Table of Contents:
- Opening Thoughts
- Ingredients for Pump
- Ingredients for Focus
- Ingredients for Energy
- Ingredients for Performance
- Ingredients for Recovery
- Black Pepper Extract
- Vitamins & Electrolytes
- Is Pre-Workout Safe for Men and Women?
- Final Thoughts
Stepping into the world of fitness often means embracing the power of pre-workout supplements. This blend of carefully selected ingredients is designed to uplift various aspects of your exercise routine, from muscle pump to mental focus and overall performance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the key ingredients that make up an effective pre-workout.
At Blackjack Nutrition, we wanted to design a pre-workout that you can feel. This
shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor either. Our unique recipe is taking people by surprise with all the high stim tingles and tasty flavors that hit just right. Get motivated to go to the gym knowing you get to drink Blackout Surge. To lessen any hesitations you might have about our pre, we wanted to write up this little guide that will give you a better understanding of our pre-workout ingredients. Because some ingredients have multiple functions, you will see the same ingredient listed more than once.
Now, grab your pre and your popcorn, and let’s get right into it…🍿
“The most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is the pump.”
-Arnold Schwarzenegger
Ingredients for Pump:
1. L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is #1 in the pump category due to its ability to increase nitric oxide production, promoting vasodilation and enhancing blood flow to the muscles. This results in a satisfying, muscle-swelling pump during your workout, cultivating nutrient delivery and waste removal.
2. Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine Sulfate helps sustain the pump initiated by L-Citrulline. It inhibits nitric oxide synthase, preventing its breakdown and prolonging the vasodilatory effects. This tandem ensures sustained blood flow, contributing to improved nutrient delivery and muscle fullness.
Ingredients for Focus:
1. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)
NALT supports the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function, helping you stay sharp and focused throughout your workout.
2. Choline DL-Bitartrate
Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and cognitive function. By supplying your body with Choline DL-Bitartrate, you ensure adequate choline levels, supporting both mind-muscle connection and mental clarity during your training.
3. Caffeine Anhydrous
A classic ingredient in pre-workouts except non-stim pre-workouts. Increases alertness and concentration by blocking adenosine receptors. It ensures a balanced stimulation without overwhelming the other focus-promoting ingredients.
Ingredients for Energy:
1. Caffeine
The star of the show when it comes to energy. Caffeine stimulates neurons in the neural pathways of the brain to increase sharpness, alertness, and overall activity to keep you moving quickly.
2. Taurine
Taurine acts as a cell volumizer, aiding in the transport of nutrients into the muscle cells. It is often found in energy drinks for its widespread purpose of amplifying the effects of caffeine. This amino acid contributes to sustained energy levels and helps delay fatigue, providing a steady energy boost throughout your workout.
3. Yohimbine
Yohimbine, derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree, is a thermogenic that promotes fat loss and provides a mild energy boost. It is a stimulant that increases adrenaline levels, which leads to improved energy.
4. NALT
This amino acid is the precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine (feel-good hormones). Because of its ability to reduce stress, it is considered to increase energy levels in return.
5. Choline DL-Bitartrate
A secondary function of this nutrient is to contribute to energy by use of methylation, acetylcholine synthesis, and maintenance of cell membrane structure.
Ingredients for Performance:
1. Beta Alanine
Produced naturally in the body, this amino acid combines with histidine to form carnosine. Increased carnosine levels in muscles will help delay lactic acid buildup during workouts, hindering fatigue and boosting performance.
2. Betaine Anhydrous
Supports performance by magnifying muscular endurance and power output. By aiding in creatine synthesis and promoting hydration, it contributes to overall workout capacity.
3. L-Citrulline
An amino acid that increases nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to muscles. The improved blood flow will contribute to enrich exercise performance. L-Citrulline is naturally made in the body and most commonly found in watermelon.
4. NALT
Plays a key role in mood, focus, and stress response by pumping out more feel-good hormones. In situations with intense physical activity, optimal levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine are required. In turn, the body will be able to perform better.
5. Agmatine Sulfate
A naturally occurring chemical believed to intensify nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow by widening blood vessels and securing nutrient delivery to muscles. In some studies, agmatine sulfate can act as an analgesic (pain-reducing), which can help the body tolerate discomfort during training.
6. Taurine
An amino acid that has been studied for its ability to reduce muscle soreness and improve exercise performance. In addition, Taurine also strengthens cardiovascular function during exercise.
7. Caffeine
A well-known and common stimulant that will increase alertness, reduce perceived effort during exercise, and improve physical performance.
8. Choline DL-Bitartrate
The precursor to acetylcholine and the neurotransmitter involved in muscle control. Boosted choline levels will support neuromuscular function during exercise.
Ingredients for Recovery:
1. Taurine
Taurine, known for its role in energy production, also supports recovery by reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. It is also naturally occurring in foods like meat, diary, and shellfish; and has antioxidant properties.
2. Beta Alanine
A naturally occurring amino acid that, by increasing carnosine levels, will help buffer lactic acid buildup during exercise. This will reduce muscle soreness and contribute to faster recovery.
3. L-Citrulline
A naturally occurring amino acid that improves blood flow, increases nitric oxide production, and aids in nutrient delivery to muscles which directly helps recovery.
Hmmm…I feel like we’re forgetting something.
Black Pepper Extract!
BPE, for short, has an active compound called piperine, which is often included in fitness supplements for its unique purpose to increase the bioavailability and absorption of other ingredients. Basically, it helps the other ingredients absorb into your body quicker. Piperine has antioxidant properties which help neutralize harmful free-radicals in the body.
Vitamins & Electrolytes:
1. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
This powerful antioxidant is in charge of neutralizing free radicals generated during exercise. By combating oxidative stress, Vitamin C protects cells from damage while also supporting overall immune function.
2. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Aids in converting food into usable energy during strenuous workouts, which contributes to energy metabolism. Niacinamide will help sustain endurance and capitalize on nutrient delivery.
3. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL)
Supports protein synthesis and the formation of neurotransmitters, essential for the metabolism of amino acids. This will help strengthen your mind-muscle connection during training.
4. Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Your body uses this vitamin to create and maintain red blood cells, which directly translates to better neurological function. It also supports oxygen delivery to muscles and helps you keep your mental focus sharp during your workout.
5. Calcium (Calcium Citrate)
Everyone knows Calcium makes strong bones, but it also makes your muscles contract and helps transmit signals across nerves. This creates optimal muscle function, which contributes to strength and coordination.
6. Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate)
An essential mineral and electrolyte that aids in muscle relaxation, energy production, electrolyte balance, and heart health. Magnesium will help your muscles stay loose, so you get less cramps.
7. Sodium (Sodium Chloride)
A key mineral and electrolyte that's main purpose is to promote fluid balance. Secondly, Sodium also keeps nerve function healthy, as well as muscle contractions. Sodium will help your body retain water, so you do not become dehydrated during intense physical training.
8. Potassium (Potassium Chloride)
One of the most important minerals you can give to your body. It is essential for maintaining fluid balance and regulating heart and muscle contractions. Like calcium, Potassium also helps signals transmit across nerve endings. Additionally, Potassium has the ability to reduce blood pressure and dry up excess water retained from Sodium, so you’re not holding onto that water forever.
Is Pre-Workout Safe for Men and Women?
YES! Pre-workout is safe for both men and women! If you are 18+, it is safe to use as directed. Here are some factors to keep in mind if you are unsure:
Caffeine Sensitivity:
First of all, if you know you have a problem with caffeine, but you want a pre-workout, you should be searching for a “Non-stim” pre-workout. Non-stim pre does not have caffeine in it. Caffeine, in higher doses, can cause jitteriness and/or sleep disruptions. The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine recommends not consuming caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. If you drink your pre closer to bedtime, do expect to be up later than usual…
Underlying Health Conditions:
If you have pre-existing health conditions or sensitivities, you should consult with your doctor before using pre-workout. Certain ingredients may interfere with medications or exacerbate health issues, especially heart conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
It is generally safe to consume pre-workout while pregnant or breastfeeding, but keeping the caffeine intake below 300 milligrams per day is advisable by health professionals. A higher dose of caffeine could possibly affect a baby, as trace amounts of caffeine can transfer through breast milk.
Quality:
Choose pre-workout supplements from reputable brands that provide transparent information about their ingredients, dosages, and potential side effects (like us). Look for products that adhere to quality standards (also us).
Dosage:
Follow the recommended dosage on the product label and avoid excessive intake. If the product contains stimulants like caffeine, consider the timing of consumption to avoid sleep problems.
Choosing the right pre-workout involves understanding the role each ingredient
plays in augmenting your fitness journey. From pump-inducing L-Citrulline to the cognitive benefits of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, the winning combination is all about balance. Blackout Surge is all that, and more; it’s literally gold. We took the time to find the treasure so you don’t have to, and we want to share it with everyone. Just open the chest, and grab the gold. Cheers to getting sick pumps and crushing pr’s!