Want the perfect workout program?
Take QuizYou're not going to be able to give 100% to every workout. Sometimes you'll hit the gym feeling tired and unmotivated. That's where a solid pre-workout supplement can boost your training sessions (yes, even a caffeine-free pre workout).
The majority of pre-workout supplements contain caffeine because it is a well-tested and effective ingredient that helps promote weight loss, improve cognitive function, and enhance exercise performance.
But what if you don't respond well to caffeine or other stimulants? This is when you need to look for a stim-free pre-workout, which have other effective ingredients to enhance your workouts (we'll discuss the ingredients to lookout for later in this article).
I put in the time and research to bring you the 10 best pre-workouts without caffeine, so let's get into it.
Before we look at each of the above closer, let us explain how we came to these top non-stim pre workout choices...
When selecting the best caffeine-free pre-workouts, I followed a comprehensive approach to ensure my recommendations were based on quality, effectiveness, and safety. Using my deep expertise in personal training and sports nutrition, I combined research, ingredient analysis, effectiveness evaluation, safety considerations, user feedback, and my personal experiences to compile a list of the best stim-free pre-workouts. My aim was to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy recommendations to support their fitness goals while avoiding the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Product Breakdown:
Transparent Labs Stim-Free hits the mark of being the best stimulant free pre-workout on the market.
I've tested dozens of pre-workout powders over the years and we've also developed our own so we consider ourselves well-versed in high quality pre workouts. We can say without a doubt Transparent labs did a great job with this one. My favorite flavor is Peach Mango with Sour Grape coming in at a close second.
This pre workout formula is stacked at every angle. If you're looking for a pre-workout that hits on every level, including massive pumps, enhanced performance, extreme focus and better power output then look no further.
Verified buyers overwhelmingly appreciate this product with a 4.6 star rating and over 1,200 reviews. A common thought around this product is summed up in Nathan W.'s comment "I like the stim free pre so I can dial in my caffeine based on how I’m feeling that day and how late it is. Even without the stim, I feel like the product helps me focus and gets that pump going."
Each bottle contains 30 servings that weigh in at roughly 23 grams of active ingredients. From the 8g of citrulline malate to the to the 2.5g of BetaPure, your workouts will reach the next level.
Transparent Labs Stim Free Pre Workout delivers a completely transparent label that omits artificial flavors, coloring, and preservatives. They offer a nice choice of 8 flavors and a subscribe and save option to give you the best bang for your buck.
PreSeries STIM-FREE was developed to be the most exceptional "stimulant-free" pre-workout supplement available. With key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine all included at clinically effective dosages...
Product Breakdown:
Kaged stim-free-pre-workout supplement contains most of the ingredients we're accustomed to seeing in non-stimulant pre-workouts at this price point. The BCAAs and creatine should help with muscle retention, and the coconut water powder will help keep you hydrated during your workout.
I'm a big fan of Kaged supplements because I know what I'm getting and their formulations are always on the premium end of the spectrum. I've only tried the Cherry Bomb flavor but I can say it wasn't the best tasting but I crushed my workout. I like to use this stim-free powder when my workouts involve cardio alongside resistance training.
Looking at Kaged's website you'll see over a 160 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars and on Amazon there's a whopping 13k+ reviews and a 4.3 star rating. Most users tend to agree with me that the product works very well but doesn't taste great.
Pre Kaged Stim Free is a well-rounded stim-free formulation with 2g Taurine and 1.85g Tyrosine added, which will help with focus. With such a wide range of ingredients, this product is at the higher end of the price range for pre-workouts, but when you consider what is inside, I believe it is well worth the price.
This award-winning pre-workout powder includes patented Creatine HCl, patented CarnoSyn beta-alanine, and patented BetaPower...
Product Breakdown:
On a budget? Or are you new to supplements and not sure if you want to invest in a pre-workout? You should give this stimulant-free pre-workout from Nutricost a shot.
For a low price tag this stim free pre boasts some nitric oxide ingredients that are in higher quantity than other more expensive options. 6 grams of citrulline should be adequate for boosting nitric oxide levels and providing increased blood flow and bigger pumps.
I've used Nutricost's pre-workout in the past and I can say that for the price there aren't better options on the market. I usually recommend this non-stim pre-workout to clients of mine who are looking for more budget friendly options. My favorite flavor is the Sour Grape, it mixes well and tastes amazing.
Nutricost is often one of the more popular choices on Amazon and this non-stim pre is no different with over 500 reviews and an average rating of 4.1 stars.
Nutricost Pre-SF has optimal quantities of pump-increasing ingredients without harsh stimulants, pointless fillers, and over-the-top marketing gimmicks. The result is a solid stim-free pre-workout product with everything you really want; great taste, good focus, and an affordable price point.
6,000mg Of L-Citrulline, 1,200mg Of Beta-Alanine Stimulant Free Formula...
Product Breakdown:
Pump Serum is a great stim-free pre-workout without stimulants. For those stimulant-sensitive individuals, this might be their best bet. Pump Serum is easily one of the best caffeine-free pre-workouts on Amazon, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.
Huge Supplements has become a trusted supplement brand in a relatively short amount of time. I first tried Pump Serum last year and it delivered on its name, I got some ridiculous pumps using it. Popular opinion may slightly disagree with this pick as it only has 3.7 stars on Amazon with over 180 reviews. The common complaints around Pump Serum is that the product is clumpy and it's overpriced. I'd like to point out the fact that the 3g of GlycerPump is most likely the reason for the clumping and this ingredient helps produce some massive pumps when working out.
Pump Serum contains ten core ingredients, which are clinically approved doses that are proven to help increase focus, blood flow, and boost muscle pumps in the gym. To make this pre-workout even better, it contains GlycerPump, which effectively and dramatically enhances your muscle pumps.
Every serving has a whopping 31 grams of active ingredients. In the creation of this stimulant-free pre-workout...
Product Breakdown: (per 2 servings)
Hydraulic is a non-stim pre-workout from the growing company Axe and Sledge. It is perfectly formulated so that both beginners and more advanced users can use it. Plus, with 2,400 mg of Beta-alanine per max scoop, you will see an enhanced performance by increasing your body's exercise performance, capacity and decreasing muscle fatigue.
Axe & Sledge Hydraulic also has many of the typical pump pre-workout ingredients like L-Citrulline, Glycerol, and Agmatine Sulfate. Overall this supplement is high-quality and well dosed.
I haven't personally tried this pre-workout but I have faith in the fact it was made by IFBB Pro Seth Feroce who's known for his intense workouts and no B.S. attitude. Looking at the formulation and real user feedback I believe this is a great choice if you're after the pump. The product currently has over 500 reviews with an average of a 4 star rating. The negative feedback seems to center around the clumpiness which you now know is due to the Glycerol Powder.
It is lacking in the focus department, but if you are in the market for a killer pump, Axe & Sledge Hydraulic is a fantastic option.
Hydraulic contains five patented/trademarked ingredients, including Creatine MagnaPower, Nitrosigine, AgmaMax, HydroMax, and CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine...
Product Breakdown: (per 2 servings)
Most non-stim pump products are thrown together and not correctly formulated, which leads to ineffective and unnecessarily expensive supplements. Alpha Lion Pump is a refreshing exception, with its comprehensive and well-formulated pre-workout that utilizes a proper formula to help you maximize your potential gains.
I've used a couple Alpha lion products including this pre-workout and I can confidently say that it gave me a great pump and locked in focus. The only flavor I had is the Blue Steel which actually tasted pretty good.
On Amazon most users have favorable feedback with over 800 reviews and an average rating of 4.1 stars. Most people agree with me that the product tastes great. However, many complain of clumpiness and price.
The Alpha Lion Pump focuses on enhancing blood flow, nutrient delivery, muscle fullness, training capacity, and optimizing hydration. When put all together leads to a solid, vein splitting pump that will leave your muscles feeling fuller for an extended period of time.
Bigger pumps, better hydration for all around better performance in the gym...
Product Breakdown:
The Genius Brand isn't necessarily known for pre-workout supplements but considers itself a nootropic company specializing in supplements that improve cognitive functions. Their Genius pre-workout powder is no different. However, it contains a wide variety of ingredients linked to focus, endurance, and power. All while having no artificial propriety blends, being third-party tested, and vegan friendly.
I've used this caffeine free pre a few times when a client brought it in for a training session. I can say that my experience with it was great. I felt that my focus was zeroed in and my pumps were full especially when doing bicep curls.
The Genius Pre seems to be liked by the majority of users as their Amazon listing currently has over 7,000 reviews with a rating of 4.3 stars.
This product can provide you with the necessary energy boost, hyper-focus, and can make a difference in muscular power.
Unlock strength & power that will take you beyond raw capabilities and push you to new levels of excellence; Genius Pre is the World’s 1st...
Product Breakdown: (per 2 servings)
This pre-workout brand (Legion Athletics) comes from Mike Matthews, an international bestselling author in the fitness industry. Which in itself isn't enough to convince most to try this product out. However, it should convince you that its ingredients and dosages are backed by science and are considered clinically effective by a lab that tests if the product meets FDA purity standards, which it does.
I've been in this industry for many years now and Legion Athletics has always been a great source for all natural supplements. I've used their pre-workouts and protein powders in the past and this stim-free pre-workout powder is no exception to what they stand for.
Pouring over the 1,000+ reviews on Amazon confirm my experience with Pulse as it has a 4.3 star rating with most consumers saying it tasted good and the performance was super.
It isn't sweetened or flavored with artificial ingredients to make this product an even better choice. It makes the Legion Athletics Pulse (zero caffeine version) one of the best options for individuals looking for a natural pre-workout to enhance athletic performance.
Pulse is a naturally sweetened and flavored pre workout supplement that contains large and effective doses of the best science-backed ingredients, including...
Product Breakdown:
If you're on the market for a no-stim pre-workout that includes a serious dose of creatine, then this is the best option for you. NutraBio Pre-stim free has a 3,500 mg dose of creatine, which is beneficial for muscle performance and strength, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and increase muscle recovery.
I love NutraBio as a company because the products they produce always have premium formulations with a level of transparency that's hard to find in the industry. In my experience NutraBio's stim-free powder was fantastic for a HIIT workout I did with dumbbells. I sweat a lot but this pre had me feeling hydrated, pumped and zoned in.
NutraBio's Stim-Free has over 400 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars. I also found that Reddit has a lot of favorable feedback regarding the range of NutraBio including this supplement.
Some other great benefits of the NutraBio pre stim free formula are that it contains electrolytes that will help keep you properly hydrated and is also non-GMO, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free. So most people with restrictions should be able to take this supplement.
Beta Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate, L-Leucine, and more help cut down on recovery time and increase ATP synthesis to help you get more work in...
A stimulant-free pre-workout is a supplement that doesn't contain caffeine or other forms of stimulants. Most pre-workout supplements include some form of stimulant, which work on the central nervous system to increase your heart rate, alertness, and motivation throughout your workout—especially caffeine, which provides your body energy by blocking the brain's adenosine receptors. The adenosine receptors are responsible for feelings of tiredness.
The health benefits that stimulants offer also have some downfalls such as falling asleep, palpitations, energy crashes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular problems. You may also experience jitters or anxiousness from stimulants.
Great news, though, there are pre-workout supplements that contain a number of ingredients that help with improved blood flow, intense pumps, building muscle mass, increased power output, and better training sessions.
Stim free pre-workout supplements should provide energy in different ways by improving alertness, blood flow, and focus through other substances such as beta-alanine, nitric oxide boosters, creatine, Taurine, and others.
No-stim pre-workouts are a perfect option for people who want more of a pump, increased focus, enhanced recovery, and longer-lasting endurance without experiencing the side effects of stimulants.
Using a high dose of stimulants in pre-workout supplements can cause several issues for some people. For example, some people work out later at night, so they may struggle with sleep if they take a stimulant too late in the day. Also, some individuals may not respond well to stimulants.
So besides some of the benefits of non-stimulant pre-workouts mentioned previously in this article, here are some additional benefits:
A stim-free pre-workout will have several tell-tale signs of a quality formulation. Ideally, you'll be looking for a stim-free pre that is built around nitric oxide booster ingredients like L-citrulline to get explosive muscle pumps.
When looking for a new pre-workout, the most crucial factor should be what ingredients are in it. We recommend looking for products that have a 100% label transparency guarantee. This ensures that you know exactly what and how much of each ingredient is in each scoop.
Companies that use proprietary blends tend to be hiding their doses or what is actually in their product.
We also recommend checking out the serving size. look for stim free supplements that have larger servings sizes of active ingredients. If you see a product with a serving size under 10 grams then the chances are it doesn't contain enough elements to actually make a difference in your workouts.
You should always stick to a single dose of whatever pre-workout you decide to take, or even start with a half dose to see how it affects you. If you are taking a whole serving of a product and you aren't noticing any changes, the chances are that product isn't a good fit for you, and you should try another one.
Caffeine-free pre-workout prices can range from 30 dollars and can go all the way to 60+ dollars. You can easily find budget options, but don't forget that something affordable is usually not the highest quality or has a decent quantity of scoops.
The price of your caffeine-free pre-workout will go up quickly when companies start adding more high-quality ingredients you want to add to your tub, as the more ingredients a pre-workout has, it typically means, the better the workout you will be able to get. So try to keep this pretty simple. Choose the best pre-workout that fits your needs and is within your price range.
Generally speaking, non-stim pre-workouts are pretty safe to take as their effects tend to be more focused on focus, endurance, and increasing blood flow during your workout. To ensure that you are buying a solid pre-workout, there are a couple of things to watch out for.
A great way of making sure your pre-workout is safe for consumption is if it has been third-party tested. Why is this important? Third-party testing for pre-workout supplements is a fantastic way for these companies to have their product certified to be legitimate and safe.
The third-party verification will help put your mind at ease that your product is free of debris, has accurate potency of ingredients, and that your product correctly contains what the label says it does. Higher quality supplements should contain third-party testing and proudly display it on the label.
A surefire way of seeing if a supplement is good or bad is by looking at the opinions of others that have bought the same caffeine-free pre-workout. These reviews offer important advice from people who have already tried out the supplement, making it easier to decide if it is worth trying out. If the reviews are primarily positive, the chances are that it would be a significant investment towards bettering your workouts. If reviews are mostly negative, it is best to leave that product alone and find a better option.
Reviews are critical because we aren't always going to believe what a supplement company tells us about their products as customers. Especially since every company believes that they have the best options out there.
However, personal recommendations and customer opinions are much more powerful, as they tend to be more honest.
When shopping for a good pre workout supplement that is stimulant free, you need to understand what effective ingredients to look for on the supplement facts panel on the back of the container.
Here are just a few ingredients that you might encounter in your quest for a stim-free pre-workout supplement.
Branched-chain amino acids are typically the combination of three essential amino acids; isoleucine, leucine, and valine, which are usually found in protein-rich foods. These ingredients are popular as they offer many fitness-related benefits, including reducing muscle soreness, decreasing fatigue, increasing muscle growth, and even improving liver health. ¹
Creatine monohydrate is an organic compound that helps the body facilitate the recycling of ATP in muscle and brain tissue. It is among the most well-researched and effective supplements for athletes. Creatine helps boost anaerobic strength, support brain, and cognitive function, improve recovery time, and increase energy. ²
L-Citrulline is one of the most well-known supplements for supporting athletic endurance. It will boost nitric oxide levels to enhance blood flow to the muscle cells. It also aids the cardiovascular system, heart, and immune system to work at optimal levels. ³
Glycerol powder aids the body in absorbing more water and improves hydration.⁴ It can also increase muscle tissue size during exercise, which is a highly effective ingredient for getting swole during your workout and remaining pumped afterward.
Betaine is an amino acid and is one of the building blocks of protein. It is a naturally occurring compound that is found in various grains and vegetables. Betaine has been proven to increase power, support liver and heart health, and promote endurance by raising the levels of anabolic agents. ⁵
L-Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid that aids the body in synthesizing proteins. It plays a vital role in the body's metabolic process and maintaining a healthy weight. L-Tyrosine can also improve your mood and support mental functions. ⁶
Alpha-GPC is a choline compound and phospholipid and is regarded for its ability to improve an athlete's strength and elevate ketone bodies. It also helps to support cognitive functions, mental acuity and improves memory. ⁷
Piperine is a potent alkaloid that is extracted from black peppercorns. It can support the pancreas and has natural anti-inflammatory properties.⁸ Piperine also is an excellent fat blocker, antioxidant, and works to improve the bioavailability of other supplements.
Taurine has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help support muscle recovery, organ health, healthy moods, and aid in better sleep cycles.⁹ Taurine is an amino acid that is essential to pre-workout supplementation as it interacts with beta-alanine. So if you see a pre-workout with beta-alanine that doesn't have Taurine, it can lead to a taurine deficiency.
Agmatine Sulfate is a chemical compound typically found in plants and certain bacteria. It is recognized for its ability to promote muscle growth and is a fantastic Nitric Oxide supplement. Agmatine Sulfate stimulates the production of luteinizing hormones which may positively impact your testosterone levels.¹⁰ It also helps the enzyme required for nitric oxide production in delivering nutrients to the muscle tissue.
Here are some of the most common questions we get about caffeine free pre-workout...
Absolutely! Caffeine-free pre-workouts are worth the money and are perfect for individuals who are sensitive to stimulants and caffeine. They are an excellent investment for a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or someone who wants to move some weights and get a solid muscle pump.
Keep in mind a pre-workout is only as effective as the work you put into your workouts. So hit the weights hard and consistently, and you'll see the results in no time.
Before taking any supplements, it is always advised to consult with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to take them. Pre-workouts without caffeine tend to focus more on enhancing pumps & blood flow, increasing hydration and endurance, and supporting increased muscle pumps & recovery. For the most part, stim-free pre-workouts are safe to take, and if you do see side effects, they are typically very mild.
There are plenty of ways of energizing your body for a workout without using caffeine. You can eat a snack that has a solid combination of carbs, fats, and proteins. The carbs will provide energy, and the proteins & fats will keep you full and prevent you from burning through your energy too fast.
Staying hydrated is also a great way to keep your body energized and prepared for a hard-hitting workout. Another great option is to take a 20-30 minute power nap. A power nap is long enough for your body and mental focus to receive the restorative benefits of sleep and leave you feeling refreshed and energized before your workout.
The best way to get a low caffeine pre-workout is to use the stim-free pre-workouts above to find the best fit for your needs. Then you can purchase caffeine capsules so you can adjust the amount of caffeine you want more precisely.
Having a rough day and need an extra boost? Take a couple of caffeine capsules with your non-stimulant pre-workout. Working out close to bedtime or have a low tolerance for caffeine? Don't take any caffeine capsules and just take the pre. The low caffeine options are more flexible this way.
Switching to a high-quality stimulant-free pre-workouts to boost your workout performance is an intelligent decision for some. stim-free pre-workout tends to rely on more nitric oxide ingredients for the benefits of improved blood flow. The 9 no-caffeine pre-workouts listed above should check all the boxes for most people's needs.
These products will ensure you are ready to have an excellent, high-performance workout without the adverse effects associated with caffeine usage, particularly for those taking pre-workout on an empty stomach or with caffeine sensitivities. Keep in mind that it's essential to consider your situation and health conditions before deciding on what pre-workout you're going to invest in.
People can have different reactions, both positive and negative when using pre-workout. So be cautious, consult your doctor, and get educated about the stim-free pre-workouts you're using to determine if it's the best choice for your fitness goals and health. Oh and as a PSA, if your supplement is old, moldy, or has a strange odor, it's likely your pre workout's gone bad. In this case, select one from this list and crack open a fresh container.
Remember, our top-TOP choice for a non stim pre workout is from the huge supplements company Transparent Labs. You can get Transparent Labs Non-Stim Pre-Workout clicking the button below:
PreSeries STIM-FREE was developed to be the most exceptional "stimulant-free" pre-workout supplement available. With key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine all included at clinically effective dosages...
Looking for options that focus on giving you skin tearing muscle pumps of your life? Check out our post that covers the Top Pump Pre-Workouts on the market.
References:
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Andrew Lenau
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