5 Best Pre-Workout Supplement for Someone with Anxiety

In this article, I’ll discuss whether it is safe or not to take pre-workout if you have anxiety. And if it is safe, which pre-workout should you opt for?

Trying to pick out a pre-workout supplement while keeping in mind your anxiety issues or intolerance to certain stimulants that these supplements contain can be intimidating at times.

Therefore, to cut the hassle of searching through a plethora of various pre-workouts trying to find the safest formula for yourself, I have brought you a brief list of options that you can choose from.

In addition to that, I have also included a section of things to consider while buying a pre-workout for someone with Anxiety.

But before we get into those details, let’s have a look at some crucial facts regarding the safety of pre-workouts for anxiety patients.

Is Pre-workout Bad for Someone With Anxiety?

If the pre-workout has high caffeine content then definitely YES! When looking for a pre-workout supplement for Anxiety, it is crucial to opt for one that contains zero or little caffeine content.

Caffeine may aid in giving extra energy and focus, but it can increase stress levels and cause anxiety jitters as well.

The majority of pre-workouts contain a higher caffeine concentration because they are designed to provide you with an extra burst of energy before hitting the gym.

However, if you suffer from anxiety, you should avoid certain overly stimulant pre-workouts.

Thus going for a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement containing other alternative ingredients like Tyrosine, La-citrulline, or Beatine that may help you with the same purpose of enhancing focus and energy but without increasing your anxiety levels can be a safer and wiser choice.

 5 Best Pre-workout Supplements for Someone with Anxiety

Following is the list of 5 best pre-workout supplements that may help people with symptoms of Anxiety:

1. Legion Pulse

 

Legion is a company based in Virginia formed by Mike Matthews as a response to the sub-standard products and superfluous ingredients in the majority of supplements in the market.

Stim-free Pulse is a stimulant-free, all-natural pre-workout supplement that improves mood and concentration, boosts athletic strength and endurance, and decreases tiredness.

Pulse is a naturally flavored pre-workout supplement that contains high concentrations of the most scientifically supported components.

Being caffeine-free, it is safe for people suffering from Anxiety; but for the energy boost, it includes alternative ingredients of caffeine that may provide you the same energy without any jittery and anxious feeling.

It includes ingredients present in many nitric oxide supplements such as L citrulline malate, Betaine, beta-alanine, and Alpha GPC.

It contains 8g of Citrulline Malate. According to research, Citrulline malate is a derivative of the amino acid L-citrulline, which increases muscular endurance, alleviates muscle fatigue, and enhances aerobic performance.

Another vital ingredient is 3.6g of CarnoSyn Beta-alanine. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally and affects the quantity of the molecule carnosine that can be deposited in the muscles.

According to this analysis, B-Alanine may help reduce exercise-induced weariness, increase possible workload, and alleviate fatigue-related symptoms during exercise.

Moreover, Pulse includes 300mg of Alpha-GPC, a compound composed of choline and glycerophosphate.

When consumed, alpha-GPC stimulates the activity of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which has been shown to improve the health and function of the brain. Further, it boosts power output and increases growth hormone levels.

Finally, it includes 2.5 g of Betaine which is high in a unique chemical called a methyl group, which plays a critical role in various physiological functions.

Research has shown that Betaine can improve muscle endurance and strength during periods of physical stress.

Legion Pulse stim-free comes in four delectable flavors and is priced at $39.99 for 21 servings. You can enjoy a 10% discount on subscriptions.

Additionally, the company offers free shipping and a hassle-free money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with the purchase. Click here to order Legion Pulse (20% discount)

Pros

• Science-backed ingredients.
• Clinically effective doses.
• 100% naturally sweetened and flavored.
• Lab-tested.
• 100% money-back guarantee.
• Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP and NSF-certified facility.

Cons

• A little costly.
• Some people complained about tingly, sweaty sensations.

2. NutraBio- Stim-Free Pre-workout Supplement

 

Next on my list is NutraBio Pre stim-free pre-workout supplement.

NutraBio is a company located in New Jersey that aims to improve the quality of life of its users by delivering nutritional products based on cutting-edge technology and in-depth research.

As the name says, NutraBio PRE Stim-Free is their stimulant-free version of the PRE formula. They dose it carefully to make sure you get a nice pump, focus, and energy without caffeine usage.

In addition to supporting increased muscular strength, power, and endurance, PRE Stim-free’s blend of ingredients enhances the mind-muscle link and combats exhaustion.

PRE-stim-free has clinical doses of 15 research-backed substances. It contains 3.2 g Beta-alanine, which raises carnosine levels with many health benefits.

Beta-alanine has been shown in studies to help improve your time to exhaustion, enabling you to work out for longer durations.

Next, it includes 3.5 g L-Leucine, one of the BCCA; it can promote muscle protein synthesis on its own; this is the process that results in muscular development and recovery.

1.2g malic acid, a unique ingredient, is also included in its formula. Malic acid is required to help transform carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. This process may not function effectively if the body lacks malic acid, resulting in premature tiredness, which ultimately causes Anxiety.

Focus is vital in a stim-free pre-workout, and NutraBio knows it. Enhanced focus may help alleviate symptoms of Anxiety as well.

L-Tyrosine, which helps improve focus and concentration, is dosed at 1.5g instead of 1g in Pre stim-free supplement.

According to research, Tyrosine is a well-known dietary supplement used to enhance alertness, concentration, and focus.

It creates critical brain chemicals that aid nerve cells in communicating with one another and may even help control mood and reduce stress.

Lastly, it contains electrolytes in the form of Taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that aids your body in maintaining adequate water balance, managing body temperature, and increasing endurance.

Additionally, electrolytes help in cramp prevention and provide you with the energy you need to perform.

Available in 2 flavors, PRE stim-free supplement costs $39.99 for 20 servings. The company offers free shipping on all orders above $99 within the US.

Pros

• It includes 15 science-backed ingredients.
• A very strong ingredient profile that is appropriately dosed in all categories.
• Full label transparency.
• No fillers and no additives.
• Made in FDA inspected facility.
• Stimulant free means no anxiety.
• Third-party tested.

Cons

• A little expensive.
• Only two flavors to choose from.

3. Nutricost– Stim-Free Pre-Workout supplement

 

Finally, on my list is Nutricost stim-free pre-workout. Nutricost is a company headquartered in the United States of America to provide you with simple choices that promote overall health.

Nutricost Performance Stim-Free Pre-Workout is a vitamin and mineral-rich pre-training supplement that can provide an additional boost to your workout without the caffeine.

Since it is caffeine-free, it contains a unique blend of other alternative substances that may aid in boosting focus, strength, and endurance.

So, let’s have a look at the ingredients that may help people counter the symptoms of Anxiety by enhancing performance and recovery.

First of all, Nutricost stim-free supplement includes 6g of La-citrulline, a highly sought ingredient. It increases nitric oxide production which increases blood flow.

Citrulline malate is a compound that contains a 50/50 ratio of citrulline and malic acid. According to research, because malic acid is essential in creating ATP, this form improves endurance.

The other primary ingredient is beta-alanine, a well-known compound that prevents fatigue and increases endurance. This is done by boosting the body’s carnosine levels.

The one disadvantage of beta-alanine is that it produces a tingling sensation.

Nonetheless, it annoys only some users. Thus, these users would not take the entire 3.2g therapeutic dose, and they’re advised to take lower doses. For that reason, Nutricost can be a perfect fit as it contains only 1.2g of beta-alanine.

Moreover, other ingredients which can help enhance focus and improve energy are Huperzine A, Alpha GPC, and Betaine anhydrous.

Nutricost pre-stim is non-GMO, gluten-free, and all-natural. It is free of artificial colors and flavors.

I believe it is pretty reasonable for a stim-free supplement when it comes to price. 30 servings are available for $29.98.

The company offers free shipping on orders over $59 throughout the 48 continental states of the United States. Additionally, it provides a 100 % money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Well-dosed formula.
• Transparent label.
• 100% natural and additives-free.
• Three delicious flavors.
• Gluten-free.
• Made in FDA registered facility.
• Cost-effective.

Cons

• Some people found the formula too foamy.
• May cause stomach discomfort.

4.  Zhou-Nutrition- Lite- up Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout

 

Zhou Nutrition is a US-based company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The company was founded on the idea of combining nature’s nutrients with scientifically validated formulae to offer safe and effective supplements customized to your individual needs.

As discussed above, caffeine can play a significant role in causing anxiety and jitters.

So you have to look for a pre-workout formula that is non-stimulant and almost caffeine-free to help you ease the symptoms of Anxiety.

Lite Up provides all of the pre-workout advantages without caffeine.

This non-stimulant supplement contains an impressive range of components. Citrulline malate and Nitrosigine® enhance nitric oxide production, whereas malic acid and tart cherry boost strength, endurance, and stamina.

It contains a unique combination of bound arginine silicates that aids blood circulation.

This highly effective and completely safe nitric oxide booster promotes strength, endurance, and vitality.

Moreover, it includes Citrulline Malate. According to research, citrulline may aid in enhancing physical performance by boosting the oxygen saturation level of your muscular tissue.

While supplements can not increase your body’s oxygen levels, they may help increase oxygen consumption in your muscles, which may improve your endurance.

Apart from that, this supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no artificial ingredients or sugar.

This caffeine-free, non-stimulant supplement comes in a delectable berry lemonade flavor that mixes smoothly and leaves no powdery residue.

You can get Zhou Lite up from their official website or Amazon for an affordable price of $21.07 for 30 scoops.

Additionally, if you are dissatisfied with the product, the company gives 60-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• It is Caffeine-free, non-stimulant supplement.
• A unique blend of ingredients that may provide endurance and recovery.
• No GMO, gluten, and soy-free.
• Provides energy without jitters.
• No added sugar.
• GMP certified.
• It’s cost-effective.
• Delicious flavor.

Cons

• Only one flavor to choose from.
• It may get you a little sleepy.

5. PEScience-High Volume Caffeine-Free Pre-workout

 

PEScience was developed over a decade ago by athletes who were seeking superior supplements based on reliable science.

The brand develops science-based products based on solid research and premium-quality ingredients sourced directly from suppliers.

PEScience High Volume pre-workout is a high-quality, scientifically dosed pre-workout supplement that is caffeine-free.

Since it is stimulant-free, it is suitable for people who suffer from anxiety, as it is less likely to cause a spike in anxiety levels.

It is undoubtedly one of the best pre-workouts in the market if you are searching for a stimulant-free choice since it contains 4 g of pure l-citrulline, 1g of agmatine sulfate,2g of arginine nitrate, hydromax glycerol mixed – a revolutionary composition, different from most of the other pre-workouts.

Moreover, it contains a proprietary blend of Nitric Oxide enhancing substances that work together to maximize natural energy sources of the body, improve performance, and support optimal recovery.

Since High Volume is the ultimate caffeine-free pre-workout on its own, its unique blend enables it for used at any time of the day, and even it is stackable.

This means you can simply combine it with other supplements and pre-workouts without worrying about exceeding dangerous caffeine levels.

The most prominent feature is the 4g of pure La-citrulline, almost double the amount present in any other pre-workout.

L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that has recently received considerable interest for its potential to enhance L-arginine bioavailability, nitric oxide generation, and physical performance.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that L-citrulline supplements can improve workout performance and recovery.

High Volume comes in over five incredible flavors, so you can always change it up while enjoying the same fantastic supplement

All PEScience products are third-party tested and manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility.

In terms of price, high Volume is slightly more expensive than its competitors. The product is priced at $57.82 for 8.6 ounces.

Additionally, the company gives a 15% subscription discount and free shipping on all orders over $70 and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• It contains a sufficient amount of L-citrulline (to counter the anxiety symptoms).
• Caffeine-free.
• Premium nitric oxide boosting.
• Stackable formula.
• Many flavors to choose from.
• Third-party tested.

Cons

• Costly than competitors.
• Some people don’t like the flavor named cotton candy.

What to Consider When Buying Pre-workouts for Someone with Anxiety

It is crucial to have knowledge of certain factors before buying any pre-workout supplement.

Particularly if you are purchasing a pre-workout for Anxiety, it becomes imperative to be aware of specific starting points that, if overlooked, might significantly enhance your anxiety levels.

The following factors should be considered while buying a pre-workout for someone with Anxiety.

1. Ingredients

Ingredients are crucial while looking for pre-workout for Anxiety because the majority of the pre-workouts are full of stimulants like caffeine which can worsen symptoms of Anxiety.

Thus, search for supplements that are caffeine-free or with low caffeine content.

For your reference, a cup of coffee has 95mg of caffeine, so keeping that in mind, choose your supplement accordingly.

For energy and endurance, there are other ingredients, like Taurine and Beta-alanine, which according to research, can give you that needed jolt of energy without causing nervousness and Anxiety.

Moreover, you can go for natural caffeine ingredients like tea and coffee extract for the added boost of energy without any jittery or anxious feelings.

Other stimulants that may aggravate Anxiety are bitter orange, yohimbine, and theacrine.

2. Tolerance level

Before taking a pre-workout supplement for combating Anxiety, first, determine your tolerance level.

For instance, how many cups of coffee can you handle in a day? If you can comfortably consume 2-3 cups, you don’t need to choose a caffeine-free supplement.

However, to be on the safe side, begin with pre-workout supplements that contain 100-120mg of caffeine per serving. Otherwise, you may face unfavorable results.

3. Transparent labels

Transparent labels indicate that each ingredient is mentioned prominently on the label, together with the appropriate dosage information.

This is crucial because selecting a pre-workout supplement when experiencing anxiety symptoms requires extensive ingredient research.

It would be beneficial if you conduct research for good open-label options; this will need some effort on your part but will prevent you from experiencing any long-term side effects.

4. Your budget

If you are a newbie, I recommend investing in something that is neither too pricey nor too cheap.

However, if you seek a pre-workout that will help you with anxiety symptoms, quality should come first.

A decent stimulant-free pre-workout supplement would cost you between $1 and $2 per serving.

So do your homework, evaluate market prices, and get something with the right ingredients within your price range.

But just to save a few bucks, don’t opt for something that’s suspiciously cheap but attracts you because of the low price as it might not have quality ingredients.

5. Consult with your health care practitioner

Anxiety can be a complex mental illness to manage.

Any component or ingredient in the pre-workout can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, which might negatively impact your health.

Thus, in my opinion, it is always prudent to consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking any pre-workout supplement in order to avoid any undesirable consequences.

FAQs on Pre-workout for anxiety

How do I stop pre-workout Anxiety?

There are specific ways to alleviate anxiety symptoms like going on walks regularly, exercising, eating healthy, taking proper sleep, and avoiding caffeine.

Does pre-workout fry your nervous system?

The majority of the pre-workouts are loaded with stimulants like caffeine.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed central nervous system stimulant.

However, according to research, the central nervous system doesn’t really seem to establish a good tolerance to the effects of caffeine, although addictions and withdrawal symptoms are reported.

So, yes or maybe no. Depends on your tolerance level.

How long does pre-workout Anxiety last?

It depends on the ingredient’s half-life, which means the time required for the active component in an ingredient to be halved in your body.

You can feel the effects of the most common anxiety-causing ingredient, caffeine, for about 1 ½ to 2 hours in your body.

Can pre-workout cause mood swings?

Yes, it can. The overdosage of certain ingredients in a pre-workout like Yohimbe has a powerful stimulatory effect. This overstimulation can result in irritability, jitteriness, and mood swings.

Also read: Can Pre-workout Cause Anger Issues & Mood Swings?

Final Thoughts

To conclude, I would say that, no doubt, a solid pre-workout can be beneficial for providing an energy kick during your regular workout session.

Regrettably, there are only a few options to choose from among non-stimulant or low-caffeine supplements since most of the pre-workouts are loaded with high caffeine doses, which can be detrimental for someone with Anxiety.

As you can see, this article has simplified things significantly by providing a detailed description of five top-notch non-stimulant and low-caffeine pre-workouts.

Which supplement appears to be a better fit for you based on your preferences? The choice is entirely yours.