Pre-workout supplements are becoming a boom to the exercise and fitness industry. Some people need that energy boost to get to the gym and stay there longer than just a few minutes. Supplements like Bucked Up pre workout say they have the solution to help start your workout and that is what we will discuss in our Bucked Up pre workout review.
I can’t tell you how often I needed a boost of energy and focus to help me get on track with my fitness goals. If I had something like Bucked Up years ago, I probably would have been much more focused and energetic instead of how long it took me to crush my goals in the weight room.
Let’s get down to it with our Bucked Up Pre Workout review.
What Is Bucked Up Pre-Workout?
Bucked Up Pre Workout is a new supplement from DAS Labs that claims to drive focus, energy, and gains before you hit the gym.
Bucked Up says they have delivered this through their blend of ingredients with a focus on deer antler velvet – hence the name Bucked Up – which they say helps improve recovery time between sets. The company made a major bet on this extract. It seems to have worked because Bucked Up’s sales have exploded since 2013.
With 17 flavors to choose from for the Pre Workout supplement, Bucked Up looks to ensure that anyone who takes their product enjoys the taste. Powder supplements like this are not necessarily known for flavor, so kudos to the company for attempting to make their supplement easier to consume.
I enjoyed the Rocket Pop flavor, a combination of cherry, blue raspberry, and lime. Blue Raspberry has always been my favorite flavor of anything, so I jumped at Rocket Pop.
Pros:
- Great Taste and Flavor Options
- Comes In A Small Convenient Bottle
- Great Pre Workout for Beginners / Stimulant Sensitive Users
- Good Blend of Ingredients
Cons:
- Not Great for More Seasoned Pre Workout Users
- Can Be Expensive
Now that I have the flavors out of the way, I can get into just what makes this supplement special. It is not just the deer antler velvet extract, either.
Ingredient Breakdown
In this Bucked Up Pre Workout review, we have already gone over the inclusion of Deer Antler Velvet in this product (and we will go over it later), so let’s look at what is in this supplement.
Citrulline Malate – 6g
At 6,000mg inside this supplement, citrulline malate can help blood flow, which in turn helps the “pump”. Studies have shown this amino acid can help with muscle soreness. With recovery times essential for muscle growth, 6,000mg is nothing to sneeze at. We’ll take it.
Beta-Alanine – 2g
Another type of amino acid, beta-alanine, has been shown to aid in augmenting muscle carnosine concentrations. Carnosine is a crucial protein-building block for muscle growth. At 2,000mg in this supplement, a greater boost in that department would be a miracle worker.
Caffeine Anhydrous – 200mg
Your average energy drink these days has 200mg of caffeine, which is what you are getting here with the Pre Workout supplement. In its anhydrous form, you are getting a purer form of energy straight from the coffee bean that can help deliver a boost in your exercise routine.
AlphaSize Alpha GPC – 200mg
A choline compound, AlphaSize Alpha GPC is present here at 200mg. The compound is said to help with overall brain metabolism and body composition.
Taurine – 100mg
Taurine is another type of amino acid produced in the body. You see it paired with caffeine in energy drinks because it can improve mental performance. On the exercise end of things, taurine can help with the heart – especially when it comes to exercise. A 100mg dose in Bucked Up’s supplement is a welcome addition.
Himalayan Rock Salt – 100mg
With 100mg of Himalayan rock salt in this supplement, you receive all the benefits of this type of salt without much guilt. We want less salt in our diets, but a little bit here will not ruin your day.
Deer Antler Velvet Extract – 50mg
Now here’s where Bucked Up has placed its legacy. The company adds 50mg of the extract form of this product to their Pre Workout supplement to aid in muscle healing and growth. While studies continue, 50mg is a healthy amount as the science behind this product continues to evolve.
AstraGin – 25mg
A healthy gut can aid in your exercise routine in so many ways. The addition of AstraGin at 25mg here is said to help increase absorption of nutrients, including many of the amino acids already present in this product.
ActiGin – 25mg
A natural compound extracted from several products, ActiGin comes in this supplement at 25mg. ActiGin is said to aid in energy and endurance recovery. Considering what it takes to stay in shape or take your fitness seriously, more here would not hurt.
Bucked Up Vs Woke AF – Bucked Up Vs BAMF
In this video from the creators of Bucked Up, they walk you through the differences between Bucked Up, Bucked Up BAMF, and Bucked Up WOKE AF. This video is perfect if you are stuck between which one to choose of the 3 options.
If you don’t have time or don’t want to watch the video, then in summary: Bucked Up is a great beginner/everyday pre workout, Bucked Up WOKE AF is a high stimulant option and can be used for your heavier lifting days, and Bucked Up BAMF contains nootropics which can help with focus, drive, etc.
The choice between Bucked Up, Bucked Up WOKE AF, and Bucked Up BAMF really comes down to personal preference/ needs. I personally use the Bucked Up WOKE AF and Bucked Up BAMF for my more demanding workouts.
Alternative Option
An alternative to Bucked Up’s Pre-Workout is Transparent Lab’s Lean Pre-Workout Supplement. Transparent Labs has been in the supplement game for years, so you know you are getting a quality product. On the other hand, Transparent Labs Lean can be a slightly more expensive option.
Lean comes in several different flavors like Bucked Up’s offering, but blue raspberry is a particular favorite among many fitness enthusiasts. Blue raspberry is loved because it is just sweet enough for consumption.
It contains a stronger ingredient profile than Bucked Up, with less focus on stimulants.
Side Effects
The ingredients within Bucked Up are very common in the industry and in other pre workouts. These ingredients are a common addition because of their science backed research towards safety and effectiveness.
One side effect you might feel if new to pre workouts, is a tingling sensation. This is due to the beta-alanine and is completely harmless. Beta Alanine is an ingredient that causes a divide in the industry because some people love the tingling feeling and others hate it. If you yourself are not a fan or want to avoid it all together, you can check out our list of the best pre workouts without beta alanine.
Most importantly though, if you do have ongoing or prior health conditions, you should consult with your physician or health care provider. This is due to the stimulants and other ingredients that everyone can react differently to, due to health conditions.
What Is Deer Antler Velvet?
Deer antler velvet in workout supplements has come into study in the past 20 years. It was even the subject of controversy years ago involving NFL linebacker Ray Lewis. Regardless, many swear by deer antler velvet extract as part of a supplement routine. In order to obtain this extract, certified veterinarians remove the tissue that shields the cartilage and bone that grow into a deer’s antlers.
Deer antler velvet is claimed to aid in helping regain strength and endurance in athletes. Considering how important both of those are in the gym, a pre-workout supplement dose can be the thing that gets you through it.
Is Bucked Up Worth The Price?
Depending on what you are looking for in a pre workout, Bucked Up can be worth and not worth the price you pay. To start off, the pre workout is more expensive than other premium pre workouts, so unless you are fully utilizing it and it is matching your needs, then I would try another option.
For example, I personally have been using the Bucked Up WOKE AF as of recently for my heavier leg and/or deadlift days. I find out of the other pre workouts I have tried and own, this one gives me the best boost of energy. (As of recently, I have been using the rocket pop flavor.)
How Much Caffeine Is In Bucked Up?
In Bucked Up, the only stimulant is caffeine and the amount of caffeine per serving is 200mg. This is a moderate amount of caffeine for a pre workout, depending on your caffeine tolerance. Remember this equates to around the same amount of caffeine in 2 standard cups of coffee.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
For the large majority of pre workouts, it is recommended to take it around 20-30 minutes before your workout for full absorption of the ingredients. Due to Bucked Up having a serving size of around 10g, which is on the smaller side for pre workouts, the pre workout might kick in sooner than that.
It is personal preference, but I choose to take my pre workout on a near empty stomach in the morning to start my day and for optimal absorption of the ingredients.
How Do You Take It?
Bucked Up can be taken like any other pre workout, with one scoop in 6-8 ounces of your favorite beverage. I prefer to just mix with water, but I sometimes use a similar gatorade flavor instead to mix.
For the most part, I just add a scoop in a blender bottle with 6 ounces of water and drink it on the drive to my gym.
Does It Work?
Bucked Up is an effective pre workout in many ways. It gives you a good energy boost, with 200mg of caffeine, and a good pump, with 6g of Citrulline Malate. These combined with the other ingredients make an effective pre workout for most people in the gym.
On the other hand, for people who have been using pre workout for a longer period of time, the ingredients might not cut it. The 200mg of caffeine may seem like a lot to some, but to others, that is nothing. In a case like this, I would recommend Bucked Up WOKE instead of Bucked Up, due to the high stimulant profile.
Is There A Money Back Guarantee?
Bucked Up and DAS Labs offer a 30-day money back guarantee, if returned in a new condition. You can find the money back guarantee page here.
Do They Ship Worldwide?
Bucked Up is sold worldwide, but if is not available through Amazon in your country, then you can order directly from the Bucked Up website for worldwide shipping.
| Energy | |
| Pump | |
| Taste | |
| Affordability | |
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Take-Away
In this Bucked Up Pre Workout review, we covered all the key information you need to know about this supplement.
To sum up, Bucked Up’s Pre Workout is another excellent supplement designed to get you ready for a heart-pounding, sweat-inducing workout.
With the ingredients in this product, you are getting a boost and push to motivate your mind and body. Considering the addition of caffeine, taurine, and the deer antler extract, you will surely get the rush of energy that can knock down a wall.
