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A seemingly endless variety of workout supplements appear to line the shelves of supermarkets , health stores and online. Choosing a pre-workout specifically can be complicated, especially because it’s available in a large amount forms including powders, pills and drinks.

Pre-workout supplements are consumed prior to exercise to enhance performance, especially on days when you may need an added energy boost. While not essential, research finds the use of pre-workout can result in improvements in exercise performance and skeletal muscle adaptations, among other benefits.  

In order to identify the best of the bunch, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited experts who gave their recommendations for the best pre-workouts of 2022. Star ratings were solely determined by the editorial team, with cost and user satisfaction taken into consideration. Read ahead to discover our top picks 

Note: All prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.

“The ingredients used in Legion Athletics Pre-Workout are backed by peer-reviewed research demonstrating efficacy in humans,” says Mia Syn, a registered dietitian nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. This pre-workout is also available in caffeine and caffeine-free options.

Syn advocates this product for its well-rounded ingredients, which offer everything you might want and require from a pre-workout supplement to improve exercise performance and promote faster recovery. “The unflavored version contains no added sugar, artificial ingredients or additives, and although it may not be embraced by those who prioritize taste over ingredients, it gets the job done,”  she says. The pre-workout is also available in a fruit punch flavor, although it contains cane sugar.

Taylor Wallace, Ph.D., principal and CEO of food and nutrition research firm Think Healthy Group and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member, credits the product for its efficacious amount of creatine, branch-chain amino acids, betaine and L-citrulline. “I also like that there’s an antioxidant blend, as well as coconut water powder, which provides a little potassium,” he says.

Have you considered Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout?

Maybe you don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat and get healthy. But the right ones can help. Here’s why we suggest Legion:

Clinically effective ingredients and doses

According to certified sports nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member Jose Antonio, Ph.D., the supplement, which is available in vegetarian capsule form and contains a blend of micronutrients, vitamins (such as vitamin B), amino acids and more, supports energy production, blood flow, focus and cognitive performance. It also aids in buffering the build-up of acid across muscles to enhance your workout.

Have you considered Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout?

Maybe you don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat and get healthy. But the right ones can help. Here’s why we suggest Legion:

Clinically effective ingredients and doses

This product is recommended by Wallace for for its effective ingredients which include creatine and citrulline, alongside its beta-alanine, acetyl-L-carnitine and N-acetyl L-tyrosine amino acids, which can contribute to building muscle. “Optimum Nutrition is also a trustworthy brand and a member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the trade group that represents the responsible supplement manufacturers,” says Wallace.

Have you considered Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout?

Maybe you don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat and get healthy. But the right ones can help. Here’s why we suggest Legion:

Clinically effective ingredients and doses

“This supplement provides an optimally-dosed pre-workout that includes only science-backed ingredients, whilst eliminating those ingredients that have been proven ineffective,” says Antonio, who also notes that it features beetroot extract to promote oxygen delivery.

Have you considered Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout?

Maybe you don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat and get healthy. But the right ones can help. Here’s why we suggest Legion:

Clinically effective ingredients and doses

With a dose of caffeine similar to a cup or two of coffee, Antonio claims this pre-workout supplement to be a favorite among fitness enthusiasts. “It also contains TeaCrine (a pure alkaloid similar to caffeine) which has been shown to support a better mood,” he says.

For those seeking a “stimulant-free” pre-workout, this one may fit the bill, says Antonio, given it’s caffeine-free and also contains a blend of natural ingredients to boost focus and energy. In addition, Antonio notes that clinical data (funded by ADD) on athletes using the supplement over a four-week period saw improvements in the overall weight lifted across squats, deadlifts and bench press.

This caffeine-free product is ideal for those sensitive to the stimulant, says Wallace, adding that it also contains creatine, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine and taurine, the latter of which is claimed to enhance some markers of athletic performance, such as improved muscular fatigue.

“I also appreciate the moderate amount of green tea extract as quite often companies can add too much, potentially causing nausea in the short-term and elevated liver enzymes in the long-term.” says Wallace, noting that although the product’s effects may not be felt immediately (due to a lack of caffeine), it can still aid in increasing blood flow and building muscle.

According to Syn, this product is excellent if you’re looking for a more natural pre-workout free of beta-alanine (a non-essential amino acid) and large amounts of caffeine. “The 90 milligrams of caffeine per serving is from a blend of organic green coffee bean, matcha green tea and yerba mate.”

Have you considered Legion Pulse Natural Pre-Workout?

Maybe you don't need supplements to build muscle, lose fat and get healthy. But the right ones can help. Here’s why we suggest Legion:

Clinically effective ingredients and doses

*Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and ingredients and their amounts may vary. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

To determine the best pre-workout of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited nutrition experts who provided their product recommendations. Star ratings were determined by the editorial team, factoring in cost and user satisfaction.

Exercise and Sports Science, Sports Nutrition

Pre-workout is a multi-ingredient supplement blending a combination of stimulants that can promote maximum energy, focus, strength and velocity during exercise. Most contain caffeine and a mix of other ingredients like vitamins, minerals and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), all designed to performance-enhance your workout, says Wendy Bazilian, doctor of public health, nutritionist and author of the Eat Clean, Stay Lean series.

Consumed 30 to 60 minutes prior to exercise (that’s how long it can take for a pre-workout to kick in), the supplement typically features caffeine of varying amounts (excluding the caffeine-free versions), which has long been hailed for its ability to improve a slew of exercise benefits, including muscular endurance and movement velocity.

While post-workout nutrition and recovery is crucial, what takes place prior to exercise is just as important, says Bazilian. The best pre-workout can provide a variety of benefits including maximizing performance, strength and stamina. “Such a supplement is also intended to benefit muscle gain and recovery to help you continue training at your best,” she says.

A body of studies found the supplement effective at improving anaerobic peak and power. Research also proposes the following benefits:

Personal Fitness Coaching & Tailored Workouts

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When selecting a pre-workout, Bazilian says to be mindful of unwanted added ingredients, such as sugar, and to focus on products that add to your current lifestyle and a nutrient-rich eating approach.

“You should choose one that shows and follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) on the bottle—imperative for ensuring the product is processed to the best standards and that checkboxes are safely met, including third party testing.” This covers each step of the supplement manufacturing process from ingredient sourcing, formulation, labeling and packaging.

The cost of pre-workouts can add up quickly, so be mindful of how they fit into your budget. Bazilian warns against the continuation of any supplement not to your liking, be that taste, texture or if it disagrees with your digestion. There are plenty of others up for grabs.

Not everyone requires a pre-workout, especially if your exercise routine is of a lighter nature. If you want a boost for harder workouts, follow the dose according to the instructions, or else you might experience heart abnormalities and nausea, not to mention a reduction in sleep duration or even insomnia, given the caffeine content.

“A pre-workout should not be taken in place of a health-promoting and performance-supporting diet,” says Bazilian. In sports nutrition, an individualized approach is required for eating and supplementation, meaning what works for one person may not for you.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Leoni Jesner is a fitness and health writer contributing content to Verywell Fit, Byrdie, Forbes Health, Everyday Health and Insider, as well as providing expert features to LIVESTRONG, Bustle, CNET and Fitbit. Leoni is passionate about all things fitness and holds qualifications as an ACE CPT, Level 3 mat Pilates instructor and nutrition coach.

Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.