How many of you do NOT take a pre-workout supp?

[BayAreaBB]

I've been trying out some different pre-workout supplements, including animal pump, NO Xplode, and NO Shotgun. I'm beginning to think that they do nothing at all for me. Sometimes I'll have a fantastic workout, and every time that happened I would attribute this to the supp I was taking. But it's not consistent at all. Take my last workout, for example. I was rested, I had stayed on track with my diet all day, I had pre-workout carbs. I also was using NO Shotgun that day. Anyway, after about 2 exercises I felt absolutely terrible. I just wanted to lay down and sleep, I had no focus, and just plain did not want to be in the gym. Previously when I had tried the NO shotgun, I had an awesome workout and told myself that NO Shotgun is the ****! But now I'm thinking that none of those things are doing anything for me, and my workout can either be great or ****ty without anything.

So, do any of you just get your carbs and just have a protein shake or something before hitting the gym? Because I think that's the route I'm gonna start taking.

[yCat]

i dont (currently)

[cal62887]

I don't

[OTG]

I didn't use to... I take White Flood now and I see a difference

[Lord_Superior]

I don't. I drink a half liter of water though, about an hour before working out.

[cakedonkey]

I haven't taken anything pre-workout for months and months. All I take pre-workout is literally whey protein, some sort of carb source (usually oatmeal) and some creatine. Just like you say, if you're well-rested enough, your nutrition is on-point, and you're in the right mindset, chances are you'll have a productive workout.

I try to make it a point not to consistently take something pre-workout as to not feel dependant on it. When, e.g., I don't get enough sleep though, or am just feeling "off", a pre-workout product may be warranted. Also, complete cell-volumizing formulations (e.g., Vault) are warranted during a serious plateau (if every other route [e.g., alternate training program] isn't getting you to where you want).

To re-iterate though, I actually prefer not using anything. I also use nothing during the workout either, despite many liking to use 'everything-but-the-kitchen-sink'. Even BCAA, they just give me a headache. I don't notice any real endurance benefit from them, to be quite honest. And with how artifical-flavoring-heavy many of the popular BCAA formulas are today, they don't really quench my thirst as much as pure water does. Not to mention BCAA is damn expensive. Despite some of the supporting literature I really don't think free-form BCAA is warranted, or even close to 'essential' as some believe.

Sometimes, I really think a "back to the basics" train of thought would be a great mindset for a lot of people to revert back to.

[sushiracer]

I didn't use to... I take White Flood now and I see a difference

^^agreed. i also went through different stages trying to find a good preworkout supp. went through gakic (didnt feel anything), animal pump (felt something for the first 2 workouts then nothing), and even tried backing some of them up with a bottle of redline. the only supp that kept me fully focused from start to finish has been white flood and this is with good diet and protien/carbs before workout.

[bbgolfer]

Just storm right now.

[TinyMan]

Nothing right now. But in all fairness, my training doesn't really warrant it - I am doing a lot more cycling training, and less weights. Trying to build back my endurance a bit, mine has gone down the drain.

[Al Shades]

I eat breakfast about 2-3 hours before my training session. No food or supplements taken after that point, except my BCAA workout drink. And I eat no carbs whatsoever for breakfast. I do take my normal vitamin regimen after eating and before leaving the house.

[rudy24]

all i take is creatine and xtend pre-workout

[davidallen03]

I don't take any NO. I occasionally have used creatine (when I've had it) but I currently am not using any.

[maverick00084]

I don't, never have, and don't really plan on taking anything. I dont understand the difference between them and a good diet and a little pre-workout suger

[naturalguy]

I haven't taken anything pre-workout for months and months. All I take pre-workout is literally whey protein, some sort of carb source (usually oatmeal) and some creatine. Just like you say, if you're well-rested enough, your nutrition is on-point, and you're in the right mindset, chances are you'll have a productive workout.

I try to make it a point not to consistently take something pre-workout as to not feel dependant on it. When, e.g., I don't get enough sleep though, or am just feeling "off", a pre-workout product may be warranted. Also, complete cell-volumizing formulations (e.g., Vault) are warranted during a serious plateau (if every other route [e.g., alternate training program] isn't getting you to where you want).

To re-iterate though, I actually prefer not using anything. I also use nothing during the workout either, despite many liking to use 'everything-but-the-kitchen-sink'. Even BCAA, they just give me a headache. I don't notice any real endurance benefit from them, to be quite honest. And with how artifical-flavoring-heavy many of the popular BCAA formulas are today, they don't really quench my thirst as much as pure water does. Not to mention BCAA is damn expensive. Despite some of the supporting literature I really don't think free-form BCAA is warranted, or even close to 'essential' as some believe.

Sometimes, I really think a "back to the basics" train of thought would be a great mindset for a lot of people to revert back to.

Great post.

I am so old that I remember back in the day when there weren't any preworkout supplements. We just ate a good solid meal and hour and half before training and we had some amazing workouts and made great gains.

NOTHING can replace good solid nutrition.

[steelgrayscooby]

I never believed in NO products or pre-workout stims......until I bought White Flood. The difference is just amazing. I don't even know what stims are in white flood except that caffeine isn't in it.....thank god.

[TinyMan]

I never believed in NO products or pre-workout stims......until I bought White Flood. The difference is just amazing. I don't even know what stims are in white flood except that caffeine isn't in it.....thank god.

Before I correct this one, would you be willing to make a bet on that?

[user25891]

I usually have a dip before/during my workout.

Jason

[BayAreaBB]

I never believed in NO products or pre-workout stims......until I bought White Flood. The difference is just amazing. I don't even know what stims are in white flood except that caffeine isn't in it.....thank god.

Sure you're not actually taking White Blood?

[Dr Clay]

Personally, I only use pre-workout supplements (stimulants like Charge!) when I'm getting ready for a contest or the occassional day when I'm extraordinarily tired. I think too many people get reliant on them.

[Dr Clay]

But let me add that I ALWAYS take whey protein and some carb source either before or during and again after my workout. I feel that's crucial for recuperating properly.

[BayAreaBB]

Personally, I only use pre-workout supplements (stimulants like Charge!) when I'm getting ready for a contest or the occassional day when I'm extraordinarily tired. I think too many people get reliant on them.

Danville, eh? I'm in Walnut Creek.

[Coolio10]

carbs+protein+pslin for now

[warbird00]

nope, never have

[cakedonkey]

nope, never have

Even the Vasoflow we sent to you that you ended up trying to sell on Ebay?

[Dont Want None]

I've tried WF.... straight A and O....and then Vassive....

Basically except for Vassive, had no results at all. Vassive only lasted for a few days too.

For me, it has nothing to do with whether the product is good or not, its just I don't respond well to them, especially caffeine.

[jt12soldier]

Danville, eh? I'm in Walnut Creek.

Pleasanton.....

[terracotta]

I haven't for a long time.

[user27629377]

I do not, and never have

[DinoT1985]

Finishing off my Ragnarok and then that's it for a while for my cycle off.

[Demonhunter323]

the decision of whether or not to take a pre workout supplement is on you, i usually take some type of nitric oxide or whey protein.