Pre-workout is a popular supplement that athletes and regular gym-goers take to boost their performance in the gym. It can give you that boost of energy you need to complete a workout after a long day or early in the morning before you’ve fully woken up. Some even serve as appetite suppressants that really work, helping you lose even more weight.
With so many pre-workout products available, it can be challenging to find one that not only tastes great but performs well. I tested some of the best pre-workouts on the market and found C4 Ripped pre-workout to be the best thermogenic pre workout overall. This product allows you to give it your all, whether you’re strength training or doing cardio.
I’ve also found some other fantastic products that are beneficial for those sensitive to caffeine, gluten-free, and more. Keep reading to find out more about some of the best thermogenic pre workouts available to you.
The 5 Best Thermogenic Pre Workouts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a new pre-workout to take your workout or weight loss journey to the next level, here are five of the best thermogenic pre workouts.
Best Overall: C4 Ripped Pre-Workout
C4 Ripped pre-workout is by far the best thermogenic pre workout on this list. This product is creatine and sugar-free. The brand Cellucor is a pioneer and has been perfecting its pre-workout recipes for years.
Their C4 Ripped product is created with improvements and results in mind. This formula is advanced and provides you with the energy to crush your workout.
Caffeine Content
- One serving of C4 Ripped pre-workout has 150 mg of caffeine
- Also includes green coffee bean extract to help boost your metabolism
Key Ingredients
- L-carnitine
- Tartrate
- Chlorogenic acids
- N-acetyl-tyrosine
Flavors:
- Cherry limeade
- Icy blue razz
- Tropical punch
- Fruit punch
- Raspberry lemonade
- Ultra frost
C4 Ripped underwent years of development and testing to ensure that the ingredients work how they’re supposed to and are safe to use. The combination of caffeine and other ingredients helps to target fat and maximize your workout. Each container gives you roughly 30 servings.
Pros
- Sugar-free formula
- Six flavors
- Green coffee bean extract
- Reputable company
Cons
- No creatine
Best For Weightlifting/Pumps: Nitrosurge Shred Pre-Workout
Jacked Factory’s Nitrosurge Shred pre-workout is the perfect formula for men and women looking for an energizing pump or weightlifting session. This thermogenic pre-workout helps men and women get and stay lean and give their best performance at the gym.
One of the challenges of losing weight is maintaining your muscle mass. With the Nitrosurge Shred pre-workout, you can keep your muscle mass while getting leaner if that’s what you’re trying to achieve.
When you take this supplement, you’ll experience increased stamina, focus, and better blood flow that will help you perform better in the gym. This product will boost your nitric oxide levels, which lets you pump weights for longer, growing your muscles.
Caffeine Content
- 180 mg per serving, which is on the higher end of the scale
Key Ingredients
- L-citrulline
- Beta-alanine
- Acetyl-L-carnitine
- L-theanine
- Theobromine
- Bioperine black pepper
Flavors
- Watermelon
- Black cherry
- Fruit punch
- Orange pineapple
- Lemon-lime
It’s also a great pre-workout for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease since it’s gluten-free.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Increased blood flow
- 5 flavors
- Great pumps
Cons
- Higher caffeine content
- Flavors have mixed opinions
Best For Caffeine Lovers: Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre-Workout
If you love a pre-workout that gives you a solid serving of caffeine, the Evlution Nutrition ENGN pre-workout is the best option for you.
Caffeine Content
- One serving of ENGN pre-workout gives you 260 mg of caffeine
- This hearty dose of caffeine will power your workouts
Key Ingredients
- CLA
- Coleus extract
- L-carnitine
- Capsimax
- L-tyrosine
- Beta-alanine
- Caffeine from green tea
- B vitamins
Flavors
- Grape
- Cherry limeade
- Pink lemonade
- Blue razz
- Fruit punch
Evlution Nutrition developed this formula with 18 crucial ingredients to help you have an intense and productive workout to support your fat loss goals. When you take this supplement, you’ll have an intense mental focus that allows you to stay zoned into your training for longer.
Pros
- High caffeine content for those who need it
- Perfect for slimming down
Cons
- May cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach
Best For All Natural: Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout
For those looking for an all-natural pre-workout that’s gluten-free and vegan, you need to try Transparent Labs LEAN pre-workout. The PreSeries LEAN is an excellent supplement to aid in slimming down.
This pre-workout is effective at targeting stubborn body fat as well as preventing muscle loss. The formula is transparent, and you always know exactly what you’re putting into your body. This includes a thyroid support complex and fat-burning ingredients.
Caffeine Content
- 180 mg per serving of this product which is on par with several other pre-workouts
Key Ingredients
Flavors
- Green apple
- Blue raspberry
- Orange
- Sour grape
- Tropical punch
- Strawberry lemonade
These include no artificial colors or dyes and harmful additives.
You have the option to buy one, two, or three tubs of the product at once and pay in installments if you prefer.
Pros
- Vegan and gluten-free
- No GMOs
- Thyroid support
- Very clean option
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options
Best For Caffeine Sensitivity: RSP AminoLean Pre-Workout
While many people love pre-workout due to the energy boost it gives them before a strenuous workout; the caffeine content can be too intense for others. The RSP AminoLean pre-workout is an excellent option if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
This amino energy and weight management product is perfect for both men and women. The product has essential amino acids and other ingredients that help you focus and maintain your weight.
Caffeine Content
- Each serving has only 125 mg of caffeine, which is easier on those with a sensitivity to caffeine
- Much lower than traditional pre-workout
- The caffeine comes from green tea extract
Key Ingredients
- Conjugated linoleic acid
- L-carnitine powder
- Green coffee bean
- Green tea extract
Flavors
- Blackberry pomegranate
- Pink lemonade
- Grape
- Watermelon
- Fruit punch
- Blue raspberry
Each serving of this pre-workout has BCAAs and EAAs, which help improve your workout and build muscle. Their formula is ideal for weight management.
They advertise the product as a gluten-free option, although the manufacturers warn that it’s processed in a facility where it may come in contact with gluten. It may not be an issue for all, but be careful using this product if you’re gluten-free.
Pros
- An affordable pre-workout
- Great for pre-workout, post-workout, or anytime energy
Cons
- Gluten-free ingredients, but still may have trace amounts due to where it’s processed
Pre-Workout Buyers Guide
There are several pre-workout products on the market. Finding one that works for you and the types of workouts you’re looking for is essential. Here are the factors we took into consideration when choosing the best thermogenic pre workouts
Caffeine Content
All pre-workouts contain some level of caffeine. If you prefer a low level of caffeine, be sure to check for less than 150 mg. Most products have around 150 to 180 mg, but there are some with more if you need a lot of caffeine.
Key Ingredients
When looking for a pre-workout, you’ll want to make sure it contains key ingredients to aid in performance and weight loss. See below for key ingredients to look for.
Variety of Flavors
Having a variety of flavors can keep drinking fun. Plus, if you don’t like the taste of one but love the performance, you’ll be able to try new flavors while using a great product.
What is Thermogenesis?
The term, “thermogenesis”, comes from the Greek thermo, meaning “heat”, and genesis, meaning “creation”. So, simply put, thermogenesis is a process of heat production. It occurs in most animals and some plants as a natural metabolic process whereby heat is created and released in various ways. The way our bodies produce heat through thermogenesis is by burning calories.
In humans, there are three main ways to induce thermogenesis in your body. These are:
- Working out
- Diet
- Environmental temperatures
In all cases, the results of thermogenesis is the burning of calories which is often visible through sweating.
Key Ingredients to Look for
When you’re looking for a thermogenic pre-workout, you’ll want to look for a product that has thermogenic ingredients.
Caffeine is the most popular and common thermogenic ingredient. This is why you’ll find it in almost all pre-workouts. Several products will add caffeine to their product via coffee extract, teas, and other natural ingredients.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is another component in a thermogenic pre-workout. You’ll find this in green tea and caffeine. It helps release adrenaline which in turn heats the body and helps induce thermogenesis.
Capsaicin is what makes peppers spicy. This ingredient, like the ones above, helps release adrenaline in the body. Consuming this helps burn more calories, which can lead to weight loss.
Creatine helps with muscle building. Not every pre-workout will contain this, but you’ll see plenty of products that have this.
Amino acids help control how the protein moves throughout your body. It can also help reduce how sore you feel after your workout, thus mitigating any recovery process required after thermogenesis has occurred.
Citrus aurantium stimulates beta-3 receptors which are known inducers of thermogenesis in humans. What’s more, citrus aurantium does not increase blood pressure even when triggering thermogenesis.
Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is a fatty acid present in many meat and dairy products. While it is a fat, it does not harm the body or contribute towards obesity. In contrast, CLA produces thermogenins, the protein associated with thermogenesis.
When Should You Take Pre-Workout
Each pre-workout is a little different, and how you’ll feel when you take it may be different than your gym partner. Many pre-workout suggest you take it anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes before your workout to feel the optimal effects.
Side Effects of Pre-Workout
Some of the most common effects of pre-workout include:
- Feeling jittery
- Water retention/bloating
- Tingling in the hands, feet, ears
- Headaches
Many of these side effects are normal, but if the tingling, jitters, and headache persist for longer than the pre-workout should last, it may cause concern. You’ll need to lower the amount you’re taking or stop altogether.
Should You Cycle Pre-Workout?
If you love the results you see from your pre-workout, you may want to cycle your thermogenic pre-workout. Cycling with a few weeks on with two to three weeks off can help maintain your cortisol levels and help you continue to see success.
Not a Miracle Worker
While thermogenic pre-workouts are a fantastic addition to your weight loss and exercise journey, they aren’t miracle workers. You cannot take this supplement regularly and not change anything else about your lifestyle.
These products only work when you combine them with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Take-Away
There’s a pre-workout on the market for everyone, but the best overall thermogenic pre-workout is the C4 Ripped pre-workout. This product has a sufficient amount of caffeine and fat-burning ingredients to power you through any workout.
While the ingredients support weight loss, you’ll be able to lose stubborn fat while maintaining your hard-earned muscle. Plus, they come in six delicious flavors, so you can feel like you’re drinking something new every time you buy a container.
If you’re ready to take your workout to the next level, you can purchase C4 Ripped pre-workout on Amazon.
