So, many different types of athletes recommend taking caffeine supplements to help you persevere through long and grueling workouts.
Caffeine pills taken directly are considered great tools whilst others suggest pre-workout as the best option.
There are a variety of products available and we’ve looked at some of the best products on the market which we will get into later so keep reading!
Caffeine Content in Caffeine Pills VS Pre-Workout
Pre-workout normally has a greater caffeine content in comparison to caffeine pills.
Up to 500mg of caffeine per serving is present in pre-workout while caffeine pills contain a lower caffeine content of about 100 – 200 mg.
Energy supplements offer much more caffeine per serving in comparison to an average cup of coffee which only contains about 95mg of caffeine, so you are definitely guaranteed a kick with supplements.
Differences To Note
Not only do differences exist between caffeine content in caffeine pills and pre-workout, but the ingredients also differ.
Green tea extracts and L-theanine is usually added to caffeine pills to enhance alertness and energy.
Four ingredients are generally added to pre-workout supplements and include BCAA’s, creatine, caffeine, and beta-alanine which work really well together to bump up your energy and provide muscle support during your workouts.
Also, always be mindful of the right dosage of every ingredient in pre-workouts.
The Perfect Time For Caffeine Pills Or Pre-Workout?
The best time to consume your pre-workout or caffeine pills is generally 20-60 minutes prior to commencing your exercise.
Also, you will have to gauge from following the package instructions and factors such as your tolerance levels to caffeine to determine what works best for you.
Caffeine Pills And Pre-Workout Side Effects
Once you start developing a tolerance for caffeine pills and pre-workouts after using them consistently, it becomes difficult to attain the energy high you need for a tough workout.
They should therefore only be strategically used for crucial exercise performances.
It is quite a task trying to fall asleep after you’ve had caffeine and it may keep you awake for a long period of time.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using caffeine pills and pre-workout for evening workouts.
If you suffer from heart conditions or high blood pressure, you should also avoid caffeine pills and pre-workouts as additional caffeine could cause a multitude of problems.
The side effects are similar for both caffeine pills and pre-workout and we’ll go through them in a bit more detail.
– Anxiousness and Nervousness
Elevated blood pressure and increased heart rates could be caused by pre-workout supplements or caffeine pills.
You may be left to experience anxiety and mood swings as well as physical reactions like headaches or nausea.
– Heart Beating Rapidly
Caffeine or pre-workout reach your bloodstream through being absorbed from your stomach.
Irregular or rapid heartbeat including breathing issues could be experienced if your blood pressure is raised for a short time period.
Your heartbeat may have to work even harder if you have irregular beating rhythms.
– Dizziness
It can also be referred to as light-headedness, instability, or unsteadiness and is a result of moving around, illness, medication, and injury.
You may feel dizzy when digesting too much as blood flow to the brain is reduced due to the consumption of either pre-workout or caffeine pills.
– Irritability and Restlessness
You could be quickly annoyed or feel irritable due to unpleasant stimulation. Caffeine can sometimes overstimulate the brain or nervous system.
You may become very irritable and body tremors, as well as jitteriness, could be felt with the overconsumption of caffeine.
– Issues with Sleeping
Alertness is heightened with caffeine and excessive amounts of caffeine before you need to go to bed will be problematic as your sleep patterns are disturbed.
Both caffeine pills and some pre-workout contain caffeine in excess so you if you would like to get a good night’s rest, avoid using these after 6 pm.
– Diarrhea and Constant Urination
Consumption of caffeine induces peristalsis, the process where food Is moved through your digestive system.
An increased requirement to move bowels results due to caffeine which causes your colon muscles to spasmodically contract and relax.
Some pre-workout supplements include ingredients like caffeine as well as sodium bicarbonate, taurine, arginine, magnesium, Yohimbe, creatine in high dosages which result in a laxative effect.
If you have an incredibly sensitive stomach, you might be visiting the rest shortly after consuming it.
Caffeine does not stay in the body but is processed in the liver and excreted through your urine. Caffeine encourages the body to rid itself of surplus fluids due to its diuretic nature.
– Stomach Upsets and Heartburn Discomfort
Acid is increased in your stomach when consuming caffeine resulting in heartburn or discomfort in the stomach.
The floodgates of the lower esophageal sphincter are relaxed thus causing regurgitation of stomach acids back into the system.
Now that you are well aware of the potential side effects, let’s review 3 of the best pre-workouts and caffeine pills!
Top 3 Caffeine Pills
1. Genius Caffeine Pills
Genius Caffeine offers true sustained energy with its controlled release, microencapsulation technique. Energy is sustained, metabolism and fat loss are increased.
Genius Caffeine allows you to burn more calories and encourages weight loss.
Thermogenesis is stimulated with caffeine, the rate at which calories are burned is further accelerated and your appetite is suppressed for longer periods of time.
Genius Caffeine, an all-natural formula created with Veggie Capsules that includes no fillers, dyes, or additives enhances your endurance, muscle performance, and blood flow while avoiding stimulants.
You can further increase your fat loss results by combining Genius Caffeine with Genius Burn, an advanced fat loss formula that is caffeine-free.
Genius Caffeine can be used as the day progresses by either replacing your morning coffee with one serving or taking it as a pre-workout to boost your energy.
You can also use it in the afternoon to increase your energy and fight fatigue. Energy lasts up to 8 hours without anxious or “edgy” feelings.
Take caution not to use Genius Caffeine 6 hours before you plan to go to bed as sleep may be disrupted.
Genius Caffeine is excellent as it provides you with just the right kick you need during a workout or even before an important presentation at the office.
2. Nutricost Caffeine Pills
Nutricost Caffeine Pills are one of the plainest caffeine supplements on the market. An American made product containing 200mg of caffeine, encapsulated with only two other ingredients, gelatin and rice flour.
This is a minimalist product but is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians due to the gelatin content. Gelatin is an animal product that vegans and vegetarians avoid.
Nutricost Caffeine capsules are gluten-free and non-GMO without any added sugar or calories that are normally present in energy drinks and soda.
When you require an energy boost for prolonged periods, Nutricost Caffeine capsules are effective especially if you prefer a workout early in the morning and head to the office after.
Nutricost Caffeine capsules are perfect for controlling your appetite and provides you with consistent energy during your workday to remain mentally alert.
You are getting 250 capsules with Nutricost Caffeine and only one capsule is required per day, so this is excellent value for money!
3. Elite Caffeine And L-Theanine
Elite Caffeine and L-Theanine developed by EU Natural, an American company offers you great fuel for your workout or excellent mental focus without any nasty ingredients.
It is a natural nootropic supplement to strengthen focus and energy minus any crashes or jitters. Created as a safe substitute to combat the harmful effects of caffeine and energy drinks high in sugar, you can get the assistance you need for workouts or studying.
Pure caffeine and L-Theanine makes up one capsule to provide you with the benefits of both tea and caffeine. For a quick, convenient boost, Elite Caffeine and L-Theanine is perfect for health enthusiasts as it is also plant-powered.
Elite guarantee 99.8% purity with their plant-powered Caffeine and L-Theanine brand which is lab tested for efficacy and bioavailability by a team of health professionals.
All products are blended at a cGMP Certified Laboratory, so you are guaranteed strict FDA standards including a safe, clean and toxic-free product.
Fillers, artificial ingredients, binders, wheat gluten and dairy are all excluded, and no animal testing is conducted. This makes for an excellent Caffeine Pill.
Top 3 Pre-Workouts
1. Transparent Labs Preseries Bulk
Specifically developed for those who want to add some mass and bulk up. Transparent Labs Preseries Bulk supplements are developed with scientifically researched ingredients which have been published in a variety of sources.
Free of artificial ingredients, you do not have to be concerned about artificial dyes, colors, flavors, additives or artificial sweeteners.
What’s more is that a testosterone support formula of Vitamin D3, Boron and Zinc have been included to benefit men.
Athletes and bodybuilders who are looking to increase growth and muscle size will see great results from this supplement.
The product excludes creatine from its formula. The ergogenic effects of creatine are defused with the high level of caffeine content present in Preseries Bulk.
Creatine is also available from Transparent Labs as a separate product if you need.
This pre-workout comes packaged in quite a sizeable bag which is fantastic, you will not run out and will only have to replenish after a prolonged period.
One serving equates to 21 grams and contains 19 active ingredients developed to enhance nitric oxide, workout focus, fight fatigue and reduce muscle pain while boosting total physical performance.
The product is vegan friendly and consists of vegan, fermented BCAA’s.
2. ProSupps Mr. Hyde NitroX
An excellent pre-workout offering twice the energy of other leading pre-workout brands equips you with extra strength, focus, pumps, and energy.
A 400mg caffeine matrix, enhanced with Yohimbe, Creatine HCL, TeaCrine, Nitrosigrine, has been blended into a unique formula providing powerful energy with improved power outputs, pump endurance, and enhanced strength.
Mr. Hyde NitroX has been created in 10 outstanding flavors, so options are boundless with a myriad of flavors. With all the options, you can try one of try them all to see which one you prefer, or you could stick to one flavor.
The ProSupps brand promises quality as products are developed with effective and safe ingredients tested by a third party. The highest level of standards is applied to products and they do not contain Picamilon or Pikatropin. Facilities using cGMP methods are used to produce Mr. Hyde NitroX.
Prosupps Mr. Hyde NitroX includes a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can be assured that you will be using a product that provides you with superb results and remarkable taste.
3. Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
Scientifically developed, Nitrosurge maximum strength pre-workout delivers unparalleled workout performance with brilliant results.
A surge of energy is experienced together with enhanced strength, focus, unlimited endurance, and intense pumps when Nitrosurge is used as a pre-workout.
Muscle growth and fat burning is also promoted whilst sustaining energy with Nitrosurge pre-workout supplements.
Powerful and proven ingredients include L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Theanine, Caffeine plus more synergistically work together to produce an effective pre-workout.
Creatine has not been included in the Nitrosurge formula to cater for individuals who prefer to go without creatine as part of the pre-workouts.
Betaine anhydrous is included in the formula though and provides you with the strength benefits offered by creatine without actually having to consume it.
Nitric oxide production is boosted with Nitrosurge, driving up your muscular pumps, increasing endurance, and strength while minimizing fatigue during workouts.
A cGMP certified facility is used to produce a product offering increased effectiveness, quality, and safety using the highest level of quality control practices.
Caffeine Pill Or Pre-Workout – What’s Better For You?
It depends on your requirements.
Caffeine pills are great for pure energy enhancement.
Pre-workouts are excellent if you are looking to increase your muscle strength, endurance and experience faster recovery rates.
By choosing caffeine pills, you may be missing out on some fundamental nutrients offered in a pre-workout. Choose wisely before settling.
How do you feel about caffeine pills and pre-workouts? Have questions? Drop a comment below…