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My Pre-Workout Supplement Review

Posted by on Feb 28, 2011 in Supplements | 59 comments

January 17, 2012 Update –

You can also ready my Energy & Endurance Pre-Workout Review HERE. This is what I am currently taking as I have since stopped the NO2 Red.

February 27, 2011 –

I have tried various pre-workout supplements over the past 5-6 months. To be clear upfront, a pre-workout supplement is NOT required. In general, pre-workout supplements give you a surge of energy and typically give you the sought-after “pump” sensation through your muscles.

I tried (3) pre-workouts, but there are dozens and dozens on the market. Here is my review based on the (3) I tried.

When should I take it?

Most pre-workouts state you should take them 30 minutes before you start your workout.

For me, I work out first thing in the morning. It is what works for me. Once the day gets going, carving out 60-70 minutes is VERY challenging and I know the only way I can stay on track is to get in front of the day. So I typically take my pre-workout the second I get up. By the time I’ve changed, done a quick check of email, get my HRM on, etc, its been about 30 minutes.

1.M.R and Jack3D – Stimulant based

Ingredients

–  When I say stimulant-based , this means there is a fairly heavy dose of caffeine. Typically, stimulant-based pre workouts also have creatine so you need to cycle them on and off (2 months on / 1 month off) like you would with a pure creatine supplement. 1.M.R states that there is 300 mg of caffeine per scoop. There is no specific data on the amount of caffeine in Jack3D, but the estimates are that there are 100mg per scoop and they state you can take up to 3 scoops.

–  Another common ingredient in pre-workouts  is nitric oxide. This will help engorge the muscles and help give you that “PUMP” feel.

–  Jack 3D Ingredients List – Click here to download the label on the jar. There are no specifics on the amount of each ingredient, but this is the best website I could fin that runs through them. Click here.

– 1M.R Ingredients List  – Click here to download the label on the jar.

My Perspective

–   Many stimulant-based pre workouts are accused of causing a “crash” in the afternoon. I didn’t feel this. I think 1.M.R and Jack3D are two of the better ones based on numerous reviews I have read.

–   Jack3D does generates a tingly feeling in some people. I felt it. This is the from the Beta-Alanine which is an non-essential amino acid.

–   I liked 1.M.R. (1 More Rep) slightly better than Jack3D. However,  I have come to terms with the fact that stimulant-based pre workouts don’t work for me. I have never been a big caffeine person. So although these will give you a serious jolt at 5am, it felt to artificial to me and frankly I could see my heart rate increase on my HRM due to the caffeine. Furthermore, many times during my workout, I found it worked against me. I was more out of breath than when I didn’t take it.

–  Many other coaches really like stimulant-based pre-workouts. As I noted above,  some have up to 300mg of caffeine. That is like a cup and half of coffee. I am not a coffee or tea drinker to begin with so I think my body is just not accustomed to it. Like I said, it doesn’t work for me but it may work for you.

–  Last note.  Caffeine is one of the “toxins” Tony calls out so I am fine with eliminating these type of supplements from my regime.

Cost

–  Lastly, they are not cheap! You can buy Jack3D at GNC, Amazon and other places. Although 1.M.R I had to buy through Amazon. Both are around $32.

–  1 Tub of Jack 3D contains 45 scoops and you can have up to 3 scoops per servings. Each scoop is 5.5g.

–  1 Tub of 1.M.R contains 28 scoops where each serving is on scoop. Each scoop is 8g.

NO2 RED – Non-Stimulant based

Ingredients

–  Given my experience on stimulant-based, I have tried a non-stimiulant based which typically come in pill-form. These do NOT contain caffeine or creatine.

– This product contains a significant amount of Vitamin C, K, D, and B-Complex. Obviously, it also contains Nitric Oxide (NO2)

– NO2 RED Ingredients List – Click here to download the label on the jar. Note this is for 3 Caplets. I have settled on taking 2 Caplets.

My Perspective

–        I like this much better than the stimulant-based formulas. This has been working great for me and I get the “pump” sensation without the caffeine.

Cost

–        This is NOT inexpensive either! I bought mine at GNC. It costs $69 (without a GNC Gold Card) for 150 Capsels. For me, this last 75 days. So per day, it is actually cheaper than the stimulant-based  supplements.

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59 Responses to “My Pre-Workout Supplement Review”

  1. Michael says:
    August 1, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Coach, I am kind of partial to the stimulant-based PWOs. What do you think about taking 1MR in combination with NO2 Red?

    Reply
  2. E&E Pre-Workout Review | Team Right Now (Beachbody Coaching) says:
    January 21, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    […] […]

    Reply
  3. gerardo says:
    January 30, 2012 at 2:51 am

    when is the best time to take no2 red pills??

    Reply
  4. gerardo says:
    January 30, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    theanks coach.. i will take them on the morning but i work out around 2 pm.. is that a good time?? how many do you take??

    Reply

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