The Best DMAA Pre-Workout Supplements In 2024

When people talk about pre-workout supplements, it isn’t just caffeine that should be focussed upon.

Lately, there has been a surge in the amounts of people purchasing DMAA-based pre-workouts, which is why we’re looking at the best DMAA pre-workout supplements currently on the market.

When your training is going well, life in general is usually pretty great.

Not only are you constantly smashing PBs and PRs, and making important health and fitness gains along the way, but you’ll also be enjoying yourself in the process, and will find your mental health improving as a result.

When your training is going badly, however, this can hurt other aspects of your life as well.

Some of the most common reasons why people often struggle with their workouts are a lack of energy and a lack of motivation.

When this happens, a pre-workout supplement may be required.

As beneficial as caffeinated pre-workout supplements are, DMAA supplements are growing in popularity and offer users a unique set of benefits that caffeinated ones do not.

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?

Without going into heaps of detail and getting too scientific on you, we’re going to take a quick look at what a pre-workout supplement is and how it works.

Pre-workout supplements, as the name suggests, are supplements that you take just before you work.

The idea is that by consuming a pre-workout before you train, by the name you get in the gym and begin your workout, the ingredients in the supplement will have made their way into your system and will begin working.

Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you an energy boost when you’re feeling tired and to help improve your levels of motivation, focus, and concentration before and during your workout.

Most pre-workout supplements contain large amounts of caffeine, due to its stimulating effects on the brain and the body.

You’ll also find plenty of amino acids and ingredients such as Citrulline, L-Arginine, Beta-Alanine, Taurine, Creatine, and plenty more besides.

For those who cannot consume caffeine, or who would rather look for an alternative, there are also caffeine-free pre-workouts, as well as low caffeine, and DMAA pre-workouts, which will be the basis for our article today.

What Is DMAA?

DMAA is a key ingredient used in a variety of different health and fitness supplements. It is also used individually by some people and provides countless benefits as a result.

In particular, bodybuilders and strength athletes have achieved very impressive results with DMAA, which is part of the reason why it is now found in pre-workout supplements.

DMAA, or 1,3 Dimethylamine was synthesized artificially within a lab, primarily to serve as a pre-workout supplement and to provide energy for the human body.

Now, before you worry about the fact that DMAA is man-made, Broccoli, which is an incredibly healthy vegetable, is also man-made and was the result of crossing different members of the Brassica family.

It is also worth noting, however, that DMAA-like compounds are extracted from botanical sources, such as geraniums, and the chemical structure is almost identical to the man-made compound.

Some supplements containing DMAA will even list it on their ingredients list as rose geranium or geranium rose oil.

DMAA was initially used as a nasal decongestant, but its stimulating effects on the brain and body were noted and it became a very popular fitness supplement.

In some countries, Canada and New Zealand for example, DMAA is banned.

It is also worth noting that in 2010, DMAA was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances, meaning that it could result in a failed drug test.

This is why professional athletes should avoid taking it.

What Does DMAA Do?

Needless to say, because DMAA has such profound stimulating effects on the body, it’s easy to see why so many of the best DMAA products contain this synthetic ingredient in large volumes.

DMAA works very similarly to nasal decongestants, including the now-banned ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine.

It is, however, widely considered to be much safer.

When consumed, it provides a near-instant increase in energy and stamina. It does this by functioning similarly to adrenaline and essentially mimicking the effects within the body.

This causes you to feel alert and mentally focused and allows the muscles to work harder.

Not only that, but it also stimulates the central nervous system, just like caffeine, helping you to feel more alert.

It essentially triggers ‘fight or flight’ hormones, helping people to become hyper-focused and energized.

Another way in which it helps from an athletic standpoint is by acting as a vasodilator and dilating the blood vessels.

This widening of the blood vessels means that more oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood is carried around the body and delivered to the muscles, meaning the cells within the muscles have more fuel.

This means that the muscles themselves have more fuel as well.

The Best DMAA Pre-Workout Supplements In 2024

For times when you need energy and motivation to train, but can’t seem to get motivated, DMAA supplements are perfect.

1. Global Supremacy – Firestorm

The first DMAA-based pre-workout supplement that we have on our list for you today is Firestorm, by the supplement brand Global Supremacy.

Firestorm, as the name suggests, is a powerful pre-workout supp that is not to be taken for granted and is not for those who are not serious about their workouts.

This is a supplement designed for powerful and intense workouts, and with a reputation like this, it’s easy to see why many consider it one of the best pre-workout supplements.

Containing DMAA and DMHA (Dimethylhexylamine) which is another synthetic compound very similar to DMAA that was also first designed as a decongestant, this is a pre-workout packed full of ingredients designed to take your workouts to a whole other level entirely.

Containing amino acids and ingredients such as beta-alanine, L-citrulline, L-arginine, taurine, green tea extract, caffeine, synephrine, grape seed extract, and many more besides, it is one of the most potent supplements on the market today.

Designed for intense workouts, Firestorm will fuel your body, your muscles, and your mind, giving you an insane energy boost and an even crazier muscle pump.

You’ll find yourself in the zone, flooded with adrenaline, and enjoying more energy than you know what to do with.

Whether you’re pushing heavy weights, trying to bulk up, or breaking a PR, Firestorm is the ultimate DMAA-based pre-workout supplement that will not only help you break plateaus but shatter them in the process.

2. Aggressive Labz – Leatherfaze Pre-Workout

Up next, we have a pre-workout supplement with quite possibly the catchiest, cleverest, most unique name we’ve ever encountered. Yes, it’s Leatherfaze.

The guys from Aggressive Labz are horror fans, which is where the name for this pre-workout supplement comes from.

Designed to pay homage to Leatherface, the antagonist from ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ franchise, this pre-workout supplement has enjoyed glowing reviews from countless critics, including some of the biggest names in the fitness industry.

Leatherface was a formidable foe and was a villain to be reckoned with, and this is encapsulated beautifully in this supplement.

Loaded full of stimulants, if you are lacking energy, both physically and mentally, and a cup of coffee just isn’t cutting it, Leatherfaze pre-workout is the product for you.

With 45mg of DMAA per serving, along with 80mg of synephrine HCL, and 500mg, yes, that’s 500mg, of caffeine per serving, this is not a pre-workout supplement to be taken for granted, and it’s certainly not one for those sensitive to caffeine, or one to be consumed anywhere close to bedtime for that matter.

Leatherfaze also contains ingredients such as Yohimbine HCL, Piperine black pepper extract, L-tyrosine, and creatine monohydrate, making it fantastic for those looking to ramp up their workouts and take their training sessions up to the next level.

Helping to increase energy levels, boost mental focus, promote endurance and stamina, increase muscle pumps, and fuel your muscles while boosting strength and stamina at the same time, this may be one of the most potent supports we’ve encountered.

Leatherfaze may have been discontinued a couple of years ago, but it can still be found on several sites, and in classic Hollywood horror villain fashion, it may be returning for a reboot.

3. Dark Labs – Crack

Yes, we know the name of this particular supplement is going to get people talking, but hopefully, that’s all it will do.

The somewhat controversially named ‘Crack’ from Polish supplement company Dark Labs, is one of the most popular DMAA-based pre-workout supplements in existence.

One of the reasons why so many people consider ‘Crack’ to be one of the best pre-workouts, is the fact that it has such an extensive ingredient list.

Crack is packed full of stimulants and all-natural botanical extracts designed to provide a wide range of different health benefits to all who use it.

DMAA for example, comes in at 60mg per scoop. Double up on your scoops like some people do, and that’s 120mg per serving.

As well as this, you’ll also find 200mg of caffeine per scoop, as well as L-arginine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, beetroot powder, choline, and much more besides.

Not only is this a supplement that is heavy on the stims, but it is also a supplement that has a reputation for providing some of the most impressive muscle pumps you can ever imagine.

Your muscles will be tighter and more pumped than ever when you try Crack for the first time (we can’t keep a straight face saying the name).

As far as endurance and athletic performance are concerned, as well as the energy-boosting DMAA and caffeine, Crack also contains Beetroot Powder, which is packed full of Nitric Oxide.

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Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator that dilates the blood vessels and boosts athletic performance by speeding up blood flow and oxygen transportation.

Not only does this improve muscle contractions, but it also gives you crazy muscle pumps by forcing more oxygenated blood into the muscles, causing them to look and feel harder and fuller.

Because ‘Crack’ is such a potent and popular pre-workout supplement, it is hard to come by, though with a little research and patience online, it can be done.

4 – Nemesis Project – Hive

Up next, we have the far more naturally titled ‘Hive’ by supplement company Nemesis Project.

Hive contains DMAA which is derived from Geranium Extract and is a pre-workout supplement that was created to not only improve your physical performance but also to provide nootropic benefits that improve your mood as well.

Hive is one of Nemesis Project’s most innovative supplements to date, and is a stim junkie’s dream come true.

Containing body tingling Beta Alanine, as well as L-Arginine and Betaine Anhydrous, Hive ramps up the stimulant content thanks to its DMAA and caffeine.

Contained within Hive you’ll find, per serving 100mg of DMAA, 100mg of DMHA, and 420mg of caffeine.

The caffeine alone is the equivalent of drinking 3 large cups of coffee, and that’s before we even get to the DMAA and DMHA.

As if that wasn’t enough, just to stimulate your brain even further, Hive also contains synephrine, theobromine, and Yohimbe extract.

Hive promotes muscle pumps and improved circulation thanks to the citrulline malate which increases Nitric Oxide production in the body and boosts circulation.

For muscle endurance and recovery, there’s beta-alanine, which helps to fight muscle fatigue.

One of the biggest downsides to a lot of pre-workout supplements is the fact that the effects don’t last.

Sure, you’ll feel slightly more energized and alert, but after an hour or so the effects will begin to fade.

If you train for a long time, or if you wait too long between taking your pre-workout and beginning your training, you may experience an energy crash partway through your session.

Hive, however, provides a slow and gradual energy release that is sustained for hours after consumption.

For those who take a lot of rest between sets, or who simply enjoy training for a long time, Hive is perfect.

5 – SoCal Supps – Wild Fire

Finally, last, but by no means least, we have Wild Fire from SoCal Supps.

As you can see, some of the best pre-workout supplements have some of the coolest-sounding names you’ll ever encounter, and Wild Fire is no different.

If you want to lift your mood and elevate your energy levels in the process, Wild Fire is the pre-workout supplement you should be focussing on.

Packed full of stimulants such as DMAA, DMHA, and caffeine, along with nootropics to improve mental clarity and focus, Wild Fire is just the thing you need to elevate your workouts to heights never seen before.

If you want a pre-workout at GNC that packs a punch, without providing ridiculous amounts of stimulants, Wild Fire has got you covered.

It contains modest amounts of stimulants compared to some of the supplements we’ve looked at today, but it is still more than potent enough for most people.

As far as stims go, Wild Fire contains 100mg of DMAA, 200mg of DMHA, and 350mg of caffeine per serving.

If you are looking to keep caffeine intake down, this is less than your recommended daily intake, as long as it’s the only source of caffeine you consume.

As well as those listed above, you’ll also find the usual suspects in this formula, such as Beta Alanine, Citrulline, Taurine, and even Pink Himalayan Salt.

To provide a sustained supply of energy there’s plenty of theanine.

Wild Fire will help you to get dialed in and ramped up for your workouts, without you risking an energy crash, or having the effects wear off before you’ve finished pumping iron and working out.

Is it the strongest DMAA-based pre-workout on the market?

No, but for some people, that’s a huge plus in itself.

Things To Consider When Choosing A DMAA Pre-Workout Supplements

Now that we’ve looked at some of the best DMAA-based pre-workout products that are currently on the market, we need to finish off with a look at what you can do to guarantee you’re getting the best DMAA supplement for your money.

As DMAA is such a controversial ingredient, and because these formulas are so powerful there is a lot to consider before you commit to buying.

To make your choice that little bit easier, check out these things to consider when choosing a pre-workout supplement.

Legality Issues

First and foremost, we’re going to address the elephant in the room directly and talk about the legal side of things when it comes to DMAA.

DMAA is a potent ingredient that has been found to provide several physical benefits to those who use it.

Because DMAA is such a powerful ingredient, it is banned in many countries and could be banned in several more over the next few years.

DMAA is banned in certain countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, and you need to be aware of this when buying supplements that contain it as an active ingredient.

If you try to take these supplements in a country where they are banned, this could lead to a hefty fine and some legal issues as well.

Despite the legal issues, there is no evidence that DMAA is any more dangerous than caffeine, especially when consumed as instructed, but for now, it is worth noting that there are legal issues surrounding DMAA in certain parts of the world.

Drugs Tests

Another thing to be wary of when it comes to DMAA and supplements containing DMAA is the fact that it could result in a failed drug test.

Fairly recently, USADA added DMAA to the list of banned substances which means that if you were to do a drugs test carried out by USADA and you tested positive for DMAA, you would be banned from competing in your chosen sport or activity.

There have been instances in the past where athletes have used pre-workout supplements containing DMAA, without realizing the ingredient was in there, and have subsequently tested positive in a drugs test.

The last thing you want is for this to happen to you, especially if it is legitimately an innocent mistake, which is why you should not use DMAA or supplements containing DMAA if you are in the testing pool for USADA, or any other organization for that matter.

Demand

As DMAA is gradually being phased out and banned in a lot of countries, supplements containing this potent ingredient are being snatched up very quickly.

If you have your favorite pre-workout supplement containing DMAA, and you find that the ingredient could soon be banned, don’t be surprised if finding your favorite supplement becomes harder and harder.

Just to add insult to injury, as if things weren’t already expensive enough, as DMAA products become rarer, the price will also increase.

This means that not only will you find it harder to find your favorite pre-workout supplements, but they will also become more and more expensive, especially as they become rarer and rarer.

Your Tolerance

Make no mistake about it, These products are potent and affect people in different ways.

Before you commit to a full dosage of your DMAA-based pre-workout of choice, the first thing you should do is assess your tolerance.

When you take your first serving, take a smaller dosage than recommended and assess how you feel.

If you find that it makes you feel unwell, or negatively impacts your mood, health, or your workout, you could be overly sensitive to stimulants, in which a stim-free pre-workout would be better.

On the flipside, if you don’t notice any real benefits or improvements, next time try upping your dose slightly and see how things go then.

If you can comfortably consume the recommended dosage, chances are that your tolerance levels aren’t too low, meaning that you shouldn’t experience any adverse reactions.

Your Training Goals

Finally, when you choose to use DMAA products, you need to choose the right formula based on your goals and your training.

If you need a bit of a light energy boost for a simple gym workout, for example, you would go with one of the weaker formulas on our list today, such as Wild Fire.

If however, you train hard and heavy, with a lot of intensity, and you burn through a lot of energy and adrenaline, a more powerful formula such as Hive, would be recommended.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are plenty of contenders for DMAA pre-workout supplements, so finding your pre-workout pick-me-up shouldn’t be too hard.

DMAA is a very powerful, and very controversial ingredient, however, so just consider this before you commit to using a DMAA-based supplementation, especially if this will be your first time doing so.