In theory, at least, getting enough sleep and eating healthily should mean that your energy levels are high all the time. However, the reality is that, even if you sleep loads and eat right, there will still be days when you feel less than stellar, and the last thing you want to do is hit the gym and work out.
A cup of coffee can help, and giving yourself a mental kick in the pants often works, too, especially if you are feeling more lazy than tired. Working out with a personal trainer or training partner can also provide the motivation you need to exercise on those days you’d rather stay home.
But, as powerful as those interventions are, they don’t always work. That’s where pre-workouts come in.
A pre-workout is a supplement designed to boost energy and performance so you can turn a lousy workout into a good one. Pre-workouts are also helpful for any workout where you want to push yourself to your limit, such as leg training day or before a fat-burning interval training workout.
There are a lot of pre-workouts available, but some are better than others. In this article, we review the 11 best natural pre-workout supplements, so you can get the best product for your needs.
11 Best Natural Pre-workouts
Looking for the best natural pre-workout? Here are 11 of the best, all tried and tested just for you!
While a lot of pre-workouts provide a big caffeine hit, this product does not. So, while it may not be the most energizing natural pre-workout on the market, it won’t cause a whole lot of unwanted side effects.
This is a good option for anyone who suffers from caffeine sensitivity or wants a pre-workout for nighttime use.
Pros
- Natural flavor
- High in essential amino acids
- Contains oat straw for vasodilation and increased blood flow
- Ingredients include the adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea
- Increases mental focus while lowering anxiety and stress
- Caffeine-free formula
- 30 servings per container
Cons
- Not as energizing as pre-workouts with caffeine
2. Naked Energy Pure Pre-Workout Formula
Naked is known for making effective, natural sports supplements. This potent pre-workout contains just ten ingredients, and each one is natural and proven to deliver outstanding results.
This natural pre-workout is perfect for gym-based workouts and will allow you to train longer and harder than usual.
Pros
- 200 mg natural caffeine per serving
- Contains creatine for energy and faster recovery
- Beta-alanine and l-arginine for increased blood flow and a better pump
- 50 servings per container
- No added sugar, flavors, or sweeteners
Cons
- Unsweetened and unflavored so may need to be mixed with something else to make it more palatable
3. Lotus All-Natural Pre-Workout
Lotus All-Natural Pre-Workout is another caffeine and stim-free supplement. So, while it won’t give you a massive boost in energy, nor will it give you a bad case of the jitters or cause an energy crash when it starts to wear off.
High in proven, natural ingredients, this is a good product for regular use and should produce very few if any unwanted side effects.
Pros
- Caffeine-free formula
- Beetroot extract for increased blood flow and a better pump
- Himalayan pink sea salt to replace lost minerals
- Coconut water powder and glycerol for hydration
- Bioperine black pepper extract to increase the bioavailability of other ingredients
- Natural strawberry lemonade flavor
- Vegan-approved
Cons
- The taste isn’t great and takes some getting used to
4. Do Vitamins Pure Pump Pre-Workout Formula
A lot of pre-workouts contain too much caffeine to be considered healthy, but caffeine is an effective energizer.
This product from Do Vitamins combines a modest caffeine dose with several other natural energizers to provide a noticeable increase in energy without unwanted side effects.
Pros
- 200 mg caffeine per serving
- Beta-alanine for increased blood flow and a better pump
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
- High in energizing vitamins and minerals
- Contains essential amino acids for energy, muscle preservation, and faster recovery
- A very clean, natural product
- 30 servings per container
Cons
- Tastes TERRIBLE – needs to be mixed with a small amount of water and taken as a shot, or mixed with a flavored sports drink or juice
5. Organic Muscle Organic Pre-Workout
Organic Muscle Organic Pre-Workout is free from artificial additives and yet tastes pretty good and provides a noticeable boost in energy, endurance, and focus.
This comprehensive formula boosts performance in several different ways and also contains modest amounts of energizing caffeine.
Pros
- 125mg of caffeine per serving
- Available in three refreshing flavors
- 100% certified organic ingredients
- Contains natural superfoods, including matcha, green tea, and acai
- Green coffee bean extract to maximize fat burning
- Contains stress-beating adaptogens
Cons
- Just 20 servings per container
- Ingredients are listed as a blend, so you won’t know how much of each one you are getting
6. Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Drink
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Drink is a potent supplement that you should really feel working. Loaded with caffeine and sweetened with erythritol and stevia, this product IS 100% natural but works like a supplement made with more artificial ingredients.
If you are looking for a big energy boost and are very caffeine tolerant, this could be the one for you.
Pros
- 350mg of caffeine per serving
- Taurine for extra energy
- Contains beta-alanine and l-citrulline for better blood flow and pump
- Theanine to reduce stress and anxiety and smooth the effect of caffeine
- Available in five natural, refreshing flavors
- Boosts focus, strength, endurance, and muscle power
Cons
- Just 21 servings per container
- Maybe too high in caffeine for some users
7. Clean Energy Pre-Workout
Clean Energy Pre-Workouts is certified USDA organic and is one of the most natural pre-workouts on review.
Designed to provide sustained energy, this supplement is ideal for endurance workouts, such as distance running and cycling. Naturally flavored with pineapple, coconut, and lemon, this is a refreshing pre-workout drink mix.
Pros
- 80mg of caffeine per serving
- Contains stress-fighting adaptogens
- Provides electrolytes to prevent dehydration
- Green coffee bean extract to enhance fat burning
- Formulated to improve endurance and focus
- 30 servings per container
Cons
- Quite expensive
8. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy + Focus
This supplement contains herbs and vegetables alongside other better-known energizers to boost both physical energy and mental focus.
It’s certified USDA organic and vegan and made in an FDA-approved facility in the USA. Pre-workouts don’t come much purer than this 100% natural supplement.
Pros
- 87 grams of caffeine per serving
- Available in two sugar-free flavors
- Contains organic spinach, kale, and beetroot to increase blood flow for more energy and a better pump
- High in antioxidants
- Sweetened with organic stevia
- 40 servings per container
Cons
- Not as energizing as other products that contain more caffeine
9. Genius Pre
Genius makes some of the most interesting sports supplements on the market. Their products are always natural yet effective and free from unwanted and unnecessary additives.
This stim-free pre-workout has been formulated to boost both your body and mind so you can perform at your best without side effects or energy crashes.
Pros
- Caffeine-free formula
- Alpha GPC for increased strength and power
- Beta-alanine and l-arginine for more energy and improved blood flow
- Adaptogens for less stress and better focus
- Huperzine to enhance strength and for better muscle contractions
- Sweetened with organic stevia
- Rhodiola Rosea for enhanced mood
Cons
- Not as energizing as products that are high in caffeine
- Quite expensive
- Just 20 servings per container
10. Ground-Based Nutrition Organic Pre-Workout
With its modest caffeine content plus a broad spectrum of natural ingredients, this pre-training supplement will gently boost your energy and help sustain you through your workouts.
The 100% organic and vegan-friendly formula also contains herbs and other plant-based ingredients, so it’s good for you, too.
Pros
- 100mg of caffeine per serving
- Beetroot extract for better blood flow and enhanced pumps
- Ginseng to boost focus and increase energy
- Maca for energy and improved libido
- Rhodiola and ashwagandha for less stress, better focus, and mood enhancement
- Natural wild berry flavor
- Sweetened with stevia
- 30 servings per container
Cons
- Ingredients are listed as a blend, so you won’t know how much of each one you are getting
- Not the most well-liked taste
11. Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer
Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer contains several energy-boosting ingredients to power you through your workouts.
Formulated to enhance muscle contractions and ward off fatigue so you can train harder and longer than usual, it’s also high in herbs and other natural ingredients designed to improve general health.
This is a very well-rounded pre-workout supplement that will enhance physical and mental energy.
Pros
- 100mg of caffeine per serving
- 100% organic and vegan
- Contains stress-beating and mood-enhancing Rhodiola
- Sweetened with brown rice syrup, coconut palm sugar
- Coconut oil for sustained energy
- Ginseng for energy and focus
- Ginger for enhanced fat burning
- Huperzine for stronger muscle contractions
- Available in two natural flavors
- 30 servings per container
Cons
- The flavor is not the best
- 60 calories per serving
Buyers Guide
What is Organic or Natural Pre-Workout?
While all pre-workouts provide you with a jolt of energy, many of the most popular products are loaded with chemicals, artificial additives, and other potentially toxic substances.
While most of these ingredients are certified as GRAS by the FDA (that means Generally Regarded As Safe), there are still some concerns over their safety.
As such, many people prefer purer, more natural pre-workout supplements, many of which are made from organic ingredients. A lot of people experience fewer unwanted side effects with natural pre-workouts compared to those made with lots of chemicals and artificial ingredients.
In short, natural pre-workouts are made without unnatural chemicals and are not loaded with refined sugar or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
Ingredients to look for
While natural pre-workouts are mostly about what ingredients they DON’T contain, it’s also worth making sure that your chosen product has what you need to get the results you want. Common natural pre-workout ingredients include:
- Caffeine – look for natural caffeine, and not caffeine anhydrous
- Green tea – another source of caffeine and also a potent antioxidant and fat burner
- Amino acids – for energy, muscle preservation, and a faster recovery
- Sweeteners – look for stevia, monk fruit, coconut palm sugar, brown rice syrup, and erythritol, and avoid things like sugar and aspartame. Also, consider unsweetened products
- Vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes – to replace what you lose when you sweat
- Adaptogens – to lower stress and enhance recovery
- Beetroot extract and beta-alanine – to increase blood flow for a better pump
Taste
Let’s get real here; natural pre-workouts do not contain the artificial flavors that make regular pre-workouts palatable.
As such, many have an acquired taste, and some are barely palatable.
Make sure you read plenty of reviews before buying to make sure that your selected product will at least be tolerable.
You may still need to mix your natural pre-workout with something like a sports drink or fruit juice so you can drink it without gagging!
Cost
A tub of pre-workout should provide anywhere from 20-50 servings. Work out the price per serving to determine if your product is good value.
Bear in mind that expensive natural pre-workouts are not necessarily better than more budget-friendly products.
Remember, too, that your pre-workout will only work if you continue to take it, so make sure you can afford to keep buying it for the foreseeable future.
Side-effects
Natural pre-workouts tend to have fewer side effects than products laden with chemicals.
However, things like large doses of caffeine, beta-alanine, and other familiar albeit natural ingredients can still cause unwanted side effects, especially if you are intolerant to any of them.
If you experience any unwanted side effects, such as anxiety, a stomach upset, or tremors, try using a smaller dose than is recommended and increase gradually over several weeks as your tolerance improves.
Alternatively, if you know you are sensitive to caffeine, look for low-stim or stim-free products.
Bottom Line
While most people should feel energized without using a pre-workout, we all have days when we need a boost, and a cup of coffee just doesn’t cut it.
A pre-workout can provide you with a short-term burst of energy so you can push through your training session and stick to your workout plan.
However, if you feel you have to use a pre-workout every time you exercise, it could be that you are following a workout plan that’s just too hard for you, you aren’t getting enough sleep, or your diet is lacking either in calories or essential nutrients.
It’s also worth remembering that using a pre-workout means you’ll be able to train longer and harder than usual.
This will take even more out of your body. Make sure you respect your body’s need for rest and recovery after using a pre-workout, or you could soon find yourself overtrained and forced to take a break from exercise.
While all pre-workouts boost your energy, many of them contain compounds and chemicals that, while not bad for you, probably won’t do you a whole lot of good.
If you care about your energy levels AND your health, use a natural pre-workout instead of one laden with artificial ingredients. Visit the Fitness Equipment Reviews homepage for more expert reviews and information.
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.
