Are there Pre-Workout for Caffeine Sensitive People?

January 8, 2024 |

Posted By

Max Health Living is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission. Learn more.

Can you take pre-workout if you’re sensitive to caffeine?

Yes, you can.

It may be difficult to find a pre-workout supplement that contains a stimulant that is not caffeine, but it is not impossible.

Without a dose of caffeine, many of us are like zombies, half awake and weary throughout the entire day.

However, many people cannot have caffeine due to their sensitivity.

This can make it harder for these people to find pre-workout supplements as the vast majority of them contain high levels of caffeine.

This begs the question, is there a pre-workout meal without caffeine?

We have put together a list to help you find supplements that don’t contain high levels of caffeine or are entirely free of caffeine.

coffee powder

Why is Caffeine Present in Most Pre-Workouts?

You will find that the vast majority of pre-workout supplements contain caffeine in various forms, anhydrous or microencapsulated. It is increasingly difficult to find a pre-workout that does not contain caffeine in some shape or form.

Caffeine inhibits the effects of adenosine, a chemical that inhibits neurotransmitters.

These neurotransmitters are substances that lead to excitability in the body, such as increasing blood flow and the functioning of the heart.

Due to caffeine inhibiting adenosine, these neurotransmitters can act for longer periods in the body.

The effects of caffeine last for a long time, approximately 4 to 6 hours. This allows you to stay active long after you have taken your dose of caffeine. This is what makes caffeine ideal in pre-workout supplements.

Not only does it allow you to increase your workout time, but it also prevents you from feeling fatigued afterward, allowing you to carry on with the remainder of your day with ease.

What are the 8 Best Pre-Workouts for Caffeine Sensitive People?

The following are the 8 best pre-workouts for caffeine-sensitive people:

1. Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode

Pump Mode Preworkout

Evlution is a health and fitness company that supplies supplements, ensures honesty, and builds trust with its customers. Their mission is to be your partner on your fitness journey.

Their supplements are created using premium, high-quality ingredients. One such supplement is the Evlution Pump Mode pre-workout supplement.

A caffeine-free supplement is not necessarily incapable of increasing your energy levels. They do not have to affect your neurotransmitters but are still capable of increasing enhancing your energy levels.

The supplement contains 12.5 mcg of vitamin D. This vitamin enhances the production of the enzyme eNOS. This increases nitric oxide levels, which improves blood flow to the muscles and improves athletic ability.

This supplement contains 1000 mg betaine nitrate, preventing dehydration in the body. It has antioxidant properties and protects the body from damage caused by free radicals.

The supplement contains 500 mg of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant while also repairing muscles after a workout.

The supplement contains 1500 mg of glycerol muscle volumizer, which contains glycerol monostearate and hydromax. This helps to prevent dehydration that can occur with intense exercise.

This pre-workout supplement contains 210 mg of mineral sodium. Sodium is a useful addition to a pre-workout supplement as it can improve muscle contraction as well as regulate the nerves functioning and the body’s blood volume.

The price of this supplement is $21.99 for one container with 30 servings.

2. Six Star Nutrition Workout Booster

six star

Six Star Nutrition is a fitness company that deals in sports supplements. There is no better choice for a supplement brand than Six Star Nutrition for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.

The N.O Fury pre-workout supplement contains a total of 4 ingredients in a 3000 mg nitric oxide matrix. These ingredients include l-arginine, l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, l-arginine HCL, and L-citrulline.

L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is beneficial in improving athletic ability while reducing fatigue in the muscles. Arginine HCL is used to improve blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

The citrulline in this supplement is capable of increasing the production of nitric oxide. This improves the flow of blood throughout the body, particularly to the muscles during exercise.

This increases the amount of time you can exercise at a given time. Citrulline has also been shown to improve the action of your muscles.

This pre-workout supplement is marketed as capsules rather than the standard powder supplement forms. This makes it easier to take the supplement before a workout, and there is no fuss about making a shake.

The cost of this supplement is $10.99 for a bottle with 60 capsules.

3. Pump Surge Stim-Free Pre-Workout

pump surgeThe jacked factory is a health and fitness company that focuses on supplements.

Every product that this company creates is done through the use of ingredients that have been selected due to their scientific capability.

One of the many benefits that caffeine offers is increasing the sharpness of your mind. However, you don’t need to worry about the loss of this benefit in a supplement without caffeine. The Pump surge stim-free pre-workout supplement has nootropic abilities.

This supplement contains 150mg of Alpha GPC and 50mg of Huperzine A. Both of these ingredients have nootropic properties and help increase mental awareness.

This pre-workout supplement contains 5 mg of citrulline, which is used to enhance nitric oxide production.

This increases energy levels by improving the flow of blood through the body but also improves muscle pumping ability by improving the delivery of oxygen to the muscle tissue.

This supplement contains 2.5mg of anhydrous betaine, and this ingredient is used to improve the power and strength of the muscles. It is also beneficial in improving muscle endurance and reduces fatigue in the muscles.

The supplement comes with 2 mg of taurine, which is used to reduce exercise-induced fatigue as well as enhance athletic performance.

The cost of this supplement is $29.99 for one container with 20 servings.

4. ProSupps Jekyll NitroX

pro supps.

Every supplement that ProSupps places into the market have been made to help you achieve your health and fitness dreams. They are created using premium ingredients that ensure your fitness benefits. One such product is the Dr. Jekyll Signature supplement.

Working out places strain on all our body processes, and it can take time for our body to compensate for these changes. By assisting your body in maintaining these balances, you can work out for longer periods without tiring.

Therefore, this supplement contains 24 mg of calcium to better maintain calcium levels in the blood during exercise.

The supplement contains 39 mg of potassium, an essential mineral for the body. This mineral is used to regulate the balance of fluids in the body, preventing dehydration and excessive water retention.

It is also used to improve nerve signaling, which is beneficial in caffeine-free supplements. It is capable of improving muscle contraction so you can work out with greater intensity.

The pre-workout contains 3.9 g of the performance matrix, which consists of 1.6 g of beta-alanine, 800 mg of inositol enhanced arginine silicate (ASI), and 1.5 g of creatine HCL.

Creatine is used to improve your muscles’ strength, endurance, and mass. The beta-alanine in this supplement reduces acid levels in the muscles preventing fatigue.

At the same time, ASI is capable of increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery while also improving muscle repair and muscle pumping.

The supplement 125 mg of ashwagandha extract, which improves athletic ability and energy levels, 450 mg of choline which increases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, and 50 mg of Panax ginseng, which is known to boost energy levels.

The cost of this supplement is $24.99 for one container, which has a total of 30 servings.

5. Genius Pre-Workout Powder

war cry

This pre-workout supplement contains 1250 mg of glycopump, 3500 mg of citrulline, 50 mg of norvaline, and 1800 mg of beta-alanine in a cell-pump engine complex.

The beta-alanine in this engine increases carnosine levels rapidly depleted while exercising, which reduces acid production in the muscles and delays the onset of fatigue.

Citrulline is used to increase nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow and energy levels. While the glycol pump reduces the chances of dehydration and norvaline improves blood flow and energy levels.

The supplement contains a performance engine that consists of 400 mg of phenylalanine, 700 mg of acetyl l-tyrosine, 250 mg acetyl l-carnitine, and 400 mg of taurine.

Tyrosine is used to create neurotransmitters that can then improve mental functioning and improve physical endurance, and energy. The amino acid taurine improves muscle contraction, reduces fatigue, and increases athletic ability.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is used to improve the burning of fat in the body. At the same time, the use of acetyl-l-carnitine is capable of improving your mental focus and increasing your energy levels.

The cost of this supplement is $39.68 for a 40 servings container.

6. Cobra Labs: The Curse

cobra labs

JNX Sports is a relatively new company, but they have created their place in this world of fitness with a huge bang. They may be new, but they are a company that you can place your trust in.

In their product list is their Cobra Lab: The Curse pre-workout supplement. This product has been made with incredible attention to detail and with the most amazing ingredients to ensure effectiveness.

This pre-workout supplement contains 2 mg of oleuropein, also known as an olive leaf extract.  This ingredient is known to reduce inflammation which can occur after an intense workout in which muscles have undergone mild injury.

The supplement contains 3000 mg of an energizing muscle fuel blend that consists of beta-alanine, creatine monohydrate, and citric acid.

Citric acid is one of the key aspects of the TCA cycle, which is used to create energy by breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Beta-alanine increases the levels of carnosine in the muscles, which reduces the build-up of acid in the muscles allowing you to exercise for longer periods. The creatine in this blend can increase the mass of your muscles, their strength and speed their recovery after injury.

The supplement contains a 900 mg amplifier blend which contains citrulline and l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. These amino acids increase nitric oxide production, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles.

This supplement contains 155 mg of anhydrous caffeine, an amount that will increase your energy levels with little to no side effects that accompany caffeine use.

The cost of a container with 50 servings is $26.26.

7. Cellucor C4 Original

C4

Another brilliant health and fitness company that you should keep in mind when shopping for supplements is the Cellucor brand.

They have made a name for themselves in the world of supplements and have a supplement for almost any fitness need that you may have, from weight loss to increasing muscle mass.

Among the huge range of supplements that they offer is the Cellucor C4 original pre-workout supplement.

There are different ingredients that supplements can use to increase energy levels without using high doses of caffeine in their formulation.

This pre-workout uses 500 mcg of vitamin B6, 35 mcg of vitamin B12, 30 mg of niacin, and 1 g of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate.

These ingredients are used to increase the flow of blood and the delivery of oxygen to the muscles and other tissues. This improves energy levels without the use of a stimulant.

The supplement contains 1.6 g of the amino acid beta-alanine and 1 g of the amino acid creatine nitrate.

Beta-alanine is an amino acid that has been known to improve the functioning of your muscles and reduce fatigue by increasing carnosine levels in the muscles.

While creatine has been used to reduce the time it takes for muscles to heal after a workout and improve the mass and strength of muscles.

The supplement contains 24 mg of calcium, an essential mineral, as well as 425 mg of an explosive energy blend.

The cost of this supplement is $29.99 for a container with 30 servings.

8. RSP Pump Boost

rsp

The supplements that RSP Nutrition creates are those that are free of harmful additives. These supplements are clean and made using high-quality, beneficial ingredients.

The RSP Amino Lean supplement contains 95 mg of vitamin C, which has numerous benefits besides increasing the body’s immunity through its antioxidant abilities.

Vitamin C increases the body’s metabolism of proteins. The resultant amino acids are used to create proteins for the muscle tissues to repair the damage that occurs during a workout. This reduces the time it takes for the muscles to repair themselves after injury.

This pre-workout supplement contains 105 mg of mineral phosphorus. This is an essential mineral in the body and is used to maintain cell structure and function.

Phosphorus increases energy levels y increasing the production of cells in the body and is a beneficial ingredient in a pre-workout supplement.

This pre-workout supplement contains 5 g of an amino acid blend that contains taurine, glutamine, arginine, alanine, leucine, tyrosine, threonine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, methionine, and citrulline.

The phenylalanine increases the burning of fat. Threonine increases the strength of muscles along with alanine—tyrosine and citrulline increase endurance and energy levels.

Histidine protects the muscles by regulating pH levels and preventing acidosis. Lysine helps repair and remodel muscles after they have been damaged in high-intensity exercise.

Glutamine is also known the decrease the time it takes for muscles to heal after an intense workout.

The supplement contains 1.5 grams id a weight management blend and 130 mg of energy and focuses blend.

The price of this supplement is $21.97 for a container with a total of 30 servings.

Benefits of Pre-Workouts with Minimal or Zero Caffeine

While caffeine acts as a great pick-me-up and energy booster, it is not free of side effects. Depending on the dosage of caffeine that you consume, the effects can be non-existent to prominent.

The fact that some people are more prone to facing side effects from caffeine consumption while others do not is due to their genetic makeup which accounts for an innate caffeine sensitivity.

However, consuming pre-workouts with minimal or zero caffeine definitely has its perks that are enlisted as follows:

Reduced Anxiousness

Having a pre-workout that provides a way to increase your energy levels without having to face the side effects of caffeine is incredibly beneficial, as caffeine has many side effects. One side effect of caffeine is anxiety.

For people that are already anxious, taking caffeine can increase their anxiety levels.

This anxiety can manifest as tremors, nervousness, and increased stress. Jitters can make working out difficult, hence why people may want a pre-workout without caffeine.

Prevention from Frequent Urination and Defecation

Caffeine, as we have learned, is a substance that increases excitability in the body. This excitability also affects your bladder. You may find that you need to urinate more than usual after taking caffeine.

Furthermore, caffeine acts as a laxative as well which is why having pre-workouts with caffeine can make you prone to diarrhea.

Prevention from Dehydration

Given the water loss from frequent urination and excessive sweating, if you do not maintain adequate hydration, you may find yourself becoming dehydrated.

No Insomnia

Caffeine can affect your sleep by causing insomnia which is difficulty falling asleep. Not only does it make it harder to sleep, but it also reduces the amount of time you can sleep.

Of course, this makes sense because caffeine is taken specifically to keep you awake and full of energy, but this can be an issue when you are trying to sleep.

The amount of caffeine you take and the time you take it both affect sleep. The effects of caffeine can easily last 4 to 6 hours. This is less than ideal, as, after a workout, you need adequate sleep to repair your muscles.

Prevention from Frequent Exhaustion

One side effect of caffeine that may surprise you is fatigue. Yes, caffeine can cause caffeine which is counterintuitive but true. After the initial surge of energy that lasts you a few hours, when the caffeine’s effects wear off, you suddenly feel exhausted.

This fatigue is often more pronounced than fatigue you feel at the end of your day without caffeine. This can be why people may look for a pre-workout without caffeine.

No Addiction

Your body can become used to caffeine. You may find yourself craving caffeine when you do not take your pre-workout. It can also make it hard for you to attempt a workout without its effect, as you have become used to the burst of energy that caffeine provides.

The habit-forming capability of caffeine may be a reason why people look for a caffeine-free pre-workout supplement.

These side effects are just some of the side effects that accompany caffeine usage. These effects can be more pronounced in people who have a caffeine sensitivity.

By choosing a pre-workout that is free of caffeine, you can avoid these effects and still increase your energy levels.

Conclusion

These are some of the best supplements available on the market that a person with caffeine sensitivity or someone looking to reduce their caffeine intake can use.

However, among these supplements, the top choice is the Pump Surge stim-free pre-workout as it is caffeine-free, comes in numerous flavors, and has additional benefits.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

Who We Are

We are a team of fitness, health, and supplement experts, and content creators. Over the past 4 years, we have spent over 123,000 hours researching food supplements, meal shakes, weight loss, and healthy living. Our aim is to educate people about their effects, benefits, and how to achieve a maximum healthy lifestyle. Read more.