Can You Take Pre Workout Just For Regular Energy

Pre workout supplements tout benefits like extreme pumps, laser focus, and endless energy. With such claims, there is good reason why these supplements are meant to be taken before an intense workout session.

But marketing doesn’t always equate with reality. The best pre workout supplements will have ingredients in efficacious doses that do in fact increase energy and blood flow for better muscle pumps.

However, a standard serving of a pre workout will likely not have you in such a frenzy that you can’t sit still. For those wondering if they can take pre workout supplements at other points of the day, it is perfectly fine to consume a pre workout for a regular energy boost without going to the gym.

In fact, some pre workouts contain nootropic ingredients like Alpha GPC for mental focus. These ingredients would be especially beneficial for people using a pre workout for desk work or to study. This is an emerging class of pre workout supplements, often marketed towards gamers.

Caffeine will be the main component of most pre workouts. It is the most common ingredient for energy found in these supplements. Caffeine is also found in coffee, energy drinks, and soda.

While some supplements use different forms of caffeine, such as the “natural” form of green coffee bean extract or caffeine in a time released form, it still acts in the same way on the body. It is not as if there is a discernible difference between the caffeine in a pre workout versus the caffeine in coffee. The mechanism in which it provides energy is the same, so you could take pre workout just for the caffeine.

Caffeine increases energy in two ways. The brain has numerous adenosine receptors. Adenosine binds to these receptors as the day goes along, making you tired. It is a natural part of the sleep/wake cycle. Caffeine, however, can block this process and increase wakefulness.

Caffeine also increases adrenaline, which has a more acute and direct effect on energy. Adrenaline is sometimes referred to as the fight or flight hormone. Increasing adrenaline results in a tangible and noticeable increase in energy.

The only thing to note when using a pre workout for regular energy would be the dose. The amount of caffeine in a pre workout supplement varies wildly; ranging from 100-400mg per serving. If you’re looking for a small afternoon pick-me-up then you obviously wouldn’t want something too strong. You would want to take half a dose or less if using a strong pre workout supplement.

The guidelines for daily caffeine intake suggest that up to 400mg per day is safe. However, it’s evident that many people consume more than that amount consistently, seemingly without issue. Caffeine use over time will lead to tolerance, so the user will have to take more to experience the same effect or take a break to re-sensitize the body.

Another thing to consider with pre workout use for non gym related energy is the cost effectiveness of it. This can go in either direction, as some of the cheaper pre workouts cost less than $2 per serving. Compare this to the average energy drink or coffee from a Starbucks and it’s quite the bargain.

However, more comprehensive formulas will likely cost more. You will have to determine if it’s worth it to use a scoop just to get through work or school.

In addition, there may be some high quality ingredients that are present specifically for workout performance. While there is no harm in taking these ingredients at a different part of the day, it would be a waste to not save them for a hard workout.

Without coming off as too cynical, most pre workouts do not fall into that high quality category. The main appeal of most formulations is the caffeine content, with other ingredients underdosed to the degree that they do not provide any benefit. Many pre workouts are essentially glorified energy drinks as it is, and there are certain things consumers should look for when choosing the right product.

Provided you are not paying up for a pre workout and that you’re instead consuming one of the more run-of-the-mill formulations, you shouldn’t think twice about using a scoop for a regular energy boost throughout the day.

Using a pre workout for everyday energy is no different than drinking a coffee or energy drink. Sip the drink as needed; there’s no reason to chug unless you truly want to. You’ll experience the same effects as any other caffeine containing product.