Do you guys train without a Pre-Workout supplement?

[Gary405]

I'm trying to cycle it off for 3 weeks or so. I've had slightly less intense workouts without the supplement. Would I be wasting my stim break if I drink black coffee on the days I really need the mental boost (30 minutes before training)?

[danielmoo]

If I were you, I would only use the coffee to taper off of the caffeine from the pre workout until you are taking in zero stimulants for your break. Maybe play around with carbohydrate use and meal timing to help with energy levels before training.

[RaginAzN]

For stim-breaks I just take a non-stim preworkout like White Pipes, High Volume or Vaskular.

[ISurfNudeBrah]

For stim-breaks I just take a non-stim preworkout like White Pipes, High Volume or Vaskular.

3 great non-stim options here.

Tapering down on caffeine use from a preworkout to one cup of black coffee preworkout is still a decent option imo. I do like timing a good carb meal before workouts as well, apple/banana + greek yogurt is my go-to meal.

[SkyFlight23]

It depends on the days, if I'm feeling great then I won't take a pre-workout.
Our bodies are completely different, but you should try experimenting on what works best for you...

I'll stick with a black cup of coffee if I don't need the crazy kick from a pre-workout.

[wishiwasdivin]

No, I never train without one. But then again I've never had the need to cycle off stims in years.

[Anthony21]

Mad props to those that train without a stimmed preworkout. I don't know how you guys/girls do it lol.

Drinking some coffee would be fine and a good way of getting some performance boost. If you're trying to go completely stim free just taper it back little by little.

[qstick99]

I try not to use stimmed pre's with every session, I'll use coffee some days, other days a non stimmed pwo. I would suggest cutting back to a cup of coffee and try to give yourself some time with no stims, get some aminos and carbs in on those days if you don't want to go with a stim free option.

[AfroPope]

> Stim Break
> Coffee before pre-workout for the caffeine

pick one

[XCriticalBenchX]

I'll be honest and I am not proud of it, but I have not trained without a stim based pre-workout in a LONG time. Been using Max Out for a damn long time, although I do cycle sometimes the product I use. White Flood is the other I often use.

Mike

[Dmetti]

I honestly hate pres. My best workouts are without them.

[mbboy0865]

My pre-workout "supplement" is water. Nothing wrong with taking the stuff, just never had a desire to take it.

[unplugged]

Mad props to those that train without a stimmed preworkout. I don't know how you guys/girls do it lol.

Drinking some coffee would be fine and a good way of getting some performance boost. If you're trying to go completely stim free just taper it back little by little.

It's pretty easy to train without taking one and lots of people do it but lets get serious here the average person doesn't train with near enough intensity to warrant it. For most people who just get in the gym to stay fit and maintain health they are not needed but for people like us that are pushing themselves to the limit they def give that mental edge when used sensibly. Just my 2c on it though

[Dmetti]

It's pretty easy to train without taking one and lots of people do it but lets get serious here the average person doesn't train with near enough intensity to warrant it. For most people who just get in the gym to stay fit and maintain health they are not needed but for people like us that are pushing themselves to the limit they def give that mental edge when used sensibly. Just my 2c on it though

If you got that "switch" you really don't need it

[Misctake7]

If I were you, I would only use the coffee to taper off of the caffeine from the pre workout until you are taking in zero stimulants for your break. Maybe play around with carbohydrate use and meal timing to help with energy levels before training.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[XCriticalBenchX]

I honestly hate pres. My best workouts are without them.

You crazy son..

[Dmetti]

You crazy son..

They make me sick. I can make myself mad enough to give me energy

[powercage]

Need my caffeine

[Athletic Edge]

Not training with SteelEdge is like forgetting my headphones at home, feels bad man.

[DamonX]

Sadly it begins like this: use pre workout to lead to better workouts
ends up like this: workout to have an excuse to use a preworkout

[euro7muscle]

To be honest, yes, pretty sure I have used a stimulant/pre-workout for every workout for a while now

[McFlavour]

Never used pre workout in my life.

Most of my weights sessions are intense to the point I'm dripping in sweat and exhausted by the end. I don't know, I guess I'm pretty good at switching my brain into that mindset I need when working out. Although there are a few times after a long day I wish I kinda had a pre workout beforehand.

[unplugged]

They make me sick. I can make myself mad enough to give me energy

That is unfortunate and yea of course you don't "need" it. You don't need any supplement. Like I said, it is merely icing on the cake but if you react badly to it then yea it's best to just skip it all together

[llahhsoj]

I'm trying to cycle it off for 3 weeks or so. I've had slightly less intense workouts without the supplement. Would I be wasting my stim break if I drink black coffee on the days I really need the mental boost (30 minutes before training)?

Having less intense workouts is pretty common when on a stim break. I would use the coffee to taper off your usage and go without any for a month or so.

[Killshot1]

I'm trying to cycle it off for 3 weeks or so. I've had slightly less intense workouts without the supplement. Would I be wasting my stim break if I drink black coffee on the days I really need the mental boost (30 minutes before training)?

Generally I prefer to lift without a pre-workout, however the habit of taking a scoop (especially because of my busy schedule) is just first nature to me most of the time. I plan on cycling completely off here next month and I plan on staying off of any stimulant for some time (months).

IMHO during a stim break, I'll limit myself to X mg of caffeine a day. I'm addicted to diet pop (diet dew, coke zero, sunkist.... hnnng) so I'll limit myself to say 80mg per day say 4-5x a week. Also if I need any pickup I'll just drink some green tea, which has very low amounts of caffeine.

Also OP, if you are supplementing yourself with coffee in form of a pre, this may or may not be the best for you. Coffee has pretty good amounts of caffeine in it. Take a look at the caffeine content if possible, taper yourself down and reward yourself with the benefits of cycling off

[XCriticalBenchX]

They make me sick. I can make myself mad enough to give me energy

After working 12 hours and only sleeping 4-5 hours, that doesn't work for me sadly haah.

Mike

[llahhsoj]

I'll be honest and I am not proud of it, but I have not trained without a stim based pre-workout in a LONG time. Been using Max Out for a damn long time, although I do cycle sometimes the product I use. White Flood is the other I often use.

Mike

Most of us that frequent sections like this are way too reliant on them to be honest. I'm one of those. Possibly the last stim break that I had was in 2012 or so.

[BULLED]

Need my coffee

Fix'd

[tastan]

I stick to non stim preworkouts when I take a break from stims. I generally don't need something to help me focus. Focus on what you want to accomplish, focus on results, visualize what you want and go after it.

[Firefist44]

Pre-workout is church. Haven't stopped taking it for an extended time since 2009. Probably should at some point.