Energy and motivation are valuable commodities, and we all have days when they are in short supply. The good news is that there supplement that will give you a lift so that you can work out even when you are tired – they’re called pre-workouts.
Pre-workouts aren’t just for low energy days either. They can be useful anytime you want to raise your workout game and perform at your absolute best. For example, you may have a heavy leg day planned and want to beat your old squat personal record.
These supplements are also useful during fat loss diets. The harder and longer you exercise, the more calories you will burn, and the faster you’ll shed that unwanted fat. Pre-workouts give you more energy so you can increase exercise intensity and duration.
A lot of pre-workout supplements contain caffeine, and, for some people, that’s a problem. Mega-doses of caffeine can leave you feeling anxious and jittery and can stop you sleeping too. Because of this, a lot of exercisers prefer a pre-workout supplement without caffeine. Also known as stim-free pre-workouts, these supplements boost your energy without dosing you with caffeine.
Top-Rated Non-caffeinated Pre-Workout
Performance Lab Sport Pre is a clean energy and performance booster that contains a range of proven ingredients. With no caffeine, you can use this product day or night, and, other than increasing your exercise performance, it has no known side effects.
Key Features
- Creatine for increased endurance, faster recovery, and more strength and muscle power
- Bata-alanine for increased work capacity and less fatigue
- Himalayan sea salt for its high electrolyte (mineral) content
- Glutathione to protect muscles from exercise-induced damage and speed up recovery
- Maritime pine bark extract for its antioxidant qualities and to increase blood flow to working muscles, delaying fatigue and boost your pump
- L-citrulline to increase the bioavailability of other ingredients
- L-arginine to increase nitric oxide production which helps relax blood vessels for better blood flow
- Iron to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood
This stimulant-free pre-workout delays fatigue, boosts energy, and speeds up recovery via several different pathways. It’s a very complete, well-rounded product. However, creatine takes a while to build up in your system, so this product may take 1-2 weeks of regular use to produce maximal results.
Pros
- Very clean formula
- Proven, high-quality ingredients
- Well-priced product with savings if you buy more than one month’s supply
Cons
- Supplied in capsules and you have to take six per serving
- Takes 1-2 weeks to build up in your body for best results
A lot of non-stim pre-workouts are dry powders that you mix with water to make a refreshing, hydrating drink. Performance Lab Sport Pre is supplied in capsules, and you need to consume six 30 minutes before your workout. Some users will see this as an advantage, while others will miss chugging down their pre-workout drink. If you are happy taking a handful of capsules before you train, this is an excellent caffeine-free product.
2. Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is packed with 13 active ingredients designed to maximize your energy and speed up recovery. This makes it one of the most potent caffeine-free pre-workouts currently available. It’s a drink powder designed to be mixed with water and taken 20-30 minutes before exercise.
Key Features
- Citrulline malate for boosting nitric oxide production, increasing strength and energy, and fighting fatigue.
- Branched-chain amino acids for less muscle breakdown and faster post-exercise recovery
- Beta-alanine to delay fatigue and promote protein synthesis
- Creatine to increase energy and boost strength and performance
- Betaine for less fatigue and increased workout capacity
- Taurine for less next-day muscle soreness
- L-tyrosine for increased mental focus
- Choline for enhanced nervous system function
- Mucuna Pruriens to combat stress and increase anabolic hormone production
- L-norvaline for a longer, stronger muscle pump
- Bioperine to increase the bioavailability of the other ingredients
With no caffeine, a lot of stim-free pre-workouts don’t produce effects you can feel. However, with its high beta-alanine content, you should feel a tingling sensation when you use this product, so you’ll know it’s working and that you are ready to train.
Pros
- Comprehensive formulation
- Six refreshing flavors
- Speeds up recovery as well as boosting workout energy
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- Quite expensive
Despite being caffeine-free, you’ll really feel Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout working. It won’t give you the jitters like high-stim pre-workouts can, but it contains all the ingredients you need for a great workout and faster recovery.
3. Jacked Factory Pump Surge
Jacked Factory Pump Surge is a stim-free pre-workout and nootropic formula designed to boost your energy and increase mental focus and drive. With no artificial colors or fillers, this product is well-priced. It won’t leave you anxious or jittery as other pre-workouts can.
Key Features
- L-citrulline to boost nitric oxide production, increasing blood flow and energy and delaying fatigue
- Betaine for increased workout capacity
- Taurine to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness
- Alpha-GPC and Huperzine-A for increased focus
- Astragalus and Tien chi ginseng root extract for increased ingredient bioavailability and greater energy
With no stimulants, you can take Jacked Factory Pump Surge at almost any time, even shortly before bed. It won’t leave you ramped up or tingly like many pre-workouts but will gently but noticeably increase your physical energy and mental focus. It’s an excellent pre-gym supplement but could also help you at work or school.
Pros
- Researched-backed formulation
- No addictive ingredients
- Suitable for men and women
- Good for all workouts, including cardio and strength training
- Very competitively priced
- Available in three flavors
Cons
- Just 20 servings per container
- Some users may miss the “tingle effect” of beta-alanine
Jacked Factory Pump Surge will boost your body and your mind. You won’t feel it working like other high-stim products, but that’s why you can use it to boost gym and mental performance at the same time. It really does work, but you won’t feel amped-up or jittery. Instead, your actions will show the benefits of this product.
4. Organic Muscle
Features
- ✅ #1 RATED ORGANIC NATURAL VEGAN PRE WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT: This is Amazon’s top rated and best selling organic vegan pre-workout for a reason! Our Certified Organic ingredients will give you a clean and powerful energy boost with a long lasting pump to conquer your workout and achieve your dream physique.
- ✅ CLEANEST PRE-WORKOUT ON THE MARKET: NO JITTERS OR CRASH: You don’t have to worry about heart palpitations or itchy skin with Organic Muscle. You’ll feel great during and after your workout!
- ✅ 100% NATURAL VEGAN INGREDIENTS SOURCED FROM USDA ORGANIC, ECO-FRIENDLY FARMS: From the farm to your blender bottle, we pride ourselves on making the cleanest, healthiest, and most effective supplements on the market with only the best ingredients Mother Nature has to offer!
- ✅ DELICIOUS NATURAL PINEAPPLE COCONUT FLAVOR: New and improved flavor, Organically sweetened, low sugar.
- ✅ 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If you’re not happy with your results, return within 30 days for a full refund! – CONTAINS NO: GMO’s, gluten, dairy, fillers, chemicals, hormones, soy, added sugars, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
The ingredients list of most pre-workouts is usually little more than a whole lot of exotic-sounding chemicals. Organic Pre-Workout contains much more relatable ingredients, all of which are entirely natural.
Key Features
- Pomegranate, beetroot, goji berries, and blueberries for increased blood flow and pump
- Maca root, coconut water, ginseng, yerba mate, green bean coffee extract, Aloe Vera, eleuthero root, cordyceps, and Rhodiola Rosea for increased energy, focus, and stamina
- Matcha green tea, green tea extract, acai, cranberry, strawberry, and raspberry for increased metabolism and flavoring
Organic Pre-Workout contains 100% natural, organic, vegan-approved ingredients. And while this product is undeniably a pre-workout, it’s also a source of several nutrient-dense superfoods. This is one of the healthiest pre-workout supplements around!
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Powerful formulation
- Boosts energy and increases recovery
- Free from artificial ingredients and additives
- Available in two flavors
Cons
- High price per serving
- Some users report an unpleasant after-taste
- Only 20 servings per tub
If you are looking for an entirely natural stim-free pre-workout that is also organic, this is the product for you. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, Organic Pre-Workout is definitely the cleanest, most natural pre-training energy booster currently available.
5. Genius Pre
Features
- Mind-to-Muscle Pre-Workout: Genius Pre by The Genius Brand is a stimulant-free, nootropics-based pre- workout. Get your muscles into pump mode, support your endurance, and reduce muscle soreness after exercise with clean, scientifically-backed ingredients.* It also doubles as a productivity booster, helping you perform better both mentally and physically.* 20 scoops per container. Sour Apple flavor.
- Made for Pushing Your Limits: Made with the highest quality ingredients and manufactured in the USA with strict quality control standards. Genius Pre is packed with efficacious doses of AlphaSize, L-Citrulline Malate, and CarnoSyn Beta Alanine to boost nitric oxide, increase blood flow, and bolster the mind-muscle connection to help you train longer and harder.*
- Stimulant- and Artificial Sweetener-Free: Perform better without the crash, jitters, or disrupted sleep typical of mass-market pre-workouts.* Genius Pre is free of caffeine and other stimulants, using a synergistic matrix of nootropics and ergogenic ingredients to naturally boost energy levels.* No artificial colors, dyes, flavors, or sweeteners. 100% transparent label and vegan formula.
- How to Use: Mix 1 scoop in 14 oz of water and drink 15-30 minutes before a workout or engaging in cognitively demanding work. Since it contains no caffeine or other stimulants, it can be used for daytime or nighttime workouts.
- Supplement Smarter: Genius Brand supplements are a rejection of backwards industry dogma that misled generations of health and wellness enthusiasts. For us, innovation and science-backed ingredients come first. Whether you’re a pro athlete, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or anything in between, our products can be of benefit to you. We’re all humans, and we are in this together.
Genius Pre is a pre-workout with a difference. As well as being stim-free, this product is designed to boost physical AND mental performance. While it won’t make you smarter, it will help sharpen your mind and increase your focus. That’s useful both in and out of the gym.
Key Features
- L-citrulline malate to boost nitric oxide production, increase strength and energy, and for fighting fatigue
- Beta-alanine and betaine for less fatigue and increased protein synthesis
- L-tyrosine better focus and concentration
- L-arginine for improved circulation
- Taurine for reduced post-exercise muscle soreness
- HICA for faster recovery after exercise
- Rhodiola Rosea for increased energy, focus, and stamina
- Theobromine to enhance blood flow
- Panax ginseng and astragalus membranaceus for increased ingredient bioavailability
- Huperzia Serrata to boost brain function and fight fatigue
A lot of pre-workouts increase physical energy but, for a good workout, you need to be strong mentally too. Genius Pre addresses the needs of your mind and your body, making it a very useful product when you want to perform at your best but need laser-like focus too.
Pros
- Naturally sugar-free
- Proven ingredients
- Designed to boost physical and mental performance
- Non-addictive formulation
- Manufactured in the USA in a GMP, third-party tested facility
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Only 20 servings per tub
- Only available in one flavor
This product contains a hefty dose of beta-alanine, which can leave you with very tingly skin. This is not a severe side effect and indicates the product is working. However, some users reported that they did not like this sensation and that the sour apple flavor was a little too acidic. Providing you don’t mind these two minor gripes, if you want a product that will boost mental and physical energy, Genius Pre is a worthy consideration.
6. Legion Pulse
Features
- 100% ALL NATURAL PRE WORKOUT POWDER. Pulse is a naturally sweetened and flavored pre workout supplement that contains large and effective doses of the best science-backed ingredients, including those found in many nitric oxide supplements: L citrulline malate, betaine, beta alanine and alpha gpc.
- BOOSTS ENERGY & FOCUS. Mix a serving of this preworkout for women and men with water, swig it down, and get fired up and zeroed in and crush your workout . . . and without the jitters, upset stomach, or post-workout crash.
- ENHANCES STRENGTH & ENDURANCE. This all natural preworkout powder is a nitric oxide booster and helps you push more weight and reps, get bigger and better pumps, and gain more muscle and strength.
- GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If you're not 100% satisfied with this preworkout for men and women, just notify us and we’ll give you a prompt and courteous refund on the spot. No complicated forms and no return necessary.
- THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND. Tired of the exaggeration and lies of the workout supplements industry? So was Mike Mathews, international bestselling fitness author with over a million books sold, and that's why he created Legion Athletics.
Legion Pulse is a powerful caffeine-free pre-workout made with proven energy-boosting ingredients. Despite being free from caffeine, you’ll definitely feel this stim-free product starting to work.
Key Features
- Calcium, sodium, and potassium to replace lost minerals and reduce fatigue
- L-citrulline for increased nitric oxide production which increases blood flow for more energy and a better pump
- Beta-alanine to strengthen nervous system activation, boost energy, and increase mental focus
- Betaine for increased endurance and less fatigue
- Alpha GPC to improve concentration and boost mood
Legion Pulse contains a hefty 3.6 grams of beta-alanine per serving. This ingredient is responsible for making your skin tingle. Many stim-free pre-workout supplement users love this effect as it lets them know their product is working. Beta-alanine is also an important ingredient for boosting workout performance.
Pros
- Only five calories per serving
- Good for mental and physical performance
- Naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only available in four caffeine-free flavors
- Quite expensive
- Just 21 servings per tub
Legion Pulse is available in 15 great-tasting flavors, but only four of them are caffeine-free. However, despite this imbalance, most users report that this product still tastes pretty good and that it works very well. It is a little on the expensive side, but this is a high-quality stim-free pre-workout.
7. Vasoblitz
Features
| Part Number | 0051497023225 |
| Model | BUI002 |
| Color | Blue Rasberry |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 30 Serving |
One of the things that a lot of exercisers, especially bodybuilders, like about pre-workout supplements is that they increase blood flow to the muscles being trained. This is called getting a pump. Vasoblitz contains several ingredients designed to provide the best pump possible.
Key Features
- Vitamin C and calcium for general health and vitality
- L-citrulline to increase nitric acid production which promotes vasodilation and blood flow
- Betaine for more energy and improved resistance to fatigue
- Arginine for increased blood flow
If you want your muscles to swell as you work out, force-feeding them with the blood and nutrients they need to grow bigger and stronger, this product will help. It also contains ingredients to buffer fatigue and increase energy. It’s not the most advanced caffeine-free pre-workout, but it’s probably the most effective for delivering a pump.
Pros
- Ideal for bodybuilders
- Available in seven flavors
- Proven ingredients
Cons
- With no beta-alanine, some users may miss the skin tingle
Most users report that this product delivers “skin splitting pumps” with predictable regularity. If you want to build and pump as much blood into your muscles as possible, Vasoblitz could be the supplement for you. However, if you want energy for activities like sports or cardio, this product is not your best choice as too much of a pump could be distracting.
8. PMD Pump Fuel
PMD Sports Ultra
Features
- Intense Pumps: Pump Fuel spikes nitric oxide levels that help produce a more intense and longer-lasting pump and maintains that pump through intra-and- post-workout performance.
- Supercharged Mental Focus: The insane energy and focus complex in Pump Fuel is designed to help intensify concentration, alertness, and enhance mental focus for maximum output and peak performance.
- Enhanced Endurance: With the Glyco, Load, and Absorption Blend, Pump Fuel helps to deliver a healthy supply of fast and slow carbs for a steadier flow of energy throughout your workouts.
- Lean Mass: By taking your workouts to the next level, you can increase your strength, and gain lean mass.
- Powerful Strength: The Kre-Alkalyn creatine and creatine magnapower in Pump Fuel support greater cellular energy, enhanced strength, and better power output during your workouts.
PMD Pump Fuel is more than just a pre-workout. It’s designed to enhance recovery too. It contains the usual energizing ingredients but also provides your hard-working muscles with carbs so you can get back in the gym sooner.
Key Features
- Creatine for increased energy, muscle growth, and strength
- L-citrulline for increased blood flow and vasodilation
- Beta-alanine and betaine for more energy and less fatigue
- Amino acid complex for muscle repair and growth
- Carb complex to replace depleted energy and speed up recovery
While this product does contain recovery-boosting carbs and amino acids, it doesn’t really provide a lot of them. 12 grams of carbs is about 2 ½ teaspoons of sugar, and one gram of aminos is a very small dose too, especially when most BCAA supplements contain five grams per serving.
Pros
- Proven ingredients
- Available in eight flavors
- May help speed up recovery
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not enough carbohydrate or BCAA considering the high price point
PMD Pump Fuel will definitely help you get a pump, fight off fatigue, and boost your energy. Whether it will enhance recovery is up for debate because its BCAA and carb content is actually very low. It could be that these ingredients are insufficient, and you are paying a lot of extra money for a very small advantage.
9. Evlution Pump Mode
Evlution Nutrition
$19.99
Features
- Go Hard or Go Home – Unleash your full potential with our nitric oxide powder pump supplement and maximize your vascularity and performance with our unique muscle builder preworkout powder drink
- Clean Pre Workout Formula – Try our non stim pre workout for men that is both energizing and jitter free with zero crash with muscle hydrating glycerol powder to support faster muscle growth for men
- Stack-Friendly – PumpMode is a caffeine free pre workout energy powder making it ideal for stacking with our other muscle building supplements for men like our popular ENGN workout supplement for men
- Uncompromising Quality – Choose EVL and our nitric oxide pre workout drink for men with breakthrough ingredients like HydroMax glycerol monostearate for intense muscle pumps and maximum performance
- Why Evlution Nutrition – EVL is proud to be a leading name in advanced bodybuilding supplements for muscle growth recovery and stamina because we believe in never being satisfied with the status quo
Where some supplement manufacturers pack their products with as many ingredients as possible, others use a much more measured approach and cherry-pick their ingredients. This helps keep their costs down and means they only include proven substances in their formulations. Pump Mode is not the most complex product but, for the price, it’s an excellent pre-workout supplement that will deliver great results.
Key Features
- Vitamin C and D for increased general health and energy
- Sodium for replacing lost minerals and increasing fluid retention
- Glycerol to increase muscle volume
- Betaine for improved nitric oxide production, better blood flow, and improved vasodilation and pumps
This low-calorie pre-workout is ideal for men and women who want more energy without resorting to caffeine or expensive pre-workout supplements. Available in two flavors plus a flavor-free variety, this product will boost your workout performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Low price point
- Refreshing flavors
- Non-gritty formulation
- Proven ingredients
- Only ten calories per serving
Cons
- Some users report that the unflavored version tastes like aspirin
Supplements are often costly, but they don’t have to be. PMD Pump Fuel is very budget-friendly, and while it’s not the most exotic formulation, it does what it says on the tub – helps boost your energy and gives you a great pump.
10. Type Zero Clean N.O. Booster
Type Zero
Features
- | | ➟ TYPE ZERO NO Booster + Caffeine Free Preworkout for men & women is everything you want in an organic natural preworkout and nothing you don’t. Packed with robust nitrous oxide precursors and energy boosting nootropics to give you massive pumps for longer, harder workouts.
- : ✚ – ✚ ✚ ✚ ✚ ✚ ✚ ✚ – –
- ➟ sugar, calories, carbs, artificial sweeteners / flavors / colors, GMOs, gelatin, dairy, soy, gluten & major allergens
- ✅ ➟ We know the last thing you want is a pre workout drink that tastes like straight vitamins. That's why we made Type Zero a delicious cherry limeade flavor that really does taste like cherry limeade. And if for whatever reason you don't love the taste, just contact us for a free replacement of a different flavor or to get a full refund, no questions asked.
- ✔ – ✔ ➟ Buy with 100% confidence knowing all TYPE ZERO supplements are formulated and packaged in a U.S.A. facility following all GMP guidelines then 3rd party Lab Tested for purity.
Most pre-workout supplements are designed to increase your energy. This one is a little different in that it’s been formulated to maximize your pump rather than directly boost performance. Don’t worry, though; a better pump will allow you to train harder and longer, so you won’t be missing out!
Key Features
- Vitamins B3, B12, and C for increased energy and better health
- Chromium for increased fat and carb metabolism and more energy
- Citrulline malate to decrease fatigue and increase endurance
- Arginine for increased vasodilation and better blood flow
- Betaine for more energy and improved resistance to fatigue
- Beetroot extract to increase nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow
- GABA for increased growth hormone production, fat loss, and lean muscle development
- Apple cider vinegar for less post-exercise muscle inflammation
- N-acetyl L-tyrosine for increased protein synthesis and muscle growth
- Glycerol for increased muscle volume
- Beta-alanine to strengthen nervous system activation, boost energy, and increase mental focus
- Bioperine to increase the bioavailability of the other ingredients
If you lift weights, and especially if you are a bodybuilder, you probably appreciate a good pump. Getting pumped makes your muscles look bigger but also helps drive nutrients into them for better performance and growth. Type Zero Clean N.O. Booster is an effective, natural pump booster.
Pros
- Sugar and caffeine-free
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Potent formulation
- Proven ingredients
Cons
- Only available in one flavor – cherry limeade
- Not designed to boost energy directly
- May cause skin tingling
Type Zero Clean N.O. Booster is designed to maximize your pump. This means meant for bodybuilders and is not suitable for general exercisers. But, if you lift weights and want to build muscle, this product will produce the effect you want.
Key Information
Armed with our list of the best non-stimulant pre-workout supplements, you should have no problem choosing the right product for your needs. However, there are a few more things you need to consider before making your final pre-workout supplement selection.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Caffeine-free pre-workout
When it comes to pre-workout supplements, there are a great many to choose from. However, most fall into one of two categories – caffeinated and caffeine-free. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Caffeinated pre-workouts are fast-acting and reliable. Caffeine is a popular, legal stimulant that can give you energy and increase alertness. However, in large doses, it can make you feel anxious and jittery, affecting fine motor skills.
It’s also addictive and has diuretic properties, which means it makes you urinate more than usual. Because of this, some exercisers prefer to limit their caffeine intake, especially if they exercise later in the day when too much caffeine could stop them from sleeping.
Non-caffeinated pre-workouts are naturally stim-free, but that can mean they don’t give you such a pronounced or noticeable energy boost. However, you won’t experience such a noticeable “crash” when they wear off either, and they shouldn’t affect your ability to sleep.
Which type is right for you? It all comes down to your tolerance and attitude toward caffeine. If you have a good tolerance for caffeine and don’t exercise late at night, a caffeinated product should be fine. But, if you don’t like feeling buzzed, you may do better with a decaffeinated pre-workout supplement.
Ingredients to Look for
The best caffeine-free pre-workout supplements contain a combination of the following ingredients. Look for these compounds on your ingredients list:
- Beta-alanine
- Betaine
- Creatine
- L-citrulline
- Branch chain amino acids
- Alpha-GPC
- Vitamin B-12
- Glycerol
- Bioperine
These ingredients are proven energy boosters, pump enhancers, and fatigue fighters.
Ingredients to avoid
As well as avoiding caffeine, other ingredients you should steer clear of include:
- Sugar and sugar alcohols
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial preservatives
- Artificial sweeteners
- Proprietary blends
- DMAE
- DMAA
- Synephrine (bitter orange peel)
Bottom Line
Caffeine is a potent stimulant that can give you energy and also speed up fat burning. However, its effect is a double-edged sword. Where some people tolerate caffeine well, even in high doses, other people find it makes them feel anxious, jittery, or even unable to sleep.
Thankfully, limiting your caffeine intake does not have to mean being unable to use pre-workout supplements, as there are plenty of stim-free products available. They don’t have the same aggressive kick that the caffeinated versions have, but that doesn’t mean they won’t increase your energy levels. On the plus side, they won’t stop you sleeping either, or leave you feeling like a nervous wreck!
The best stimulant-free preworkout supplements are every bit as effective as those loaded with caffeine but have far fewer unwanted side effects. That’s not just good news for people who are caffeine sensitive, but for anyone who wants to use a pre-workout regularly, and even at night.
Don’t forget to visit Fitness Equipment Reviews for all your workout needs!
Patrick
Patrick Dale is an ex-British Royal Marine and owner and lecturer for a fitness qualifications company. In addition to training prospective personal trainers, Patrick has also authored three fitness and exercise books, dozens of e-books, thousands of articles, and several fitness videos.
