Getting a pump is an essential part of building bigger muscles and getting strong. When you exercise, especially intensely, blood is preferentially driven into the muscles you are working. This increases oxygen levels, which helps ward off fatigue, allowing you to exercise for longer.
In addition, the increased blood flow carries nutrients to the muscles, providing them with more of what they need to grow and recover.
To maximize this effect, a lot of gym-goers are looking for the best pre-workout for pump. These supplements relax your blood vessels, which means even more blood, oxygen, and nutrients can reach your muscles.
As well as helping you get a better pump, these pre-workout supplements also increase your energy and focus. They buffer your muscles against fatigue so you can train longer and harder. Longer, harder workouts mean better training results and faster progress.
Whether you want to maximize your pumps or just enjoy more productive workouts, here are eight of the most popular pre-workouts around, all tried and tested for you.
Top-Rated Pre Workout for Pump
We all have days when, despite our best intentions, the last thing we want to do is exercise. Alpha Lion Pre-Workout is formulated to boost your energy, strength, stamina, and focus so you can power through the toughest workout, even on those days you’d rather stay in bed!
Key Features
- Proven formula
- Promotes energy, focus, and endurance
- Non-crash formula
- Calorie-free
- 42 servings per container
- Available in four flavors
Take Alpha Lion Pre-Workout 15-30 minutes before exercise to eliminate tiredness, boost motivation, and increase focus. If you’re fed up with feeling too tired to exercise, this supplement could be the solution.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Tastes great
- Tried and tested ingredients
- Minimal unwanted side effects
- Can be “double-dosed” for an even more powerful effect
Cons
- Some users may find the 200mg of caffeine in this product causes unwanted side-effects
Alpha Lion Pre-Workout is a very well-formulated pre-exercise supplement. It provides more than just a mega-dose of caffeine. Instead, it contains a proven range of ingredients to boost energy, increase strength, prevent fatigue, and help keep you focused. It’s a potent, great-tasting pre-workout energizer.
2. Gorilla Mode
Features
- 9000 MG PURE L-CITRULLINE – The ONLY pre-workout in the entire industry featuring the maximum effective dosage of PURE L-Citrulline that IS NOT artificially inflated with Malic Acid on the label (with Citrulline Malate, you're only getting 1/2 – 2/3 as much L-Citrulline as the label implies). The huge spike in Nitric Oxide significantly increases pumps, endurance and can cut DOMS in half after training.
- 5000 MG CREATINE MONOHYDRATE, 3000 MG GLYCERPUMP, 2500 MG BETAINE, 1000 MG AGMATINE – Supersaturates the muscle with blood and induces a state of hyper-hydration for massive pumps, endurance and power. Also includes your full daily saturation dose of Creatine. Creatine has shown time and time again to significantly improve strength, power output and muscle size.
- 1500 MG L-TYROSINE, 500 MG KANNA, 400 MCG HUPERZINE A – The high doses of these Nootropics top off the cognitive enhancing component of Gorilla Mode and contribute to a significant increase in energy, mood and overall mental acuity.
- 350 MG CAFFEINE, 350 MG N-PHENETHYL DIMETHYLAMINE CITRATE – Laser focus and a substantial increase in energy levels. In conjunction with one another, this combination of stimulants mimics the actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin and keeps levels elevated throughout the duration of a full workout for intense drive and performance.
- 23,500 MG TOTAL NITRIC OXIDE PRECURSORS, PLASMA EXPANDERS AND VOLUMIZING AGENTS – This product is so potent that we actually had to edit this product page to warn you that it will have some grittiness. When we say it is the most potent formula on Amazon, we aren't kidding. It isn't possible to make a potent formula like this that mixes like a run of the mill cookie cutter watered down pre-workout. More potent = more issues mixing. If you want the best, then choose us and embrace the grit.
Gorilla Mode pre-workout is one of the most potent energizing, pump-boosting supplements around. It contains a range of proven active ingredients to make sure that your next workout is as productive and enjoyable as possible. Be warned; Gorilla Mode will leave you buzzing for hours!
Key Features
- L-citrulline for increased nitric oxide production and a better pump
- Creatine monohydrate for more energy and less fatigue
- Glycerol powder to increase blood flow to the muscles
- Betaine anhydrous to increase fluid uptake in muscle cells
- L-tyrosine for increased alertness and focus
- Agmatine sulfate for increased athletic performance
- Sceletium tortuosum for less stress and greater confidence
- Caffeine anhydrous for energy and focus
- N-phenethyl dimethylamine citrate for better concentration
- Huperzine A for increased alertness and energy
- Black pepper extract to increase the effectiveness of the other ingredients
Gorilla Mode is a very powerful supplement. In fact, it’s so potent that the manufacturers recommend that all users start off by taking just half the standard dose. It’s designed to increase blood flow and also contains several energy-boosting compounds. If you need energy and a serious pump, this is the product for you.
Pros
- Intense formulation
- Proven ingredients
- Cost-effective product
- Increases mental and physical energy
- Available in two great-tasting flavors
Cons
- May be too powerful for some users
- Not suitable for use late at night
A full dose of Gorilla Mode contains about four cups’ worth of caffeine. While this will undoubtedly give you energy, it may also cause anxiety, palpations, and insomnia. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, this is not the product for you. But, if you tolerate caffeine well, Gorilla Mode could be just the pre-workout you have been waiting for.
3. Vintage Blast
Features
- 9000 MG PURE L-CITRULLINE – The ONLY pre-workout in the entire industry featuring the maximum effective dosage of PURE L-Citrulline that IS NOT artificially inflated with Malic Acid on the label (with Citrulline Malate, you're only getting 1/2 – 2/3 as much L-Citrulline as the label implies). The huge spike in Nitric Oxide significantly increases pumps, endurance and can cut DOMS in half after training.
- 5000 MG CREATINE MONOHYDRATE, 3000 MG GLYCERPUMP, 2500 MG BETAINE, 1000 MG AGMATINE – Supersaturates the muscle with blood and induces a state of hyper-hydration for massive pumps, endurance and power. Also includes your full daily saturation dose of Creatine. Creatine has shown time and time again to significantly improve strength, power output and muscle size.
- 1500 MG L-TYROSINE, 500 MG KANNA, 400 MCG HUPERZINE A – The high doses of these Nootropics top off the cognitive enhancing component of Gorilla Mode and contribute to a significant increase in energy, mood and overall mental acuity.
- 350 MG CAFFEINE, 350 MG N-PHENETHYL DIMETHYLAMINE CITRATE – Laser focus and a substantial increase in energy levels. In conjunction with one another, this combination of stimulants mimics the actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin and keeps levels elevated throughout the duration of a full workout for intense drive and performance.
- 23,500 MG TOTAL NITRIC OXIDE PRECURSORS, PLASMA EXPANDERS AND VOLUMIZING AGENTS – This product is so potent that we actually had to edit this product page to warn you that it will have some grittiness. When we say it is the most potent formula on Amazon, we aren't kidding. It isn't possible to make a potent formula like this that mixes like a run of the mill cookie cutter watered down pre-workout. More potent = more issues mixing. If you want the best, then choose us and embrace the grit.
Where a lot of pre-workout supplements are so heavily dosed that they’ll leave you buzzing for days, Vintage Blast pre-workout is gentler and is less likely to leave you feeling anxious, jittery, or unable to sleep. This makes it an ideal product for beginners and exercisers who work out at night.
Key Features
- High in energy and health-boosting vitamins and minerals
- Two-stage formulation for sustained energy
- Increases vasodilation for better blood flow and pump
- Two forms of caffeine for more benefits and fewer side effects
- Increases endurance and speeds up recovery
- Sweetened with stevia
- No added sugar
Vintage Blast is a well-designed pre-workout energizer that will increase your physical and mental energy. After taking this product, you’ll be able to train harder and longer than usual and will recover faster between sets and workouts too. Suitable for all exercisers, this product is vegan and keto-diet friendly.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Provides fast-acting but sustained energy for longer, better workouts
- Non-habit forming
- Increases hydration and replaces lost electrolytes
Cons
- Only available in one flavor – blueberry lemonade
Despite being all-but calorie-free, Vintage Blast will provide you with the energy you need to power through even the most grueling workout. It’s good for both mental and physical energy and will increase blood flow for a better pump. It’s also highly hydrating and will help replace fluids lost during intense exercise. It tastes good too!
4. Evultion ENGN Shred
Features
- Dual-Stage Drive Without The Crash: Elevate your workout intensity and consistency by experiencing the innovation of our two-stage caffeine-release preworkout. Timed caffeine release propels your workout drive and promotes continuous energy while ensuring a crash-free come down.
- Triple-Action Amino Power: Packed with L-Citrulline Malate for improved endurance, Beta-Alanine for reduced fatigue, and D-Aspartic Acid for faster recovery. Get the premium fusion of these amino acids for a powerhouse pre workout boost!
- A Preworkout Above The Rest: Say goodbye to the jitters, unsavory chemical tastes, and digestive discomfort. Enjoy a consistent performance boost, seamless mixability and a taste that’ll have you looking forward to your next workout session
- Formulated For All Fitness Levels: Meticulously designed to cater to the unique metabolic and muscular needs of both men and women, ensuring optimum results regardless of your fitness stage.
- About Old School Labs: All our products are formulated in Southern California and made in the USA. Proudly supporting your fitness journey and helping you Keep it Old School!
ENGN Shred is an advanced pre-workout and fat burner. Designed to boost physical and mental performance, this product is hardcore, and contains lots of active ingredients. If you are looking for a powerful pre-workout that will give you an awesome pump, this product could be exactly what you need.
Key Features
- Huperzine A, Alpha GPC, Choline bitartrate, and L-tyrosine for increased focus
- Green coffee bean and green tea, carnosyn beta-alanine, and vitamin B for more energy
- CLA, L-carnitine L-tartrate, capsimax, and coleus for better fat burning
- Agmatine sulfate and betaine for increased blood flow and a better pump
Some pre-workout supplements have very short-lived effects. They work and then quit before you get a chance to finish your workout. ENGN is better than that, and its effects are long-lasting, so you can complete even the most grueling workouts with ease.
Pros
- Fast-acting but long-lasting formulation
- Boosts physical and mental energy
- Available in five great-tasting flavors
- Well-priced product
Cons
- High caffeine content
ENGN is not the most caffeinated pre-workout, but it still contains as much caffeine as 2 ½ regular cups of coffee. That shouldn’t cause too many side effects for most users but could be too much if you use this product at night and want to be able to sleep. This product is a great all-rounder, and if you want a pre-workout that’s also an effective fat burner, ENGN is definitely worth considering.
5. Cellucor NO3
Features
- Science Based Formula – Try the ENGN Shred pre-workout energy and fat burner support powder with exclusive ingredients including Beta alanine Agmatine Huperzine A L-Carnitine Yohimbe CLA and much more
- Achieve More – Maximize your workouts with enhanced natural energy endurance and intense mental focus thanks to specially engineered blends featuring Betaine and more to amplify your performance
- Clean Complex – We’re proud to use some of the best energizing preworkout ingredients for peak performance including Forskolin and EGCG Green tea extracts to amplify your energy without the crash
- Enhanced Power and Pumps – Our tasty pre workout fat burner support and energy powder works as a sustainable energy source for better muscle endurance metabolism support and nitric oxide production
- Why Evlution Nutrition – EVL is a leading name in effective bodybuilding supplements because we take our quality seriously and only use the finest lab tested performance maximizing ingredients
Almost every pre-workout contains lots and lots of caffeine. Caffeine is a highly energizing substance, but you can have too much of a good thing. As well as being good for energy and fat burning, caffeine can cause anxiety, sleeplessness, and even palpitations. Cellucor NO3 is caffeine-free and designed to deliver sleeve-splitting pumps without unwanted side effects.
Key Features
- L-citrulline for increased nitric oxide production, increased vasodilation, and blood flow
- Arginine AKG and arginine nitrate for even more nitric oxide
- Grape seed extract to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow
This pre-workout is all about maximizing your pump. There are no energizing or stimulating ingredients in this product. If you are serious about getting the best pump ever and don’t need any extra energy, this product is guaranteed to help.
Pros
- Fast-acting formula
- Unbeatable pumps
- No unwanted side effects
- Available in two refreshing flavors
- Easy-mix formulation
Cons
- Contains no energizing ingredients
If you are feeling tired and need a pre-workout energy boost, this is not the product for you. But, if you’re all about the pump and want to maximize blood flow to your working muscles, non-stim Cellucor NO3 is the supplement you want.
6. Altius Pre-workout Fuel
Features
- NO3 Ultimate stimulant-free pre workout extends and enhances the most unbelievable pump ever achieved through your most grueling workouts.
- NO3 Ultimate packs 4g L-Citrulline to help reduce fatigue, increase nitric oxide production, as well as increase plasma arginine concentrations for an enhanced pump.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: All Cellucor sales by Amazon and Nutrabolt are backed by a 30-day, full money-back guarantee.
- NO3 Ultimate includes Nitrosigine, Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, and NO3-T to improve your desired muscle pump and combat muscle damage due to intense exercise.
- Superior Flavors: Many choices. Find yours. Cellucor offers best-in-class flavors to fuel optimal performance.
Altius Pre-workout Fuel is a very popular pre-workout supplement designed to increase energy, delay fatigue, and deliver a great pump. Its all-natural formulation means it won’t cause unwanted side effects and is safe and non-habit forming. It’s also keto and vegan-friendly.
Key Features
- Citrulline malate to enhance nitric oxide production and delay fatigue
- Creatine monohydrate for more energy and strength
- Beta-alanine for increased endurance and faster recovery
- Betaine anhydrous for enhanced muscle growth
- Caffeine and alpha GPC for energy and focus
- Bioperine to boost the effectiveness of the other ingredients
Altius Pre-workout Fuel contains everything a good pre-workout should. Its proven formulation will boost energy and endurance while promoting a powerful pump. There are more complex pre-workout supplements available, but they often contain relatively small amounts of the active ingredients. This product contains more of the important stuff, producing more reliable results.
Pros
- All-natural formulation
- Potent, proven ingredients
- Good for energy, focus, and a better pump
- Sugar-free
Cons
- Only available in one flavor
- High caffeine content
Altius Pre-workout Fuel contains about 3 ½ cups’ worth of caffeine. That’s a lot! Because of this, a lot of users report that they get excellent results by taking just half the recommended amount of this product. The good news is that taking half a scoop means your 20-serving tub will last twice as long, saving you money.
7. ProSupps Mr. Hyde
Features
- Best Natural Pre Workout for Energy, Strength, & Pumps: The ultimate all-natural, high performance preworkout powder for men and women.
- Clinically Dosed, Potent Pre-workout Supplement: Maximize workout performance with this powerhouse pre workout energy drink. Experience skin-tearing pumps, endless endurance, & improved strength & power. Fuel your bulk or cut with science backed ingredients.
- Scientifically Formulated, Keto-Friendly: Utilizes the best natural ingredients on the market. Clinically-dosed to guarantee peak performance. No artificial sweeteners or food dyes.
- Manufactured in a cGMP Facility
Mr. Hyde is an excellent name for a pre-workout supplement. Named after Doctor Jekyll’s powerful alter ego in the famous 1886 book by Robert Louis Stevenson, it will give even a tired exerciser the energy to power through a tough workout. This is a high-caffeine product, so it’s not for the feint-hearted. But, if you have a good caffeine tolerance, you will love the energizing effect of Mr. Hyde.
Key Features
- 420 mg of caffeine per serving for maximal energy
- Arginine for increased blood flow and vasodilation
- Creatine for strength and endurance
- Beta-alanine for increased stamina and faster recovery
- Choline bitartrate for better focus and concentration
- L-citrulline for improved nitric oxide production and a better pump
- GABA for increased growth hormone production
- Yohimbe bark extract to extend the effect of the other ingredients
With about four cups of coffee worth of caffeine, this product will leave you buzzing for hours, but it’s more than just a high-stim energizer. Mr. Hyde also contains ingredients to promote a powerful pump and increase your stamina. All in all, if you want to train hard and long, this product will undoubtedly help.
Pros
- Powerful, fast-acting formula
- Proven ingredients
- Well-priced
- Available in ten refreshing flavors
Cons
- Very high caffeine content
- Some users report that this product becomes less effective with frequent use
Mr. Hyde is designed to help you push through tiredness and achieve the workout results you’ve always dreamed of. The proven ingredients will give you lots of energy and a huge pump too. Beginners should start off with half a dose as such a big caffeine hit could cause unwanted side effects.
8. Animal Pump
Features
- Extreme Energy. Laser Focus. Explosive Power & Pumps. If you're looking for the BEST and STRONGEST PRE-WORKOUT Hyde Xtreme is for you. Our formula includes a hard to beat 420mg caffeine matrix, and is powered by Yohimbe, TeaCrine, Creatine HCL and Nitrosigine, which delivers you intense energy, increased power output, enhanced strength and sustained pumps.
- Hyde Xtreme is for men and women who have high tolerance to caffeine and stimulants, and are looking for adrenaline and explosive energy for an intense workout experience.
- This is a ONE SCOOP pre-workout. This means it wakes just one scoop to get the full experience. Do not exceed recommended dose in a 24-hour period. With this 30-serving bottle you get 30 explosive workouts powered by HYDE, no double-scooping necessary.
- Our update formula is completely naturally flavored with no FD&C Dyes and features 4 Great Tasting Flavors- Blue Razz, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Pixie Dust.
- Committed Quality: ProSupps is committed to providing products that contain the most effective, 3rd party tested and safe ingredients. Our products are held to the highest standards, are free of Picamilon / Pikatropin and are only manufactured in facilities that employ cGMP practices. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: ProSupps is committed to providing you with products that taste great and work as hard as you do. That's why we offer a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Results. Period! Packaging
Most pre-workouts are drinks designed to be consumed 15-30 minutes before exercise. Animal Pump is different. With this product, you take a pre-packed range of capsules instead of chugging down a drink. Some users do not like how pre-workout drinks taste, and taking capsules may be preferable.
Key Features
- Creatine for more strength and endurance
- Nitric oxide boosting complex for better pumps
- Caffeine and theobromine for increased energy
- Antioxidant complex for less muscle soreness and a faster recovery between workouts
- Non-stim energizers for increased energy without side effects
Each pack of Animal Pump capsules contains six different supplements. You can take them all at once or omit any you don’t want to use. For example, if you are training at night, you can skip the high-caffeine energy pills. No other pre-workout supplement offers this level of customization.
Pros
- Powerful, proven formulation
- Easy to swallow capsules
- Fast-acting but sustained effect
- Good for energy, pump, and faster recovery
Cons
- Gelatin capsules – not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Animal have been making supplements for over 30 years. That means their products really work. Much loved by professional bodybuilders and athletes, Animal supplements are reliably effective and safe. Pump is a viable alternative to more common pre-workout drink mixes.
9. Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump
Animal Pump
$39.94
Features
- MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENTS IN ONE – Animal Pump contains a powerful pump complex, a stimulant complex (which can be removed), Nitric Oxide complex, and more. Each of these sold as stand alone supplements, Animal Pump combines them all into one complete and convenient preworkout supplement.
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- EASY TO TAKE – Simply take one pack 30-45 minutes before your workout. Take the packs on the go in your gym bag, your work bag, or take one right out of the tin. No powder, no clumping, no mess.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PREWORKOUT – If you don’t need the extra stim, just take out the red pill and you get the full focus and pumps of Animal Pump. If you need the extra energy boost, take the whole pack.
- TRUSTED BY THE PROS – Animal has been a leading name for the highest level of professional bodybuilders for over 30 years. Don't compromise, take what the pros take.
Rich Gaspari was one of the best bodybuilders in the late 1980s and early 1990s. An expert in training and nutrition, he launched his supplement company soon after retiring from competition. SuperPump is Gaspari Nutrition’s premier pre-workout supplement.
Key Features
- High in energizing vitamins and minerals
- Supermax pump blend to increase blood flow for a better pump
- Nitric oxide blend to relax blood vessels and improve circulation
- Endurance complex to ward off fatigue for longer workouts
- Creatine for more strength and power
- Caffeine and L-tyrosine for energy and focus
SuperPump is an intricate product loaded with proven, powerful ingredients. However, each complex is a proprietary blend, so it’s impossible to say how much of each ingredient this product contains. It would be nice to know how much caffeine is in this product as some users are more sensitive to its effects than others.
Pros
- Formula unchanged for 15 years
- Proven, powerful ingredients
- Designed to increase physical and mental energy, as well as deliver a better pump
- 40 servings per canister
- Available in six flavors
Cons
- Proprietary blends
- May or may not contain large amounts of caffeine
This product has been around for over 15 years, and that means it works. However, how it works is unknown. It could be that Gaspari SuperPump just contains a ton of caffeine! Unfortunately, we’ll never know. If those sorts of details don’t interest you, and you’re happy to use a product that will give you energy and a great pump regardless, SuperPump could be a good choice.
Bottom Line
While there is more to a successful workout than getting a good pump, there is no denying it can help. Pumps happen naturally, but the ingredients in a vascularity supplement all but guarantee that your muscles will be flooded with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Another way to get the pump going is by doing drop sets – read all about them here.
As well as pumping you up physically, most pre-workout supplements increase mental focus and determination too. A good workout is as much about your attitude and motivation as it is your muscles.
However, while it’s okay to use pre-workout supplements regularly, you should not feel that you have to use one all the time. If you can’t gather the energy to train without a pre-workout supplement, you may need to get more sleep or eat more naturally energizing food. If you always feel like you are running on empty, using a pre-workout only addresses the symptoms of whatever is affecting you, and not the cause.
The next time you need an energy boost and want a skin-splitting pump too, try one of the best vasodilating, energizing pre-workouts around. You’ll love how they make you feel and perform.
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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.
