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Pre-Workout

People mainly take Pre-Workout for energy, performance, sleep. Based on 11 first-hand reports and 1 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #580 of 1,974 overall.

Compare with…Alternatives for energy
24
User score
Mostly negative
18% positive9% mixed36% negative36% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 29% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
1
meta-analyses
38
RCTs
162
papers

What Pre-Workout does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

Energy100% of 3
3 more with fewer than 3 reports
Performance50% of 2Sleep0% of 2Heart & lipids0% of 1
betterno changeworse

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Sleep Med Rev · 2023 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: To avoid reductions in total sleep time, coffee (107 mg per 250 mL) should be consumed at least 8.8 h prior to bedtime and a standard serve of pre-workout supplement (217.5 mg) should be consumed at least 13.2 h prior to bedtime. The results of the present study provide evidence-based guidance for the appropriate consumption of caffeine to mitigate the deleterious effects on sleep.

PubMed 36870101 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

regularlyas reported
pre-workoutas reported
350 mg caffeinedaily

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

insomnia ×2diarrhea ×1adrenal issues ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“*Pre-workout* - Transparent Labs Stim Free”
Source discussion ↗
“it kicks me on a mountain bike and can go easily higher elevations”
Source discussion ↗
“Pre-workout is loaded with caffeine—usually more than a can of energy drink.”
Source discussion ↗
“First time I took a pre-workout (nox pump) I got the shits so bad I had to leave the gym”
Source discussion ↗
“You don't need a preworkout. Take some caffeine if you need it to be motivated.”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

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User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate