Researching pre-workout supplements for quite a while now, there is one question that often comes up. Are there any made just for women? Are they only made for men? Which would be best for a woman to take? I thought the best place to find out was by asking the women who actually use them, and determining how they choose their own.
Their responses indicated that there is a bit more to it than I had expected. They generally seem to be much more "choosey" than their man friends. Many men will consume almost anything that's put infront of them, as long as someone has told them it works well. Women are more willing to invest their time into researching which ingredients they're taking in. And determining if a product is safe, or potentially harmful to their health.
Here are the 5 Factors that women tend to look for when selecting a pre-workout supplement:
1. Improves energy and endurance levels
2. Low Calories
3. Mixes easily, tastes good
4. No stimulants in excessive amounts
5. Clean, and safe with no side effects
Meeting these 5 criteria may not be too difficult, as many of the pre-workout products are already very low calorie - and with next to nothing side effects. In most cases actually, women will have no trouble using the same pre-workout supplements as men. The real question comes down to your specific goals, and what you are using the supplement for. If you are using it primarily for weight lifting purposes, your options are pretty much wide open. Runners may want to focus on ingredients that promote hydration and endurance like BCAA's and electrolyte blends. Someone that is planning to do a yoga workout however, will not want the same thing. A stimulant free pre-workout supplement would serve you far better. One last thing here...If you are doing something like yoga or tai chi...you will most likely want to stay away from supplements that give that tingling/itchy sensation beneath your skin. I learned this the hard way during a yoga workout of my own. It was very unpleasant.
To discover how a certain product tastes, or mixes...you will have to ask around. Ask friends, family, fellow gym members or whoever you wish. Websites with user reviews can be a great resource this too.
With the recent controversy over the ingredient DMAA, (1, 3 dimethylamylamine) many, in fact most of the supplement companies have made very open and clear ingredient labels mandatory. This is excellent for us consumers as we don't have to worry about whats in a mystery "Proprietary Blend" anymore, and we now know that these products are being closely monitored for our (the consumers) safety and health.
Their responses indicated that there is a bit more to it than I had expected. They generally seem to be much more "choosey" than their man friends. Many men will consume almost anything that's put infront of them, as long as someone has told them it works well. Women are more willing to invest their time into researching which ingredients they're taking in. And determining if a product is safe, or potentially harmful to their health.
Here are the 5 Factors that women tend to look for when selecting a pre-workout supplement:
1. Improves energy and endurance levels
2. Low Calories
3. Mixes easily, tastes good
4. No stimulants in excessive amounts
5. Clean, and safe with no side effects
Meeting these 5 criteria may not be too difficult, as many of the pre-workout products are already very low calorie - and with next to nothing side effects. In most cases actually, women will have no trouble using the same pre-workout supplements as men. The real question comes down to your specific goals, and what you are using the supplement for. If you are using it primarily for weight lifting purposes, your options are pretty much wide open. Runners may want to focus on ingredients that promote hydration and endurance like BCAA's and electrolyte blends. Someone that is planning to do a yoga workout however, will not want the same thing. A stimulant free pre-workout supplement would serve you far better. One last thing here...If you are doing something like yoga or tai chi...you will most likely want to stay away from supplements that give that tingling/itchy sensation beneath your skin. I learned this the hard way during a yoga workout of my own. It was very unpleasant.
To discover how a certain product tastes, or mixes...you will have to ask around. Ask friends, family, fellow gym members or whoever you wish. Websites with user reviews can be a great resource this too.
With the recent controversy over the ingredient DMAA, (1, 3 dimethylamylamine) many, in fact most of the supplement companies have made very open and clear ingredient labels mandatory. This is excellent for us consumers as we don't have to worry about whats in a mystery "Proprietary Blend" anymore, and we now know that these products are being closely monitored for our (the consumers) safety and health.
About the Author:
Learn more about Pre-Workout Supplements. Stop by Mark Robinson's site where you can find out all about Stimulant Free Pre-Workout Supplements, and find a list of choices that won't make your skin itch.