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Yet, when you start looking for stimulant-free or caffeine-free pre-workouts, the selection becomes immediately bleak with only one or two options being available.
This can make it hard to find a product that contains all of the ingredients you’re looking for. Even then they may not come in the right doses.
As you may well know, many pre-workouts without caffeine fall short when their formulas are scrutinized. This is because many pre-workouts are centered around some form of stimulant.
We are sure that most people will be having second thoughts about switching from a standard pre-workouts to a stimulant-free option. That’s precisely why we’ve put together this list of the high rated stim-free supplements.
Best Stimulant Free Pre Workouts – 2018 Top 10 List
| Nr | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-FREE |
| 2. | RedCon1 BIG NOISE |
| 3. | PES High Volume |
| 4. | Giant Sports Giant Pump |
| 5. | MTS Nutrition Vasky |
| 6. | iForce HemaVO2 MAX |
| 7. | Cellucor NO3 Chrome |
| 8. | GAT Sports PMP Stim-Free |
| 9. | Layne Norton Carbon PREP |
| 10. | Promera Sports PEAK 400 |
10 Top Rated, Non-Stimulant And Caffeine Free Pre Workout Supplements For Men And Women Review
1. Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-FREE
Often stimulant-free pre-workouts are just masked pump-products with no desire to increase your performance through focus and alertness.
Transparent Labs have clearly acknowledged this by trying to provide almost all the same benefits as a normal pre-workout with not a single stimulant to be seen.
With ten different ingredients making up the entire formula, you’re getting a wide range of benefits:
- Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6 grams
- BCAA 2:1:1 (Instantized) – 4 grams
- Creatine HCl – 3 grams
- BetaPure – Betaine Anhydrous 2.5 grams
- Taurine – 1.3 grams
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 600mg
- Choline Bitartrate – 5mg
- Mucuna Pruiens (98% L-Dopa) – 70mg
- L-Norvaline – 60mg
- BioPerine (Black Pepper Extract) (95% Piperine) – 5mg
First off, the citrulline malate is the primary pump-enhancement that we all love in a pre-workout. By boosting L-Arginine levels, our body increases the amount of nitric oxide within the muscles, the primary driver behind our eventual pump.
Pumps aren’t just for looking good, either. They help increase circulation which in turn, boosts performance and our ability to recovery!
Transparent Labs have also chosen to include BCAAs in the proven 2:1:1 ratio meaning that you’re getting 2 grams of leucine, 1 gram of isoleucine, and 1 gram of valine. Leucine helps to spike MPS levels (our body’s process for creating new muscle tissue) whilst the isoleucine draws more fluid into the muscle belly to ensure adequate hydration.
In terms of focus, you’re getting 600mg of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and 500mg of Choline Bitartrate. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is the more bioavailable version of straight L-Tyrosine which means your body is far more likely to be able to utilize the full amount.
As well as both of these, there’s Mucuna Pruriens which is standardized for 98% L-Dopa, a precursor to dopamine, the hormone which reduces stress and improves our mood.
However, there are two things to watch out for:
- Large Scoops – when we weighed out one full scoop it came to much more than the expected 23.44 grams. Whilst this means you’re getting more pump, the total amount of servings will be dramatically reduced.
- High Retail Cost – The fact that this product is sweetened with stevia increases the price as well as the high-quality ingredients. If money isn’t as much of an issue for you or you really want a high-quality product, then this is a fantastic option. Though, those of you who would rather opt for the cheaper side of the supplement market might want to choose one of the other products listed.
2. RedCon1 BIG NOISE
The full ingredients list is a little different to what you might expect from most powders:
- Glycerol Monostearate – 3 grams
- BetaPower (Betaine Anhydrous) – 2.5 grams
- Astragalus Membranaceus (Root) – 1 gram
- Agmatine Sulfate – 1 gram
- L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine – 300mg
- CPD Choline – 250mg
- Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract – 200mg
- Huperzine A (Toothed Clubmoss) – 200mcg
Glycerol Monostearate tops the list and is the primary driver behind all pump enhancement in this product. By increasing the amount of water in the muscle cells, the muscles look fuller from a water-based pump. This helps to deliver nutrients to the muscles and improve hydration.
However, we want more from a pre-workout than just incredible pumps. That’s where the 300mg of Alpha GPC and 250mg of Citicoline come in. These are two of the best forms of choline currently available to us and RedCon1 have chosen to combine them both in one single supplement.
You’ll also notice that there’s 2.5 grams of BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous, one of the most effective ingredients for building muscle due to its ability to increase your power and endurance whilst also decreasing muscle soreness.
Both the 200mg of Rhodiola Rosea Extract and 200mcg of Hyperzine A work as mood boosters to give you that feel-good effect associated with pre-workouts.
We believe this to be the best-feeling stimulant-free pre-workout currently available. RedCon1 is truly a brand who hasn’t left anything behind for your mental performance whilst still providing the same impressive pump benefits.
3. PES High Volume
Per 2 scoops (14 grams), you’re getting:
- 250mg of Vitamin C (416% DV)
- 4,000mg of L-Citrulline
- 3750mg of their ‘Performance Pump Matrix’
- Taurin
- Glycerol 65% (HydroMAX)
- Ferula Asafoetida (Root) Extract (95% Ferulic Acid)
- 2000mg of Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T)
- 1000mg of Agmatine Sulfate
PES have tried to create a product that will blow all other pumps out of the water, and they’ve definitely succeeded. With 4000mg of pure L-Citrulline, you’re getting more than the normal dose.
L-Citrulline is one of the most effective ingredients for increasing NO there, and PES are delivering 4-gram doses of it! Not to mention the 2 grams of arginine nitrate and 1 gram of agmatine sulfate which makes for a total of 7 grams of sheer NO pump ingredients!
Yet, there’s even more! The Performance Pump Matrix includes a mix of taurine and HydroMax glycerol for water-based pumps. This means no picking and choosing between whether you want NO or hydration – High Volume gives you both in some very heavy doses.
Now, PES state the serving size as 2 scoops which put the total servings per container at 18. However, we think that one is very much enough if you want to save money or even one and a half scoops. Two scoops just give you that little bit more.
4. Giant Sports Giant Pump
That means no proprietary blends with unknown ingredient amounts or any suspicious unnecessary extras to ramp the price or appearance.
One scoop (5.11 grams) of Giant Pump includes:
- 1,500mg of NO3-T (Glutamine Nitrate)
- 1000mg Agmamax (Instantized & Micronized Agmatine Sulfate)
- 500mg Sodium Glycerophosphate
- 150mg of Norvaline
- 90mg of Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
- 50mg of Stillbenox (Vitis vinifera aqueous extract standardized for Oligiprocyanidans)
- 5mg of Evodia rutaecarpa (aqueous extract standardized for Rulaecarpine)
This is definitely a more NO-boosting focused formula. However, they’ve still used glycerol as an extra ingredient so as not to leave the water-pump behind.
We’d like to note that Giant Pump works much better when taken at a similar time to some form of carbohydrate. The Vitis vinifera in the Stillbenox ingredient helps drive the carbohydrate into your muscle cells opposed to being converted into fat.
This helps improve performance and aesthetics at the same time by increasing your muscular size and making sure your muscles have a readily available source of energy. Giant Sports have even included a tape measure with each product so you don’t just have to take our word for it, you can measure the gains you get from Giant Pump!
5. MTS Nutrition Vasky
On top of this comes 1.5 grams of Nitrosigine arginine silicate, a nitric oxide booster that’s gaining more and more popularity lately.
They’ve also included glycerol to promote hyper-saturation of the muscles. All of the ingredients are supplied in entirely scientifically-backed doses so you know that everything you’re taking in works.
The obvious drawback with the powder is that it’s unflavored. However, Tiger Fitness ensure that there’s a pleasant taste and the reviews concur.
The other issue is that there’s not a wide range of ingredients either. With just Taurine, HydroMax Glycerol, Nitrosigine, and Vitamin C, you’re not getting the benefits that other powders can bring with them due to the extra ingredients.
It would be nice to see betaine and l-citrulline on the list, too. However, the reduced amount of ingredients mean that the powder comes at a lower price.
So, if you’re looking for something cheap yet effective, this might be the choice for you. Alternatively, you could mix this with a stimulant-containing pre-workout for a powerful pump inducing effect.
6. iForce HemaVO2 MAX
However, thankfully it’s now rolling out in full force becoming available to buy from many companies, and we couldn’t be happier.
HemaVO2 features a new formula that promises larger, more intense pumps than ever before.
The supplement contains two blends: a Strength & Power Matrix and a Mind & Muscle Amplification.
Strength & Power Matrix – 4000mg
- HydroMax (65% Glycerol)
- Potassium Nitrate (57% Nitrates)
Mind & Muscle Amplification – 1000mg
- Choline Bitartrate
- Selaginella Tamariscina Extract (20% Amentoflavone)
- Sceletium Tortuosum Extract (Leaves & Stems)
However, both of these are proprietary blends. iForce has disclosed the doses of some of their ingredients on various websites. Though, it’s understandable to be put off by this.
For pumps, there’s 3 grams of HydroMax and 1 gram of Potassium Nitrate. The old formula used to contain creatine nitrate. Yet, potassium nitrate is far better as part of a pre-workout supplement as creatine can dehydrate you. Potassium nitrate helps to reduce the oxygen cost of exercise and make your body more efficient with your workouts.
In terms of focus, they’ve included 1 gram of choline bitartrate which is much higher than the standard doses you find in most pre-workout supplements.
In our humble opinion, this formula is incredibly underrated. The only drawback is the proprietary blends. Yet, iForce has now disclosed the full doses of everything and so, there’s really no reason not to give it a try.
7. Cellucor NO3 Chrome
That means you can expect high amounts of both citrulline and arginine.
The full ingredients list looks as follows:
- 83mg of Vitamin C (as Calcium Ascorbate)
- 10mg of Calcium (as Calcium Ascorbate)
- 1250mg of Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T)
- 750mg of their Extreme Vascularity Complex Proprietary Blend
- Nitrosigine Inositol-Stabilized Arginine silicate
- Citrulline Malate
- Grape Seed Extract (95% OPC)
Again, the ingredients list is not extensive, but it does contain scientifically-backed doses of key compounds.
The 750mg proprietary blend is again not ideal. However, all of the ingredients within the blend are extremely effective and useful.
Not to mention, you’re getting 1250mg of arginine nitrate which helps to both lengthen the effects of the nitrate whilst boosting nitric oxide all on its own. It’s a two-pronged attack for a powerful pump.
The unique benefit of this supplement is that it comes in capsule form. This can make it easier to take with you on the move and eliminates the use of any flavoring or sweeteners.
However, the capsule shell is made from gelatin which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
8. GAT Sport PMP Stim-Free
GAT has made sure not to include no caffeine whatsoever and instead, have replaced this ingredient with 900mg of pump accelerators and 3.125 grams of nitric oxide enhancers.
This gives you all of the same focus and mental agility needed for your workouts without a single stimulant in sight.
The supplement contains four proprietary blends:
3.125mg of NO enhancers
- Beta-Alanine (Carnosyn)
- L-Arginine
- L-Citrulline
- L-Citrulline Malate
- L-Norvaline
900mg of Pump Accelerators
- Agamtine Sulfate, Glycerol Monostearate
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- Calcium Lactate
700mg of PMP Focus & Cognition Modulators
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
200mg of PMP Energetics
- Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl
GAT state that their product works on a ‘Multi-Wave Delivery’ system:
Wave 1: This wave is designed to stimulate your mind and body, preparing you for your workout and delivery important nutrients to your muscles ahead of the training session.
Wave 2: Wave 2 aims straight for your mind by increasing your concentration and focus so that the only thing in your sights is progress and performance. The mind is an often overlooked factor of many pre-workouts, but GAT has acknowledged the importance of a strong mind as well as a strong body.
Wave 3: This wave hits during your workout as you slowly build up the intensity. The third wave increases blood flow to the muscles for insane pumps alongside oxygen and nutrient delivery. Through doing this, you can establish a better mind-muscle connection which helps to increase muscular growth.
Whilst proprietary blends can put some people off, and for good reason, all of the ingredients in these blends are extremely effective.
That’s one of the best features of this powder – its extensive ingredient list. There’s nothing left off so you can be sure you’re getting everything you need for a stellar workout.
9. Layne Norton Carbon PREP
For those of you unfamiliar with Norton, he’s a professional natural bodybuilder and powerlifter, and physique coach who holds a BS in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences. The guy really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to supplementation.
That’s how you know that this stuff really works as Layne would not attach his name to anything he wasn’t 100% proud of or confident in.
His entire formula would have been rigorously tested and scrutinized before hitting the shelves.
One serving of Carbon PREP packs in a massive 6 gram serving of Citrulline Malate, 2.5 grams of Betaine Anhydrous, and 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate.
In all honesty, the formula could have only been improved by the addition of beta-alanine and BCAAs. Out of all the pre-workouts which don’t contain beta-alanine however, this is certainly the best.
The full list of ingredients in Layne Norton’s Carbon PREP is as follows:
- 6 grams of Citrulline Malate
- 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- 2.5 grams of BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous
- 2 grams of Astragalus membranaceus (root)
- 1 gram of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (as Carnipure)
- 450mg of Cocoa seed powder (std. 6% theobromine [27mg])
- 300mg of Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline
- 180mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract [std. 5% rosavins [9mg]]
- 200mcg of Huperzine A (toothed clubmoss, whole plant)
The only way to sum up Carbon PREP is that it’s a fantastic non-stimulant containing powder that’s created by one of the industry’s most knowledgeable individuals.
10. Promera Sports PEAK 400
Compared to other powders the ingredients list is incredibly short. Yet, its power comes in how you decide to use it.
Now, the supplement actually only contains one ingredient: adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is what our body uses for energy.
You probably know how effective creatine is for increasing performance in the long-term. Well, it does it by increasing our stores of ATP and therefore, the amount of energy readily available for immediate use.
By supplement with straight adenosine triphosphate, the theory is that we miss the steps between creatine being ingested and increasing stores of ATP to simply having more ATP ready immediately.
However, as Peak 400 only contains one ingredient and misses many other vital ingredients such as betaine, beta-alanine, and l-citrulline, it may be best taken alongside another pre-workout which does not contain ATP or creatine.
Think of Peak 400 not as a stand-alone pre-workout, but instead as an extra ingredient that’s missing from most other pre-workouts, whether they contain stimulants or not. This is where its true value lies.
FAQ
1. Why choose a non-stimulant supplement?
Some of you may have wandered onto this page without actually knowing why stimulant-free pre-workouts can be a good choice.
Well, stimulant-free supplements supply similar benefits for your muscles and performance without the energy rush. This is perfect for those who have health conditions, don’t enjoy the caffeine kicks, or have to train late at night.
As caffeine stays in the system for up to 6 hours after ingestion, consuming a high amount in the evening or night time prior to a workout will dramatically affect your sleep. You’re still going to get huge pumps and most of the mental benefits, but you don’t need to worry about getting the jitters or being unable to get some peaceful shut-eye.
You may have also experienced a large crash after using pre-workouts. This is down to the stimulants within the powder. Usually, it’s a sign that you just need to build up your tolerance. However, if you’re particularly sensitive to the crashes, then you might want to avoid stimulants altogether. That’s why stimulant-free pre-workouts are so useful.
This doesn’t make regular pre-workouts bad in any sense, they just need to be used wisely and by the right people. With non-stimulant pre-workouts, you can choose to use them as you need, when you need, to enhance your workouts, maintain a healthy mind, and avoid ill-physical effects.
2. What are the benefits of stimulant and caffeine free pre-workout supplements?
Just like with the regular stimulant containing pre-workouts, there are good products worth your time and money, but equally under-dosed, filler-full products you need to avoid.
Caffeine has a very specific job in the body: to preserve a metabolic cascade that raises blood glucose levels. This essentially means that the muscles have a more readily available source of energy as there’s more glucose in the blood.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the whole story. When your body triggers blood glucose to rise, primarily through the release of the glucagon hormone, nearly every effort is made to raise glucose, including pathways which have a negative effect on bodybuilding results.
For instance, as the body begins to call for more blood sugar, your body activates the process of gluconeogenesis. This is the process of turning non-carbohydrates into carbohydrates for energy. More specifically, amino acids into carbohydrates. Whilst you’re lifting weights, the last thing you want is for your muscles to be broken down for their amino acids to be used as fuel.
These are just a few of the stand-out benefits of using a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement. We haven’t even delved into the complex bodily reactions that can run much smoother in a caffeine-free environment.
Thankfully, stimulant-free pre-workouts are now available and increasing in both popularity and variety. A solid caffeine-free pre-workout booster is the perfect addition to any muscle building stack.
3. Do stimulant-free, non-caffeine pre-workouts work?
Whilst they obviously don’t come with the same energy rush as caffeinated products, stimulant-free pre-workouts can still improve your focus, blood flow, and in turn, your energy. Caffeine isn’t the only valuable component of pre-workouts; they contain many other beneficial ingredients which improve cognition, pumps, strength, and overall alertness.
4. What is the best caffeine free pre-workout?
The best caffeine-free pre-workout will depend on you and your situation. There are certain factors to keep in mind when choosing any supplement:
- Value for Money – you want to look at how much each serving costs. Some products might be cheaper, but contain far fewer scoops than other more expensive powders. However, most of the time you get what you pay for, and so the more expensive powders tend to contain higher quality ingredients and a greater range, too.
- Taste/Mixability – obviously it’s hard to know what the powder tastes like prior to using it yourself. Yet, you can get a pretty good idea of the flavors from the description and the reviews. Always read the reviews of any supplement before purchasing it to make sure the product is more than just marketing.
- Ingredients – check the full ingredients list. Does it contain everything you’re looking for? Are all the ingredients in the correct doses? Do any of the ingredients already come in another supplement you’re using? Do you know the purpose of all the ingredients?
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