I get this question a lot…
“Jon, I want to take pre-workout, but isn’t it cheating? What if I get addicted?” someone will ask.
To be honest, it’s a pretty good question. Getting addicted to stimulants is a pretty common problem that gym bros have.
Not to mention spending all that money on pre-workouts… but, in my humble opinion, it’s completely worth it. Here’s why.
The Problem With Natural Pre Workouts
First off, I totally get the concern most guys have regarding pre-workout. They think that if they start taking the stuff, they’ll get addicted, and start blowing $500 a month on supplements.
In addition to this, they feel like they’re “cheating” or like they should be “natural.”
My response to this, is that it’s fucking stupid.
Is it “natural” for you to read this blog right now? Or did mankind’s inventions make your life better?
Obviously the latter.
In regards to health and fitness—is it “natural” for you to take vaccines? What about drink coffee? Is it natural for you to take creatine, whey protein, or even a multi-vitamin?
Of course not. None of that shit is natural, and none of it matters.
Human beings CREATE things to make their lives better. Pre-workout is no different. It’s a tool, and it can be used to enhance your workout.
Getting Addicted to Pre Workout
Contrary to this, peoples’ concerns about “getting addicted” to stimulants are completely legitimate.
Of course if you take pre-workout for long enough, you’ll need it to feel the same rush of energy that you usually get at the gym.
You’ll become dependent on pre-workout.
Personally, I don’t see a problem with this, as long as you can afford it.
I take pre-workout every time I go to the gym, rain or shine, night or day. I have a list of my favorites you can checkout, and also experiment with new ones every once in a while.
Lately I’ve been having a lot of “Bang” which is a designer pre-workout. It has some of the best flavors I’ve ever tasted in pre-workouts, and it’s carbonated, which I love.
I don’t mind spending an extra $100/month on pre-workouts to have a killer workout, but then again, your financial situation might be different than mine.
The bottom line though, is this—you WILL absolutely have a better workout, when you take pre-workouts. Period.
The good ones have ingredients that are “fuel” for your muscles, like L-Arginine, Beta Alanine, creatine, and more.
They improve blood flow to the muscles, and enhance ATP production, which equals a better workout.
Obviously if you stop taking them, it might take a week or two until you feel “normal” again at the gym.
But who cares? My philosophy is “go big or go home,” and skimping out on something that can light a fire under your ass, and pump you up, is simply going home to me.
When You SHOULDN’T Take Pre-Workout
The only time you should avoid taking a pre-workout, is if you have some sort of underlying health condition.
Obviously I’m not a doctor, and I don’t pretend to be one. You should always consult with a healthcare professional first, before trying anything stupid.
You shouldn’t take a pre-workout if you’ve got a heart condition. You shouldn’t take pre-workout if you’re doing high intensity interval training.
You also shouldn’t take pre-workout if you’re struggling to pay rent, and don’t have an additional $50/month to spare.
Aside from that though, there isn’t any real reason why you should avoid it. As long as you stick to what’s tried and true, and avoid random Chinese black market shit from eBay, you should be fine.
My Pre-Workout Ritual
I have a pre-workout ritual that I like to do every day, and I figure I’ll share it with you.
The first thing I do, is I wake up, and on an empty stomach, I start chugging my pre-workout of choice.
I set a timer on my watch, so I can keep track of how long I’ve got before it kicks in.
Then, I hop in my car, and blast over to the gym. I sit in the parking lot for a few minutes, further sipping my pre-workout.
Then—and this is the key part—I crank up either one of two things. My epic gym playlist, or some badass motivational videos.
You can decide which you love, obviously.
Nothing beats the sound of Arnold telling you to work your ass off for success, while pre-workout is coursing through your veins. Nothing.
…except maybe rushing into the gym, and destroying my Body of an Alpha workout, with that pre-workout flowing through my veins, and Arnold yelling at me through my earbuds.
Follow that pre-workout routine, and that inner pussy of yours will completely cease to exist. Just do it.
