Homemade pre workout for bodybuilding vs brand name powders – Which is better?

Straight to the point about preworkouts with all transparency:

All the information I share with you is from over a decade of research, education, trial and error. Purchasing products with my links supports my channel. I only recommend what I take and believe in. Your support helps me keep my career as an online bodybuilding coach alive. Thank you in advance for your support.

Home made recipe I typically use:

1. Gatorade – Normal not sugar free

2. 6 grams of Citrulline Malate 2:1

3. 6 grams of Beta Alanine

Is Bang Energy a good product?

Besides the high levels of caffeine, I have been having a can pre 1hr before my workouts. If you can’t tolerate caffeine or want to add your own creatine then add either 2 grams of Creatine HCL or 5 grams of Creatine Monohydrate to your homemade concoction.

My recommendation for brand name Pre-Workout:

Pre JYM Pre Workout Powder – BCAAs, Creatine HCI, Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine, and More | JYM Supplement Science:

Stimulant Free Pre and Post workout – Post Jym Matrix:

Why do you need a pre-workout?

In this article we are going to discuss all the benefits and other features of pre workouts, intra workouts, and post workouts. You will also find the recipe for a homemade stimulant free pre workout that can serve as an intra and post workout.

Pre workout , intra workouts, and post workout topics:

Introduction to Pre workouts.

I can tell you from years of experience and training, trying different drinks, powders, pills, you name it, I’ve tried, that pre workouts are great. Yeah you can get away without them, but why? When I take them, I get a bigger pump, I have more energy, better focus, and even if just because of a placebo effect, I kill my workouts!

From experience I’ve learned that most pre workout supplements out there are basically the same. Same ingredients, same laboratories making them, the most successful ones are the ones that market the best. The ones that create the most hype, think Bang and Reign, are the ones that dominate the industry.

I for one, create my own blend to not only get the same effect as the ones you can get at all the fitness expos, but I also get vitamins and minerals that they don’t offer. Mushrooms are one of the most powerful ingredients a pre, intra, and post workout drink can have. From turkey tail, to lion’s mane, to chaga. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy a daily Bang or Reign.

Check out my home made recipe later on this post.

Pre workout, Intra workout, and post Workout drinks and shakes education:

1. Preworkout – A good preworkout gives you energy without the jittery feelings. A great pre-workout should come with essential ingredients such as creatine and caffeine. Creatine gives you that one extra rep in the gym essential for muscle growth while caffeine increase your body’s metabolism. Pre workout should also include bcaa’s for energy, muscle preservation, and fat burn. You can either go with dotFit’s NO7 Rage or grab PreJym from Amazon.

2. Intra and Post workout – A post recovery workout shake should have the same ingredients as a preworkout. With the exception of caffeine and citrulline. If you’re caffeine sensitive, you can use use Post Jym Matrix and add the citrulline malate separately. You can also take AminoBoost XXL from dotFit acids with the citrulline malate added separately. In otherwords, just do another serving of your stimulant free version unless you have a long day ahead of you and you need the caffeine stimulant boost. Remember, the difference between Jym and dotFit is the Certification for sport and quality control. dotFIT is used by professional athletes to avoid tainted supplements.

Buy PreJym on Amazon:

Buy Post Gym Matrix on Amazon:

How to take – Pre-Workouts, Intra and Post Workout Drinks:

  1. Pre Jym or NO 7 Rage – Take this abut 30-60 minutes before your workout. Take 2 scoops, and add or decrease based on tolerance. If too strong reduce to 1 scoop. If you don’t feel any different take 2.5 scoops. For the most part 2 scoops will get the job done. You have the option to create your own as I showed you at the top of this article.
  2. AminoBoost XXL – Take half scoop to full scoop, before your workout, with your NO7 Rage. Take another half scoop, after your workout, with Muscle Defender. You can use the drink I created above. That drink can be used as both, a preworkout, intra, and post workout.
  3. Recover and Build (bcaa pills) – This is optional. If you intake 1g/lb of bodyweight of protein per day, you don’t need it. If you struggle, then yes take it! Take 5-6 tables with your NO7 and AminoBoost XXL before your workout. I also recommend it when on a weight loss program.
  4. dotFIT Workout Extreme (pre-workout pills) – Take 2 capsules before working out with your NO7, AminoBoost XXL, and Recover and Build. Optional if you’re using a pre workout.
  5. dotFIT Muscle Defender- Take 2 scoops immediately after your workout with AminoBoost XXL. You can include it as part of your home made post workout shake. Optional if you are using a pre workout and eating enough protein.

Performance supplements in more details:

Pre workout Recommendations

best-preworkout-drink-NO7-rage-dotFit

Option #1 dotFIT NO7 Explode

By itself you are for sure to get a nice boost of energy, focus, mental awareness, and increased endurance. Add amino’s and creatine to make it even more complete and improve performance.

aminoboostXXL-dotFit

Intra Workout (amino’s bcaas): Aminoboost xxl –

This product is NSF Certified for sport, 3rd party researched, and 3rd party quality controlled so you get what works and what you pay for.

extreme-creatine-xxxl-dotFit

Extreme Creatine XXXL – dotFit

Creatine is especially important for the ability of your body to recover during sets of a workout. When you lift heavy loads for the purpose of hypertrophy (muscle gain), strength, and/ or power, the creatine in the type 2 muscle fibers are depleted rather quickly. It normally takes 4-10 minutes to recover from a set in these type of training. Creatine will help you recover faster and help you with your overall performance. Creatine also plays a role in endurance training for better contractions and increase output. If you are taking Pre-Jym as a pre-workout you do not need this.

If you seem to constantly get an upset stomach, try using creatine hydrocholoride:

Fat Burners and Pre Workout Tablets:

Check out this article – Fat Burning Supplements

Healthier Mushroom Supplemented Homemade Preworkout Recipe

The recipe that I am sharing with you here is stimulant free. If you wish to add stimulants separately you may considering adding a fat burner or a pre workout pill such as Workout Extreme.

I mix all this in a half gallon jug of water: (This drink can be used as a pre, intra, and post, you can drink half of the half gallon jug 30 minutes before the workout, the other half during the workout and half after the workout, and sip on it the rest of the day and drink plenty of water for proper hydration)

1. dotFIT Aminoboost XXL – 1 serving

2. dotFit Extreme Creatine XXXL 1 serving or Creatine Hydrochloride (1 serving = 2 grams)

3. Host Defense Stamets 7 – 1 serving

4. Host Defense Brain and Body – 1 serving

5. 1 shot (1oz) of apple cider vinegar

6. 5 grams of potassium citrate

7. 5 grams of Beta Alanine

Addidtional optional ingredients:

If you want increase blood flow, you can take about 6 grams of Citrulline Malate (2:1). I don’t need it, I get plenty from the ingredients in my list. If you suffer from high blood pressure however, it is an anecdotal belief that Citrulline Malate 2:1 ratio will help because of vasodilation effect.

Creatine Monohydrate (dotFIT Creatine XXXL) or Hydrocholoride: Creatine is probably the most studied supplement in history. It’s benefits include faster recovery and improved strength, muscle building, and muscular endurance. Most experts recommend monohydrate, but if you have stomach issues, I’d try hydrocholoride and compare. dotFit’s Creatine Monohydrate XXXL is NSF Certified so it’s clean and of the utmost quality.

I then do this again and sip on another half gallon the rest of the day to keep hydrating. If you do this daily you will need two of each of the ingredients.

Order your aminos, bcaas, pre workouts, overall health, performance, fat burners, and protein powder from here: (this link will create a customized supplement plan for you or you can follow my guidance)
dotFit Customized Supplementation Program

amino-boost-xxl-mushroom-powder-thermaccel
Amino Boost XXL, Mushrooms, Thermaccel – Not shown: Apple Cider Vinegar, Potassium and Citrulline Malate (2:1) from Bulk Supplements – I blend all in half gallon jug and use it as a pre, intra, and post workout drink.

Pre workout Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best pre workout drink for weight loss?

The best pre workout for weight loss is that one that gives you energy, keeps you focused, and improves energy output. The better and more intense your workouts the more calories you burn. However, if your nutrition isn’t designed to create a caloric deficit, no pre workout in the world will help you lose weight.

What is the best pre workout for muscle gain?

Muscle gains occur through a hypertrophy weight training program. Heavy weight training requires creatine in order to recover during sets of heavy lifting. In order to maximize muscle growth you must also make sure you’re eating enough protein and getting enough sleep.

Are pre workouts worth it?

Pre workouts have their benefits. If you work out after a long day of work and are feeling tired on your way to the gym, a pre workout will definitely pick you up. Make sure your pre workout has the proper stimulants and ingredients to get you going. Search for proven 3rd party researched and quality controlled products. Also, make sure you don’t have high blood pressure. Caffeine is a dangerous ingredient to have if you have high blood pressure.

What is the cleanest pre workout?

Unless a pre workout has a researched formula developed by a 3rd party specifically specialized to design the formula, you don’t know if it’ll even work. Many products today are based on hype and promotion. They copy and paste other competitors formula and hire labs that go and take shortcuts to save as much money as possible. A certification that will ensure you are getting the cleanest product is the National Science Foundation (NSF) who provides their seal of approval to top quality products.

What ingredient gives you the pump in pre workouts?

The most popular single ingredient that increase a pump is Citrulline Malate. A pump is created when veins go through vasodilation.

Does pre workout give you a better pump?

If a pre workout has Citrulline Malate then it most likely will give you a good pump. The typical dosage is about 6 grams.

Is pre workout bad for your health?

Pre workouts can be dangerous to your health if you have a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure. Avoid pre workouts with caffeine. If you’re a diabetic avoid pre workouts with carbs. You can definitely create your own home made pre workout to avoid stimulants and still get the energy and pump.

How long do pre workout side effects last?

Side effects which include but are not limited to restlessness, itchiness, and nauseau can last for up to several hours. This is due to the intolerance of certain ingredients such as betaine, beta-alanine, niacin, and creatine monohydrate.

Can pre workout cause heart problems?

Pre workouts are designed to give you energy via stimulants. However, the danger of a pre workout is usually when you have a pre-existing condition and take a full serving of a strong pre workout. You should consult with your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to take a pre workout. Definitely do not take a pre workout if you have high blood pressure or some other type of pre existing condition that can cause a heart attack or if you have an irregular heart beat. Take all pre-cautions as necessary.

Useful training posts to maximize your results:

gymming-at-home-schedule

Come train with me live on Youtube:

All you need are dumbbells and kettlbells:

The ultimate and most complete Health and Fitness Resources:

Fitness for Life 5 day articles:

Need a coach? If you thinking of competing, see my contest prep articles that includes information about how to go about a bodybuilding contest prep diet, amount of cardio, programming, and more.

Do you want to become a personal trainer? Check out my how to become a personal trainer where I give you advice, tips, and resources to get you started.

Build your body step by step with the Perfect Body Shape Formula. First figure out, how much should I weigh for my height? and use these other sub steps included in the process:

Related steps:

Step 2, find your body fat by using this how to calculate body fat percentage article (this will be used to calculate current body fat mass and current lean mass).

Learn to control your calories, hunger, and making nutrition a lifestyle by learning about 96 hour fast weightloss, low carb diets such as ketogenic, what is keto for beginners, and mix that up with carbs using the Fat Cycling Method, Fat Cycling Diet? Keto ish Weight loss system.

Once your nutrition is programmed, then learn to workout. How should you be working out to get your ideal body type? How heavy? How many reps? How much rest? If you want to workout from home check out Gymming at Home – Essential Equipment to get my recommendations for tools, equipment, and workout schedule for my YouTube workouts. Make sure you check out my treadmill workouts for overweight beginners if you are interested in starting off your journey by walking or jogging the weight off. I give you tips and guidelines to get the best results.

Make sure you compliment your nutrition plan with a full supplementation guide:

Order your overall health, performance, fat burners, and protein powder from here: dotFit Customized Supplementation Program

One of the most important tools to help you on your journey are tools that will help you track your daily goals, best fitness tracker with heart rate monitor, whether it’s the Fitbit Charge 4, Whoop Strap 3.0, or calorie intake app. After your workout, make sure you clean up. Want to make it easy? Check out the Microfiber Duster Mop Slippers Review.

Check out these other topics and books that I highly recommend: (My article and purchase)

Check out our top articles to maximize your fitness success: