Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Mesomorph by Aps Nutrition | Clinical doses of active substances |
2 | Nano Vapor by Muscle Tech | New from a trusted brand |
3 | Pre-Workout Gold Standard by Optimum Nutrition | Minimal side effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system |
4 | Assault by Muscle Pharm | The best in terms of price-quality ratio |
5 | Stimul8 by Finaflex | Most controversial |
6 | Black Annis by Gold Star | For experienced bodybuilders only |
7 | Energy Gel + caffeine from VPLab | The best form for admission to the gym |
8 | Be First Guarana Extract Capsules | Rich vitamin composition at an affordable price |
9 | Psychotic by Insane Labz | Most aggressive |
10 | Madness by Mutant | The best complex for beginners. soft impact |
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Pre-workout complexes are a type of sports nutrition aimed at improving the quality of training and increasing athletic performance. With the right intake scheme, they contribute to the growth of the athlete's endurance and help to recover faster after active physical exertion. Unlike vitamin-mineral complexes, pre-workouts have a more complex multicomponent composition. It is based on the use of substances that stimulate the central nervous system, as well as activating the brain and helping to concentrate in the gym.
We present to your attention the rating of the best pre-workout complexes according to professional experts, eminent bodybuilders and ordinary amateur athletes. When choosing a remedy from our list, it must be remembered that all drugs of this type are contraindicated for use by people with diseases of the cardiovascular system and with some other pathologies of the body. Therefore, before purchasing this or that product, it is necessary to consult with your doctor and carefully follow all recommendations for admission.
TOP 10 best pre-workout complexes
Pre-workout complexes appeared on the sports goods market not so long ago, but quickly gained immense popularity. In no small measure, their ubiquitous distribution was influenced by powerful marketing companies generously promising immediate effect and unsurpassed results. As a result, choosing a good pre-workout that really works has become not so easy. We have collected the most famous sports supplements that will help make your workout more productive not only in words, but also in deeds.
10 Madness by Mutant
Country: Canada
Average price: 1 410 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.2
Compared to flagships such as Mesomorph and Black Annis, Mutant Madness' action can be disappointing at first. It, like many other pre-workout formulations, contains caffeine, and not just one, but in the form of a complex of 5 varieties: from Arabica coffee, cocoa, mate tea, green tea and green coffee. Its quantity is precisely calculated so that unpleasant sensations do not appear from one stingy.Even novice athletes note that a moderate pump effect is felt from one portion, the heart starts to work faster, but maintains an even pulse, mood rises and recovery between sets comes faster.
For men who have been practicing for a long time and already have experience in using such supplements, you can increase the dosage to 2 scoops. Already after 20-30 minutes they will feel that they are ready for a hard workout with full gear. The risk of a side effect, of course, increases in direct proportion, so it is better to conduct such experiments under the supervision of a doctor. The disadvantages of the drug should be recorded only in its tendency to form lumps, which, nevertheless, dissolve in water to a homogeneous liquid with a tolerable, and for some, quite pleasant taste.
9 Psychotic by Insane Labz

Country: USA
Average price: 2 290 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.3
According to the manufacturer, it is Psychotic from Insane Labz that will provide you with the necessary energy, create a positive attitude and help you cope with overload. A wide range of pleasant tastes makes it easier to take the drug, and the promised result can be achieved after just one serving, taken half an hour before class. This pre-workout complex is able to push to new sports achievements, however, the experts themselves define its composition as the most aggressive, so you can use Psychotic only under the supervision of a specialist.
Advantages:
- increases efficiency;
- keeps the effect for 3 hours;
- sharpens sensations;
- improves mood.
Contraindications and disadvantages:
- causes a feeling of addiction;
- severe discomfort in the stomach, increases pressure, depresses the central nervous system.
Psychotic by Insane Labz is only for healthy adult males over the age of 21. Also, according to the reviews of athletes who have tried this pre-workout 'on themselves', after the end of the drug, the state of health deteriorates sharply, severe headache and apathy set in.
8 Be First Guarana Extract Capsules
Country: Russia
Average price: 610 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.4
Capsules with guarana extract from the Russian manufacturer Be First help to completely eliminate fatigue and lethargy that have accumulated during the working day, and go to training with a sufficient supply of energy. The fact is that guarana seeds, from which the extract is extracted, contain twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. In turn, caffeine is known to be a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a wide range of other physiological effects. The latest research shows that caffeine increases muscle strength, promotes better muscle contraction and accelerates the rate of fat burning.
In addition, the extract is rich in antioxidants, catechins, vitamins A, B and E. The body needs to replenish the supply of these substances the more the more intensively it lends itself to physical activity. Among the advantages is a well-chosen form of funds in the form of medium-sized capsules. According to reviews, it is inconvenient for women to drink them, but men swallow them without problems. Given that it is recommended to take 1-3 capsules per day, a bottle with 120 servings is enough for 1-3 months. This is a very economical expense, especially since initially the product is already inexpensive.
7 Energy Gel + caffeine from VPLab
Country: Great Britain
Average price: 99 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
VPLab Energy Gel is a product that provides an extra boost of energy before and during training. Unlike other pre-workouts that require mixing with water, the drug is in a ready-to-take form. The increase in performance and the delay in the critical moment of fatigue comes from the fast and easy absorption of the carbohydrate matrix of maltodextrin and fructose, and the improvement in concentration comes from the guarana extract. The presence of sodium in the formula is also useful, which is responsible for optimizing the water-salt balance throughout the workout and prevents such unpleasant sensations as muscle cramps.
In general, the composition of the gel is characterized as quite simple, but effective. There are very few reviews on it, perhaps due to the fact that the recommended daily serving of 2 sachets is expensive for consumers. From those that are, we can conclude that the taste of the complex is very sweet, even reminiscent of molasses. The consistency is fluid - it can be quickly drunk and washed down with water (according to the instructions - 150 ml). After taking the sports potential is significantly increased, so the purchase and use of the product is fully justified.
6 Black Annis by Gold Star

Country: USA
Average price: 2 090 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
An innovative formula that can mobilize the psycho-emotional and physical state during anaerobic exercise is the main quality that provided the underground product Xpand Xtreme Pump from Dymatize with an honorable place in our ranking of the best.This tool saves men from having to choose between focusing and pumping, as it provides both of these functions in equal measure. Caffeine in its composition stimulates the central nervous system and promotes the production of adrenaline, Geranaburn (geranium oil extract) enhances concentration and attention, and creatine increases muscle cells in volume and increases their energy component.
Advantages:
- acts quickly;
- helps to restore strength after training;
- provides a focused working state;
- does not cause feelings of depression.
Contraindications and disadvantages:
- negative for health;
- not suitable for beginners.
Due to its popularity, Gold Star's Black Annis pre-workout complex often "suffers" from dishonest distributors - it is often faked, and the risk of running into ersatz is quite high. Perhaps this is the reason for some critical statements on the Internet that the remedy did not fit or the effect of taking it was not noticeable.
5 Stimul8 by Finaflex

Country: USA
Average price: 2 311 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Probably all bodybuilders have heard about the popular stimulant Stimul8. This is a proven, powerful and quite effective drug, which still causes an ambiguous reaction among many specialists and amateur athletes. Someone characterizes Stimul8 as the strongest tool that can make a man go in for sports for hours without any fatigue. Others pay attention to the negative psychotropic effect that occurs after the first dose, and can quickly cause persistent addiction.
Advantages:
- based on a mix of stimulants and antioxidants;
- provides a powerful release of energy;
- helps burn body fat;
- promotes an increase in muscle mass.
Contraindications and disadvantages:
- has many contraindications;
- unsafe for health.
As with all pre-workout complexes without exception, the effect of Stimul8 from Finaflex directly depends on the individual characteristics of the athlete's body. Best of all, its effect is manifested in well-rested people who do not have problems with nutritional deficiencies and body weight. The main recommendation is to use with caution and do not exceed the indicated dose.
4 Assault by Muscle Pharm

Country: USA
Average price: RUB 1,631
Rating (2022): 4.7
An effective product that can be safely attributed to the middle price segment. At the heart of Assault by Muscle Pharm is a unique formula that allows you to significantly increase the effectiveness of your workout and ensure faster recovery after strength training. Thanks to the use of this pre-workout complex, the athlete receives an additional boost of energy, and can fully count on improving concentration and increasing performance.
Advantages:
- activates anabolic processes;
- increases strength and endurance;
- available in 8 flavors;
- approved by professionals.
Contraindications and disadvantages:
- side effects in the form of nausea, dizziness or the development of tachycardia;
- moderately low stimulating activity.
According to reviews, the peak of popularity of Assault from Muscle Pharm came in 2012. However, even now many athletes consider this type of sports nutrition to be one of the best in terms of price and quality.
3 Pre-Workout Gold Standard by Optimum Nutrition
Country: USA
Average price: 1 430 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Optimum Nutrition does not require an introduction - every man who has been to the gym at least once knows this brand. It continues to maintain its leadership position in the sports nutrition market and relentlessly develops innovative products from proven and safe ingredients. One of them is the Pre-Workout pre-workout complex, with the intake of which the effectiveness of training is guaranteed to progress, strength and mental focus increase.
The composition includes about 20 ingredients included in special matrices:
- Muscle Matrix - composition for increasing muscle endurance;
- Performance composite - a complex for expanding blood vessels and providing a powerful pumping effect;
- Energy & Focus Complex - a matrix with caffeine, carnitine and bioflavonoids to improve mental focus.
Reviews about the supplement are mostly positive. It is praised for its effectiveness, fast solubility, rather pleasant tastes (I especially like the "green apple" and "blueberry lemonade"). Almost everyone characterizes the complex as light, with a mild effect, without side effects in the form of shortness of breath, hand tremors and sleep disturbances. Only a few people call for a high cost, but at the same time they recognize that the drug is worth its money.
2 Nano Vapor by Muscle Tech

Country: USA
Average price: RUB 2,570
Rating (2022): 4.9
The new product from one of the world's leading brands of sports nutrition Muscle Tech pleases with its effectiveness and ability to maintain the results for a long time.The Nano Vapor complex has been specifically designed for pumping, fat burning, stimulation and mental focus. Also, its use causes a powerful release of the hormone testosterone into the blood.
Advantages:
- maximum pumping;
- ultra-efficient energy boost;
- performance enhancement in the hall;
- brand reputation.
Contraindications and disadvantages:
- high price;
- causes many side effects.
This pre-workout complex is highly appreciated by both professional athletes and ordinary men who prefer going to the gym to lazy pastime in front of the TV. With the correct dosage and the correct application, in full compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, it will be much easier and faster to achieve excellent results from training with Nano Vapor.
1 Mesomorph by Aps Nutrition
Country: USA
Average price: 2 840 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
If this product had its own page on the social network, the phrase “I am hard to find, expensive to buy and impossible to forget” would probably serve as a status. Indeed, for all its popularity, the Mesomorph complex is quite difficult to find in stores, and many have to purchase not one, but several cans in reserve. But it's worth it. The drug is not in vain called the “king of pre-workouts” - geranium oil extract, creatine nitrate as the most bioavailable form of creatine, a lot of beta-alanine, citrulline and arginine in a single matrix do wonders. The body gets a huge supply of energy before an exhausting workout, the muscles feel tingling and pumping effect, and there is a feeling that it is ready to roll mountains.
Whatever sport a man does - boxing, bodybuilding or workout, one Mesomorph pre-workout is enough to get the most out of himself. Especially it helps in competitions and in cardio classes for weight loss. And all thanks to the fact that the manufacturer added clinical rather than reduced dosages to the composition - the effect of them is very harsh, but the composition must be used with great care. So, you should not drink the recommended portion right away, it is better to start with ½ scoop and continue this way for 5-7 days. After 8-10 weeks of use, any DMAA and creatine supplementation should be discontinued for the same amount of time.