted sleep.
“The big benefit of having a non-stimulating pre-workout is if you work out in the late afternoon or evening when you don’t want to consume additional caffeine,” says Falcone. “This is a really personal question, but it’s important. Sleep is essential, especially for muscle recovery, so you need to make sure you’re not taking anything that is affecting your sleep.”
Another important factor is how your body processes caffeine.
“There’s a lot of variability in how caffeine is metabolized,” Falcone says. “Typically, the half-life of caffeine is about 5 hours, but for some people it can actually be between 1 and 10 hours. For people who metabolize caffeine slowly, a pre-workout boost can have very different effects. timing is very important.”
Why pre-workout energy contains caffeine
Beachbody Performance Energize contains 100 milligrams of caffeine from green tea and coffee bean extracts, which is about the same amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee. “We chose that dose because a lot of research supports that dose leads to improved athletic performance,” Falcone says.
These benefits don’t just include energy. Research suggests that consuming caffeine before a workout can provide cognitive benefits, including improved focus and faster reaction times.
Stim vs Stim-free pre-workouts: Which should you choose?
So how do you know whether to choose a stimulant or non-irritating pre-workout formulation?
“It’s relatively easy to test,” Falcone says. “Some people have no trouble sleeping after consuming caffeine at 7 p.m. Others can’t stand it past mid-afternoon. It’s something you want to use to suit your style. It’s very important to pay attention to your sleep and ensure you get enough sleep quality and quantity.”
How much sleep is enough? Experts recommend setting aside 7 to 9 hours each night. This will help you get the most out of your workouts, give your body the time it needs to repair and recover your muscles, and support your overall health.
If you don’t reach this number or find yourself waking up during the night, check your caffeine intake and adjust if necessary. If sleep problems persist, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
