7 Best Pre-Workouts At GNC
Reading Time: 14 minutes Are you looking to take your workouts up a gear? Maybe you’ve hit a plateau and you can’t seem to break through, no matter how hard you try.
Perhaps you’re simply lacking the energy and motivation needed to train.
Whatever your circumstances, it sounds as if a pre-workout supplement could be the solution to all your exercise woes.
Pre-workouts at supplement stores, for example, are proving incredibly popular as of late, as more people are discovering just how effective they can be.
Pre-workout supplements help give you a boost of energy when you need it the most. They provide energy, mental focus, mental clarity, increases in muscular endurance, and a whole lot more besides.
Primarily they contain ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, creatine, and amino acids such as BCAAs, Glutamine, and L-Arginine. Some, however, are free of stimulants and provide a natural boost of energy. Others, though, are full of stims and will give you more energy than the Duracell Bunny factory.
If you are looking for a pre-workout pick-me-up, however, GNC supplements are ideal. Here’s a look at several popular pre-workouts at GNC stores.
Tips For Choosing a Pre-Workout Supplement:
Before we can start looking at some of the more popular pre-workout supplements currently on the market, we’re first going to share some tips to help you make the right choice.
Buying a pre-workout supplement is easy, but buying one that not only works but is also safe? That’s where things get tricky.
To help ensure you make the right decision, here’s a look at several tips for choosing a pre-workout supplement.
Factor In Your Goals
The first tip we have for you today is to always factor in your goals when deciding upon a supplement.
Different people train with different goals and objectives in mind and consequently, they need different things from their training.
Some people train to build muscle, some train for strength, some train for endurance, and some simply train for health. Whatever your goals are, however, make sure you factor them into the equation when deciding upon a pre-workout.
If for example, you’re a powerlifter and are training for a heavy squat, bench, and deadlift, you’re going to expend a lot of energy when training, which is why a pre-workout packing a hefty punch of caffeine and amino acids would be recommended.
If, however, you’re simply training to get a little fitter, a low-caffeine pre-workout, or even a stim-free pre-workout supplement should do the job.
Don’t Look For The Cheapest Option
In the world of fitness supplements, and indeed, many other things for that matter, it’s important to focus on quality over price.
If you simply look for the cheapest pre-workout supplement you can find, there’s no guarantee that it’ll do what it’s supposed to do.
Not only that, but if it’s ridiculously cheap compared with some of the other supplements out there, you could very well find that it is packed full of filler ingredients, or worse still, untested ingredients which could be dangerous.
Pre-workouts at GNC stores and other reputable fitness stores are priced fairly indeed, so don’t simply try looking for the cheapest option possible.
Don’t Assume That The Most Expensive Option Is The Best
As well as ensuring that you don’t just look for the cheapest option when buying a pre-workout powder, don’t assume that the most expensive supplement is the best.
Yes, we understand that you get what you pay for in this world and that generally speaking, premium quality products tend to cost more, but don’t assume that a pre-workout powder is going to be the best just because it’s the most expensive.
Some pre-workout supplements are vastly overpriced, and generally speaking, you often find that more expensive and established brands tend to charge a little more, simply because they can.
We all know that established supplement brands such as BSN, Optimum Nutrition, and Muscle Tech are going to cost more than smaller brands, but don’t assume that they are always going to be better.
Read The Ingredients
This should go without saying really, but we’re going to say it anyway. When deciding upon a pre-workout supplement, always make sure you read the ingredients beforehand.
Some of the best pre-workouts at GNC supplement stores, for example, are loaded full of ingredients designed to improve athletic performance, boost mental clarity and focus, and increase your energy levels. The problem is that not everybody responds favourably to certain ingredients.
If for example, you are sensitive to caffeine, a low-caffeine, or caffeine-free pre-workout supplement would be better for you than one rich in caffeine and stimulants. If you’ve found yourself to be a creatine non-responder, pre-workouts rich in creatine won’t be much good.
Before you decide upon a pre-workout powder, make sure you read the ingredients, and indeed, the ratio of ingredients to help ensure that you’re getting a supplement that is going to work specifically for you.
Consider Whether The Ingredients Will Affect You In Other Ways
Sure, it’s all well and good to take a powerful pre-workout supplement and have one of the best workouts in who knows how long, but what about after you’ve finished training?
As great as pre-workout supplements at GNC stores, and other supplement stores can be, the simple fact of the matter is that they are very potent and the ingredients can affect you in a variety of different ways if you aren’t careful.
Some people with sensitive stomachs, for example, find that the ingredients that some formulas contain can cause digestive issues. People may experience bloating, gas, flatulence, constipation, or diarrhoea after taking a pre-workout.
Another possible reason why these supplements can affect you is because of their high caffeine content. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and they may find that these powders cause them to suffer from insomnia, disrupted sleep, shaking, sweating, trouble relaxing, or even anxiety.
Before you commit to purchasing a pre-workout supplement, just make sure that none of the ingredients that it contains are going to affect you outside of the gym. Remember, looking after your mental health is so, so important, so if caffeine is a trigger for anxiety, a stim-free supplement may be the way forward.
Know Which Ingredients To Look For
Of course, different pre-workout supplement companies create different blends and different formulas, so of course some will have unique ingredients, and different ratios to others.
With that said, however, it’s important to know which ingredients to look for when choosing a pre-workout supplement.
Common ingredients in these formulas include things such as caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine, BCAAs, L-Arginine, L-glutamine, Taurine, Nitric Oxide, L-tyrosine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, and L-Theanine.
As well as the above, you may find that some pre-workouts prefer a more natural and holistic approach. In this instance, you’ll find that ingredients such as Tribulus Terrestris, Korean Ginseng, Piperine, Zinc, Magnesium, Maca, and Ashwagandha, are commonly used.
Whichever approach to nutrition you prefer to take, it’s essential to know which ingredients are commonly used in these supplements, and which ones to look for.
Powder Or Pill?
The vast majority of the time, when it comes to pre-workout supplements, you’ll find that they are commonly sold as powders, rather than pills or in liquid form. With that said, however, some brands offer these supps in pill form, so it’s down to you to decide which to go for.
Powdered supplements are generally absorbed much quicker and much easier by the body. They are also easier to take as you simply mix them with water and away you go. Some people, however, prefer their supplements in pill form.
If you’re looking to delay the effects of a pre-workout supplement, a pill or tablet might be the way to go because it will take longer for the body to break it down and absorb it. If, however, you’re looking to enjoy the effects quickly, a pre-workout in powdered form would be the way to go.
Again, it’s largely down to personal preference so decide what you’re most comfortable with, and what is likely to yield the best results for you.
Choose A Flavour You Enjoy
One of the hardest parts about choosing a pre-workout product isn’t deciding what supplement to go with, but rather, what flavour to go with.
One of the main things about pre-workout supplements is the fact that there are so many different flavours to go with. Seriously, there are probably hundreds of different flavour combos, so finding one you enjoy is essential.
Yes, we know that a pre-workout supp is designed mainly to boost your workouts and give you more energy when training, but even so, you need to ensure that you enjoy the supplement you’re using. If not, you’ll be less likely to continue using it after a few sessions.
Some likely flavours you’ll come across include things such as blue raspberry, cherry cola, blue lemonade, strawberry and lemon juice, lemon-lime, lemonade, sour apple, mixed berry, tropical punch, bubblegum, and so, so many more.
Most pre-workouts are sweet, fruity, and a little sharp, so if you enjoy these kinds of flavours you’re going to be happy. If not, however, there are some exceptions, or you could simply go for a flavourless blend instead.
Top 7 Pre-Workouts At GNC
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
Editor’s Choice1  | Ghost, Legend V3 Pre-Workout | 10 | |
#2nd Best Choice2  | Beyond Raw, Lit Pre-Workout | 9.8 | |
#3rd Best Choice3  | Beyond Raw Lit AF | 9.7 |
Okay, so now that we’ve hopefully helped you to know what to look for when choosing a pre-workout supp, the only thing left to do is give you some recommendations.
If you’re in the market for a pre-workout powder to take your workouts to a whole other dimension, check out these 7 pre-workout supplements available at GNC stores nationwide and beyond.
In no particular order, here are 7 of the best GNC pre-workout supplements currently on the market.
1 – Ghost, Legend V3 Pre-Workout
Overall Score: 5.0
Up first on our list today we have this potent offering from supplement company ‘Ghost’.
Ghost, Legend V3 pre-workout offers the perfect combination of energy, mental focus, muscle pumps, and endurance, all wrapped into one hugely powerful supplement.
If you’re a user of social media, particularly TikTok, chances are you’ll be familiar with the Ghost supplement brand. Their spooky little ghost mascot and eye-catching font really stand out and have been appealing, especially to younger users of these products.
If you’re training with energy and pumps in mind, Legend V3 is the ultimate supplement for you. With strong doses of L-Citrulline, you’ll find that more blood is able to rush to your muscles, leaving them feeling rock hard and more pumped than ever. If you want to look jacked, Ghost, Legend V3 is the ideal supplement for you.
The caffeine content is also impressive, with a very respectable 250mg of caffeine per serving.
Vegan-friendly, sugar-free, soy and gluten-free, and with an increased dose of Nitrosigine for more impressive muscle pumps, it’s easy to understand why so many people have been so impressed with this supplement.
2 – Beyond Raw, Lit Pre-Workout
Overall Score: 4.9
Beyond Raw may not be a supplement company that is as established as some brands out there, but give it time and that is likely to change.
Their Lit, pre-workout is proving to be one of the most popular supplements on the GNC website, and if you’ve ever tried it for yourself, you’ll understand exactly why that is.
Lit is packed full of ingredients such as caffeine anhydrous, creatine, Beta-Alanine, and L-Citrulline to offer physical and mental benefits when it comes to energy production.
Designed to fight fatigue, while boosting energy and endurance, it’s the perfect pre-workout for people who are struggling to find the energy and motivation needed to train.
3 – Beyond Raw Lit AF
Overall Score: 4.7
Okay, so assuming you like Lit, but found yourself needing a little extra something when training. If this is indeed the case, then you need to get Lit AF!
Lit AF takes an already very popular and very impressive pre-workout supplement in the form of LIT, and takes it to a whole other level entirely. Think of LIT AF as the younger, more energetic, stronger, and more hyperactive brother of Lit.
This advanced formula pre-workout is designed for people who train hard, train heavy, and train intensely. For times when a standard pre-workout just isn’t going to cut the mustard, Lit AF has your back.
Not only does a serving of Beyond Raw Lit AF provide you with a whopping 300g of caffeine, but you will also enjoy 2g of creatine monohydrate, along with 8 grams of citrulline malate. That means that not only will you enjoy plenty of energy and mental focus, but your muscles will also feel harder and more pumped than ever.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lit AF also provides 400mg per serving of their Peak ATP, which is designed to boost blood flow, circulation, and oxygen transportation to the muscles.
4 – Cellucor C4 Ripped
Overall Score: 4.5
Cellucor is a supplement company that is doing great things in the world of fitness, and they are a brand that is growing every single day. As a result of this, they provide a wide range of very impressive products. Their C4 Ripped pre-workout is a prime example of this.
Cellucor C4 Ripped is one of the most effective pre-workout supplements currently available for purchase. It is potent enough to provide a substantial increase in energy and focus, without being so powerful that you don’t sleep for a week, or end up shaking like you’re in the midst of an earthquake.
Using their patented ‘get ripped’ formula, you’ll find Nitric Oxide, Carnosine, L-Citrulline, Cayenne extract, green coffee bean extract, and more besides.
Cellucor C4 Ripped is a supplement for people who want a noticeable boost to their energy levels, without going too crazy. It’s perfect for people who train for endurance and stamina and is a great way to naturally increase your energy levels without saturating your system with caffeine.
5 – PMD, BCAA Charged +
Overall Score: 4.3
Up next we have this very popular pre-workout sup from PMD.
BCAA Charged + contains, as you might expect, BCAAs, or Branch Chain Amino Acids. Consisting of leucine, valine, and isoleucine, BCAAs get their name from the fact that their chemical structure resembles that of a tree branch.
Containing protein, B vitamins, minerals, and their patented Charged + blend consisting of caffeine anhydrous, green tea extract and green coffee bean extract, PMD Charged + is ideal for CrossFit-style workouts requiring more of a gradual and sustained release of energy.
6 – Bucked Up, Woke AF
Overall Score: 4.0
You know how they say ‘Go woke, go broke’? Well, that is most certainly not the case when it comes to this powerful supplement.
With a name like Bucked Up, you just know this company is not afraid to push boundaries, and they have certainly done that with this supplement.
This high stimulant pre-workout supplement is not for amateurs or people not willing to give 100% to their workouts. Woke AF gives users a boost of energy where they need it the most, accompanied by muscle-bursting pumps, and deer antler velvet (hence the name) for faster rates of recovery after a tough workout.
With 6g of citrulline per serving to boost Nitric Oxide production and enhance circulation, Beta-Alanine, vitamin B12, and Actigin to enhance athletic performance and increase your VO2 Max, it’s easy to see why this supp is getting such positive reviews.
At 333mg of caffeine per serving, however, it is also the most powerful supp on our list today. If you’re stuck in a rut (see what we did there with the deer connection?) and are looking to improve your workouts, Woke AF is perfect.
7 – GNC, AMP Ultra Nox
Overall Score: 3.8
Finally, it’s only right that we finish up with this beauty.
GNC AMP Ultra Nox is a stim-free pre-workout supplement in capsule form, that’s ideal for people who need a mental and physical energy boost when training, without flooding their bodies with stimulants such as caffeine.
Enriched with anti-fatigue ingredients, and a formula designed to naturally boost circulation, L-Citrulline and Nitrosigine are the stars of the show here.
Obviously, if you’re looking to set a new raw powerlifting record you’ll likely need something a little stronger, but for a gradual, sustainable, and natural increase in energy and blood flow, GNC AMP Ultra Nox is perfect.
Final Thoughts
Okay, that brings this look at the best pre-workouts at GNC supplement stores to a close. Hopefully, the information found above has been insightful and useful and will help you decide upon your next pre-workout supplement.
Pre-workout supplements don’t work miracles, and they certainly aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet and regular training regime. If you are struggling to find the energy, endurance, and motivation needed to get through a workout, however, any of the 7 supplements listed above should prove extremely useful indeed.
