Exercising to get yourselves in the desired shape is never going to be easy; however, a trip to the gym must not leave you completely worn out. Professionals and even amateurs use pre workout supplements to boost their mental and physical energy. But the question we often hear popping out is, ‘How Long Does Pre Workout Last?
People generally bewilder when they don’t get results even after using a pre workout before hitting the gym. But what if you are taking it so early or late? Yes, you had better time it if you want your pre work out to kick in when you need it the most.
Nevertheless, with so many misconceptions about the science of the substances, some people must be prudent in supplements. In this article, “How Long Does Pre Workout Last?”, we will break down all the details you need to know about pre workout supplements covering the duration, benefits, effects, risks, etc.
Can I take 2 servings of pre workouts in a particular time span?
You must not. There can be harmful consequences. As pre workouts have different ingredients, and using them excessively can lead to side effects.
What is a Pre Workout?
Pre workout, as the name implies, is a supplement that is taken pre to a workout. These supplements aim to fulfill the dietary deficiency and are designed to increase work capacity and energy, focusing on potential performance improvements.
Moreover, pre workouts also boost blood flow or pump more blood to your muscles with the help of ingredients dilating your blood vessels. They also carry caffeine which is also a helping hand in boosting your energy level.
Some supplements also have creatine playing a pivotal part in increasing your workout performance while doing highly intense training.
Most of the pre workout supplements are available in powdered form. You can use it by mixing it in juice or water. Some supplements also come in capsule form or bottled drinks. Different brands formulate their pre workouts differently, including different ingredients.
Below is the list of most commonly used ingredients in most of typical pre workouts supplements:
- Caffeine
- Creatine
- Taurine
- Beta-alanine
- Tyrosine
- Arginine
- Niacin (Also called Vitamin B3)
In addition, the combination of some or all of these ingredients results in extraordinary enhancement of workout performance.
How Long Does Pre Workout Last?
How long does pre workout last depend on the ingredients it has. Generally, it almost takes 30 minutes before it starts kicking in, but the time may vary as several ingredients have different varying length effects.
The more active ingredients it has, the more long-lasting results it gives. Moreover, the most frequently used ingredients in supplements are arginine and caffeine.
Arginine is one of the top-rated ingredients that causes a widening of blood vessels and boosts blood flow in it. Studies have shown that the estimated half-life of Arginine falls anywhere from 30-120.
Caffeine, on the other hand, has a long half-life with an estimated time of 5 hours. As per research suggestions, caffeine’s acute effect can pitch in completely after 1 hour, lasting anywhere from 1.5 to 9.5 hours.
However, this effect will be different for different individuals. Every pre workout can hit you differently as the exact duration ultimately depends on:
- Users individuality
- Users body weight
- Training intensity
- The number of ingredients per serving
- The amount of serving you take in a specific time frame and
- Users’ sensitivity to Arginine and Caffeine
How Long Does Pre Workout last in your system?
If you train at night, you might be thinking, how long does pre workout last in your body? As many supplements contain caffeine, they can actually keep your eyes wide open even if you try to enter into the world of dreams.
Different brands have formulated their pre workouts with a particular portion of ingredients. So depending on the quantity of the ingredient, they will stay at a different rate in your system.
For example, the half-life of caffeine can remain in your body for around 3 to 7 hours, while on the other hand, the half-life of arginine can stay in your system for up to 1 to 2 hours.
Watch this video: How Long Does Pre Workout Last
How Would You Know Your Pre Workout has Started Kicking in?
Some people say when you intake a supplement prior to your training, you will feel the difference when you are hitting the gym. Logically, you will feel an increase in your muscle pump, focus, or energy during your exercise.
Moreover, when your pre workout supplement starts working out, you will realize a strange feeling of energy running through your veins due to the high concentration of nitric oxide in your body.
So when your pre workout starts kicking in, you will feel like lifting more weights.
Read this article: The 5 Best Weight Loss Affiliate Programs
Potential Benefits of Taking Pre Workouts
Aside from the exaggerated marketing tactics, pre workouts, being dietary supplements, do have potential benefits to boost focus and performance at the gym. However, how effective your pre workout is working depends on the specific angle of performance you are looking at.
For instance, research says taking a specific portion of caffeine in your supplements can significantly boost mean and anaerobic peak power. Also, with the regular intake of pre workout supplements, you will feel:
- Improvement in muscular endurance
- Improvement in mood
- Improvement in stamina
- The gain in lean muscle building
Potential Risks of Taking Pre Workouts
As pre workouts contain a variety of ingredients, so the chances of their being detrimental to your health in case of high consumption are always there.
Below are some potential risks you should be aware of:
Niacin Toxicity
Some pre workouts also include niacin as their essential ingredient, but consuming it at a high rate can cause you severe reactions, including:
- Liver damage
- Low blood pressure
- Multiple organ failure
Caffeine Toxicity
Consuming caffeine in excessive manners can prove to be fatal or harmful for you, especially in powdered form. Studies have shown that people who use caffeine in an unacceptable way are likely to face:
- Nausea
- Heart abnormalities
Can the intake of pre workouts lead to skin acne?
It mostly happens if you have oily skin. Yes, being sensitive to some ingredients can lead to acne. They increase your skin sebum, and it results in breakouts. You should immediately give up using a pre workout if you have a side effect.
Can pre workouts be used as an alternative to a daily diet?
They should and must not. It is a fact most pre workouts are categorized as dietary supplements, but they in no way are replacements for a natural diet. In addition, they perform even better when they are backed with a proper nutrient diet.
Final Thoughts- How Long Does Pre Workout Last?
Pre workouts are widely consumed dietary supplements that people prefer to use to be fitness enthusiasts or professional athletes. As FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, you yourself must keep in mind all the safety concerns. So if you are deciding on a supplement, consider if a third party has tested it or not.
Visit Eve Pacific Health to learn more.
