Originally posted on https://www.liftingjake.com/blog/how-long-does-pre-workout-last/

“How long does pre-workout last?”

“Wouldn’t drinking soda or coffee give me the same boost in energy?”

“What does pre-workout do, and is it really worth it?”

As pre-workout drinks and meals increase in popularity, questions like these are becoming more and more common. If you’ve ever found yourself asking any of these things, read on to see what all the hype is about.

Why Use Pre-Workout Supplements?

Humans are hardwired for laziness, not activity. That’s why getting up off your couch and heading for the gym takes so much more effort than it seems like it should.

A pre-workout drink can help you out by giving you enough of a boost to get moving and give your all in the gym. These supplements often contain energizing ingredients like caffeine, Beta-alanine, theanine, L-tyrosine, creatine, and ginseng.

It’s the combination of these ingredients that makes pre-workout a better base for exercise than coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks. While those may give you short-term energy from caffeine and sugar, you need the other ingredients to improve your staminaand mental clarity.

How Long Does Pre-Workout Last?

The energizing effects of pre-workout supplements don’t last the same amount of time for everyone. A number of factors come into play, including:

• The strength of the supplement
• Your tolerance to caffeine and other ingredients
• Hydration and nutrition
• Pre-existing fatigue levels
• Your age, weight, height, and muscle mass
• Quantity of supplements taken (read the labels to make sure not to overdose!)
• The quality of the supplement’s ingredients

All things considered, most healthy people can expect their pre-workout to last anywhere from 1-3 hours.

If you’re very sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants, start with a smaller dose. Taking too much at a time can leave you feeling jittery for six hours or more, so talk to your doctor first if you’re concerned. Also, make sure to read the ingredient label and instructions thoroughly to make sure you’re using the right amount.

How to Make Your Pre-Workout Last Longer

If you’re hoping to get the most bang for your pre-workout buck, make sure you’ve taken care of yourself ahead of time. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and getting enough sleep can all improve your results.

Also, try decreasing your caffeine intake if you think you’ve built up a tolerance to it, and try to avoid using stimulants on a daily basis.

For maximum results, timing also matters. Make sure to take your supplements 20-30 minutes before your powerlifting session. This gives the ingredients time to kick in but still gives you energy throughout your entire workout.

Are You Ready to Give Pre-Workout a Try?

Using pre-workout supplements won’t double your strength or speed overnight, but they will give you the boost you need to put 100% into your workouts. It’s time to stop wondering “how long does pre-workout last?” and start putting it to the test.

If you’re ready to take your exercise sessions to the next level, check out this selection of pre-workout supplements!