Best Keto Pre-Workout: Energy And Focus Boost

If you're following a keto diet and want to boost your energy levels before a workout, a keto pre-workout supplement could be the answer. These supplements are designed to increase your energy and improve athletic performance without taking you out of ketosis.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a keto pre-workout supplement. Firstly, you'll want to make sure it has zero or very low sugar content to avoid spiking your blood sugar levels. Secondly, look for supplements that are free from artificial ingredients, fillers, colours, and sweeteners, as these can cause digestive issues. Thirdly, consider your caffeine sensitivity—many pre-workouts contain caffeine, but if you're sensitive to it, you may want to choose a caffeine-free option.

- Genius Pre: A caffeine-free option that contains l-citrulline, beta alanine, l-tyrosine, l-arginine, and taurine.

- Perfect Keto Perform: Contains MCT oil powder, BHB salts, BCAA's, creatine, beta alanine, caffeine, and l-citrulline.

- Ketologic Keto Energy: A drink consisting of exogenous ketones, electrolytes, and caffeine, with zero carbs.

- C4 Sport Pre Workout: Contains vitamin B, electrolytes, a performance blend, and an energy blend, with zero sugars.

- Onnit Shroom Tech Sport: Contains cordyceps, ashwagandha, green tea leaf, rhodiola, and vitamin B12.

- Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout: Contains caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine nitrate, and a performance blend, with zero carbs and calories.

- Sheer Strength Pre-Workout: Contains beta-alanine, l-citrulline, caffeine, l-arginine, and B vitamins, and may aid weight loss.

Best keto pre-workout supplements

Keto pre-workouts are supplements that provide an energy boost without the carbohydrates. They are designed to help you stay in ketosis while giving you the energy to improve your exercise endurance and performance.

Factors to consider when choosing a keto pre-workout:

• Zero or extremely low sugar
• No artificial ingredients
• Added BCAAs
• Other powerful ingredients
• No jittery side effects

Onnit Shroom Tech Sport

Onnit Shroom Tech Sport is a keto-friendly pre-workout supplement that contains adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMO). The formula contains powerful plant extracts that boost your energy levels by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. It also includes ingredients that are known to reduce inflammation, stress hormones, and stress-related damage.

Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout

Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout is a popular pre-workout supplement that provides an energy boost and improves muscular endurance. It contains 150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, one gram (g) of creatine nitrate, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, and an energy-boosting blend. It is also sugar-free, making it suitable for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. However, it does contain artificial ingredients and sweeteners that may cause digestive discomfort.

Perfect Keto Perform

Perfect Keto Perform is a keto-friendly pre-workout drink that is sugar-free and artificial ingredient-free. It contains beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, L-citrulline, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), natural caffeine, and stevia as a sweetener. This combination of ingredients creates a powerful energy response in the body, supplying fuel to increase endurance during workouts.

RSP Nutrition AminoLean Pre-Workout

RSP Nutrition AminoLean Pre-Workout is an all-in-one pre-workout and energy solution that combines various ingredients to improve performance and focus while providing a boost of energy. It contains zero carbs, zero sugars, and zero calories, making it suitable for those who practice intermittent fasting. The formula also includes ingredients for weight management, such as green tea extract and green coffee bean extract, which increase blood flow and send oxygen to muscle cells. However, it does contain artificial ingredients and sweeteners that may cause digestive distress.

BPI Sports One More Rep

BPI Sports One More Rep is a keto-friendly pre-workout powder that contains beetroot powder, citrulline, and betaine to boost energy, improve digestive health, and increase recovery. Beetroot powder increases blood circulation and oxygen to the muscles, while citrulline and betaine support digestive and heart health. However, it does contain artificial sweeteners and ingredients that may cause digestive discomfort.

Best keto pre-workout snacks

If you're looking for a keto-friendly snack to fuel your workouts, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best keto pre-workout snacks to give you an energy boost:

• Think! Keto Protein Bars: These bars are a delicious and hunger-busting option. With only 4 net carbs per bar, they're a great occasional treat before hitting the gym.
• Superfat Keto Nut Butter: Packed with healthy fats, this nut butter pouch is almost as good as a jolt juice. Spread it on your salad, cheese, or straight into your mouth for a quick energy hit.
• Lenny & Larry's Keto Cookie: With only 3 grams of net carbs, this cookie is a tasty treat before your workout. It also contains protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
• Kalahari Biltong Jerky: This sugar-free jerky is a keto favorite. With only less than 1 gram of carbs and a high protein content, it's a perfect on-the-go snack to fuel your workouts.
• Bhu Foods Keto Protein Cookie Dough: This delectable protein cookie dough is a great option if you have self-control. It's organic and contains fiber and protein to fuel your workouts.
• Revol Snax Coconut Bites: These fatty, low-carb coconut bites will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you an energy boost. They're a great option if you're mentally preparing for an intense workout.
• Whisps Cheese Crisps: These cheese crisps are a filling, fatty, and low-carb snack. They're a great option if you're looking for something simple and transparent.
• HighKey Brownie Bites: These brownie bites are a tasty treat if you're an evening gym-goer and need an energy boost before your workout.

Remember, when choosing a keto pre-workout snack, opt for ones with zero or low carbs to stay in ketosis. Also, be mindful of your caffeine intake, especially if you're sensitive to it.

Common keto-friendly ingredients

When choosing a keto pre-workout supplement, it's important to consider the ingredients to ensure they align with your ketogenic diet and workout goals. Here are some common keto-friendly ingredients to look for:

• Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase energy levels and fat burning. However, be mindful of the dosage to avoid jitters or insomnia.
• L-Theanine: L-Theanine can enhance the effects of caffeine, providing a mental boost without excessive stimulation.
• Creatine: Creatine improves strength and endurance during resistance training. It is possibly one of the most suitable and keto-friendly pre-workout ingredients.
• BHB Salts: BHB salts can elevate ketone levels and enhance exercise performance. They are especially useful for those starting a ketogenic diet.
• Vitamins C and B12: These vitamins support muscle maintenance and recovery.
• Adaptogens: Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola reduce inflammation, stress hormones, and stress-related damage. They also improve cardiorespiratory endurance.
• Beta-Alanine: This non-essential amino acid boosts exercise performance by supporting muscle pH balance.
• Citrulline: Citrulline improves vascularity and reduces fatigue during strength training.
• Taurine: Taurine may help reduce lactate levels and decrease muscle fatigue.
• Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): MCTs are a type of fat that is quickly digested and used as an energy source. They can also act as a fat-burn booster during exercise.
• Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): BCAAs support muscle performance and recovery.

Pre-workout tips

Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you a boost of energy and improve your athletic performance. They are not a necessity, but they can be a convenient way to increase your motivation and enhance your workouts. Here are some pre-workout tips to help you get the most out of your keto pre-workout supplements:

• Choose a keto-friendly option: Look for supplements that are specifically designed for keto dieters. These supplements will typically have low or zero carbohydrates and sugars to avoid kicking you out of ketosis.
• Check the ingredients: Opt for supplements with natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial sweeteners, fillers, colours, and flavours. Some common keto-friendly ingredients include caffeine, L-theanine, creatine, BHB salts, and vitamins C and B12.
• Consider your caffeine sensitivity: If you are sensitive to caffeine, choose a pre-workout with a lower caffeine content or opt for a caffeine-free option. Caffeine can cause jittery sensations and insomnia if you are sensitive to it.
• Timing is key: Pre-workouts usually take effect within 30 minutes. Experiment with the timing to find what works best for you.
• Avoid overdosing: Stick to the recommended dose to stay within a safe range. Taking too much can lead to negative side effects.
• Mix and match: Combine your pre-workout supplement with other keto-friendly options to fire up fat burning and speed up your progress.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated and facilitate the utilisation of ketones.
• Be mindful of side effects: Although rare, side effects can occur, especially if you have allergies or take too high a dose. Discontinue use if you experience negative side effects.
• Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting any new supplement, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking medication or have any health concerns.

Potential side effects

Although pre-workout supplements can be a nice boost to your energy levels, they are not necessary and can have adverse effects if you are not taking proper care of yourself. For example, many pre-workouts contain large amounts of caffeine or other ingredients that act as a diuretic and can dehydrate you before your workout. This can make your workout even more challenging than intended as you will be fighting fatigue and dehydration, which can feel a lot like the keto flu.

Additionally, some people get nausea, digestive issues, or an overall feeling of being unwell after drinking coffee, especially on an empty stomach. It stimulates an increased blood flow, so while it may be good for exercise performance and pump up a workout session, it may also cause your performance to decrease.

Some people also react negatively to stimulants and cause themselves more harm than good. Some stimulating effects of caffeine intake can cause anxiety, sleep problems, increased heart rate, and stomach pain.

Furthermore, some ingredients in pre-workout formulas may cause digestive upset, such as sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, and caffeine. Using too little water when mixing pre-workout supplements may also upset your digestion. Too concentrated a liquid could lead to diarrhea.

Beta alanine, an amino acid that reduces acidity in your muscles during exercise, may cause paresthesia, a tingling sensation in your hands and feet. While it's a harmless nervous system reaction, some people may find it uncomfortable.

Citrulline, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide levels in your blood, can theoretically cause headaches and migraines due to blood pressure changes in your brain's small blood vessels.

Finally, ketone supplements, which are often used as a pre-workout, might actually worsen performance. Research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism suggests that ketone supplementation might worsen performance.

Frequently asked questions