Fitness
Best pre-workout supplements: 10 picks to support your fitness goals and enhance your performance
A healthy lifestyle should not be a choice, but a necessity with the rise of sedentary behaviour among people. While regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining your health, including pre-workout supplements in your routine can supercharge your workout. Especially designed to enhance your workout performance, increase energy levels and improve focus during exercise, these supplements can help you inch closer to your fitness goals. Made from a mix of ingredients, they can wake up your brain, pump up your muscles with creatine or increase the blood flow with nitric oxide boosters. It is your gym buddy in a bottle that can help to maximise your performance. So, check out this list of the best pre-workout supplements and support your fitness goals.
What is a pre-workout supplement?
Pre-workout supplements are dietary products that are formulated to enhance your workout performance. They are typically consumed 20 to 30 minutes before exercise. Available in different forms like powders or tablets, they contain a blend of ingredients that helps to boost energy, focus, endurance and overall physical performance. It can prepare your body and mind for the physical demands of exercise, help you push harder and achieve better results. Packed with ingredients like creatine and caffeine, they can help increase alertness and reduce fatigue. But make sure to consult your healthcare provider before including the supplements in your diet to avoid the risk of any adverse reactions.
10 best pre-workout supplements in India
Check out this list of the top 10 pre-workout supplements to support your fitness journey:
Improve your focus and support your fitness goals with the MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme and Creatine Monohydrate Supplement. Packed with 200 mg caffeine and 200 mg theanine, the MuscleBlaze Pre-workout 200 Xtreme may provide an instant sustained release of energy to keep you active and focused. It also contains 2000 mg beta-alanine which can enhance your endurance. The presence of 3000 mg L-Citrulline in this dietary supplement may help enhance blood flow in nerves and boost the pump. The Creatine Monohydrate may help in muscle volumisation and lean muscle gains.
Specifications of MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme and Creatine Monohydrate Supplement:
Flavour: Berry bolt + unflavoured
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 200 grams
2. Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre-Workout Supplement
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre Workout Supplement promises to support muscle recovery and endurance. This easy-to-mix powder is packed with amino acids that can give a boost of energy and alertness. Each scoop of this powder claims to provide 5 grams of amino acids, 100 mg of caffeine from natural sources, 50 mg of green tea extract and zero sugar.
Specifications of Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Orange
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 270 grams
Naturyz Pure – Form X6 Pre Workout Supplement is loaded with the power of 6 blends containing the highest 19 ingredients. Suitable for fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders and athletes, this Aam panna-flavoured pre-workout supplement can deliver power, pump and energy to your muscles. Each scoop of this supplement can provide 3500 mg of the highest strength beta-alanine to build endurance and enhance your physical performance. This is an ideal pre-workout supplement, which promises to provide a muscle pump with L-Citrulline. It also contains L-Arginine which can help to increase blood flow to the muscles for an effective workout session. The presence of alpinia galanga extract in this powder can help improve the focus and intensity of the training. It may also help to keep you hydrated, reduce fatigue, build muscles and boost athletic performance.
Specifications of Naturyz Pure – Form X6 Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Aam Panna
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 400 grams
Also Read: Best collagen supplements: 10 top choices to boost skin, joint and overall health
Support your fitness journey with the Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre-Workout Supplement. Packed with a blend of ingredients like L-Citrulline, caffeine, black pepper extract, green tea extract, taurine and more, this supplement can fuel your workouts and help you pass through intense training sessions. This pre-workout supplement may help minimise distractions and maximise productivity. It may also help you push your limits with improved stamina and endurance.
Specifications of Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Sex on the beach
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 300 grams
Boost your workout performance with MuscleTech Vapor X5 Pre-Workout Supplement. It promises to provide an energy boost and enhance muscle pumps and performance. Consume 1 or 2 scoops of this supplement 30 minutes before the training to get an intense sensory experience, and increase strength and lean muscles.
Specifications of MuscleTech Vapor X5 Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Fruit Punch
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 270 grams
Also Read: Best iron supplements for women: Boost your energy, vitality and wellness with 10 top picks
Doctor’s Choice Pre-X5 Professional Pre-Workout Supplement is designed to cater for the needs of your body. It may help to take your workout regimen to an advanced level with storming energy and endurance. Packed with a blend of caffeine and beta-alanine, this supplement can help to boost focus, amplify the intensity of training and enhance your energy. It promises to improve your performance by giving monstrous spikes in vitality levels, improving the oxygen stream to muscle tissues and improving strength.
Specifications of Doctor’s Choice Pre-X5 Professional Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Cola candy
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 350 grams
Take your workout performance to an advanced level with the MuscleBlaze Pre-Workout Wrathz Supplement. It is packed with the unique combination of caffeine, EnXtra and theanine that can provide an energy boost. With refreshing fruit fury flavour, this supplement can help to give you a monstrous muscle pump. It also contains taurine, tyrosine and choline, which can lead to improved focused and athletic performance. This pre-workout supplement may help reduce fatigue, increase endurance, strength, lean muscle gains and ensure optimum performance.
Specifications of MuscleBlaze Pre-Workout Wrathx Supplement:
Flavour: Fruit fury
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 500 grams
Also Read: Best creatine supplements: Top 10 choices to maximise muscle growth and boost your workout
Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout Supplement is specially formulated for intense energy, maximum focus and amplified pumps. It may also support cognitive function, enhance mood, expand muscle endurance and reduce fatigue. The brand claims that this product is designed to post 3 years of research with five core matrix, including a freak performance blend, strength matrix, endurance matrix, explosive energy matrix and N.O matrix to help you make the most of your workout. Free from fillers, this supplement can help to increase strength, muscle pumps and physical performance.
Specifications of Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Sex on the beach
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 180 grams
This non-caffeinated pre-workout supplement from Wellcore may help enjoy an extraordinary workout experience. It is designed with 6500 mg of citrulline complex, 50 mg extra and other ingredients to increase strength, provide intense pumps, and enhance mind-muscle synergy and power. It also promises to provide sustained energy throughout your workout and foster heightened focus during the workout.
Specifications of Wellcore-Warrior Pre-Workout Supplement Powder:
Flavour: Warrior
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 390 grams
Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout Powder is packed with 180 mg of caffeine, which can provide energy during workouts. It also contains 3 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of citrulline and 500 mg of L-tyrosine to support your fitness goals. Free from any proprietary blends, this pre-workout supplement may provide sustained energy and endurance to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Specifications of Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout Powder:
Flavour: Orange
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 400 grams
What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?
- Increased energy levels: Pre-workout supplements generally contain caffeine that can enhance alertness and reduce the perception of effort. This can help you pass through tough workouts, reduce fatigue and prepare your body for intense physical activity.
- Improved focus and concentration: Packed with the goodness of ingredients like caffeine, L-theanine and more, the best and the most affordable pre-workout supplement can promote mental clarity and focus. It can help you stay focused on the workout, maintaining a mind-muscle connection for enhanced performance.
- Enhanced stamina and endurance: The best supplement for a workout is formulated with ingredients like beta-alanine that can help buffer acid build-up in the muscles, reduce fatigue and enable you to push through challenging repetitions.
- Increased strength and power: They can contribute to increased strength and power during the workouts. Packed with ingredients like creatine and nitric oxide boosters, these supplements may help promote better blood flow to muscles, produce energy in muscles and lead to improved muscle performance.
- Muscle recovery: Some pre-workout supplements also contain BCAAs that can help to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery times after a workout. By minimising muscle damage during exercise, they can allow for quicker recovery.
- Better muscle pump: They may help increase blood flow to the muscles. The increased blood flow can also deliver more nutrients to the muscles, supporting growth and recovery.
Top three features of the best pre-workout supplement
| Best pre-workout supplements | Price | Flavour | Recommended dosage |
MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme |
1,049 | Berry bolt, unflavoured | 2 scoops |
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Amino Energy – Pre Workout |
2,064 | Orange | 2 scoops |
Naturyz Pre – Form X6 Pre Workout Supplement |
1,599 | Aam Panna | Half scoop |
Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre workout |
1,339 | Sex on the beach | 1 scoop |
MuscleTech Vapor X5, Fruit Punch Blast |
1,471 | Fruit punch | 1 or 2 scoops |
Doctor’s Choice PRE-X5 Ultimate Professional Pre-Workout |
1,448 | Cola candy | 1 scoops |
MuscleBlaze Pre Workout Wrathx With Creapure |
2,299 | Fruit fury | 1 scoops |
Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout |
999 | Sex on the beach | 1 scoops |
Wellcore-Warrior Pre Workout Supplement |
1,199 | Warrior | 1 scoops |
Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout powder |
1,187 | Orange | 1 scoops |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How to choose the best pre-workout supplement?
While choosing the best pre-workout supplement, consider your fitness goals. Look for ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine and more. Make sure to check for reputable brands, read reviews and avoid excessive stimulants. You may also consult your healthcare provider for better guidance.
- How to use pre-workout supplements?
Mix the recommended dose of the pre-workout supplement with water and drink it at least 20 to 30 minutes before the workout. Start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and do not exceed the recommended amount.
- Are pre-workout supplements safe?
Pre-workout supplements are generally safe when used as directed. But safety depends on ingredients and health conditions. Overuse or high doses can lead to side effects like digestive issues or jitteriness. So, always follow dosage recommendations and consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
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