When it comes to getting the most out of your workouts, you want to make sure you're using all the tools at your disposal. Most importantly, you want to ensure you’re using the right supplements to suit your needs.

If you’re an active gym-goer, that means using a pre-workout supplement. 

With so many options, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. Pre-workout supplements come in many shapes, sizes, and goals, with one of the common misconceptions being whether to opt for a stim pre-workout (whether a high stim pre workout or low stim pre workout) or a non-stimulant pre-workout. 

Before you load your shaker, it’s important to understand the difference between non-stim pre workouts and stimulant pre workouts. Most of today's gym audience think that high stim pre workouts are the best choice for everyone, but they don’t know what they’re talking about. Whether you're looking for the best non-stim pre-workout Australia has to offer or you want to learn more about how these supplements can fuel your goals, we’ve got you covered.

What are Stimulants in Pre-Workouts

You might be wondering what the ‘stimulant’ part of a pre-workout supplement is. We’ll break it down. Stimulants in pre-workout supplements are designed to increase your energy levels and endurance during your workout, helping you to push through those last few reps and sets. 

Non stim pre workouts, on the other hand, support your focus and performance without the stimulating effects. This option is ideal if you’re training later in the day. The best non-stim pre-workout supplements in Australia provide a range of ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts to help support your focus, endurance, and overall athletic performance. Here are some of the most common stimulants that you can look out for in stimulant pre-workouts.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant commonly used in pre-workout supplements to support energy and focus during physical activity. It is the most common ingredient in pre-workout supplements and works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to feel tired, and instead increases the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with joy and alertness. The inclusion of caffeine in pre-workout supplements can support endurance and reduce fatigue, allowing you to push yourself further and get the most out of your workouts (Harvard. 2020). 

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that is often a crucial ingredient in pre-workout supplements. This formula can support muscle endurance and reduce fatigue during high-intensity exercises. Not only that, but taurine also supports mental function and is common in stimulant pre-workouts to help people stay focused and alert during their workouts (WebMD).

Ginseng

Ginseng, a medicinal herb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its numerous potential health benefits. Ginseng is a popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements as it is high in antioxidants and can support alertness, energy production, and immune function. Ginseng has been linked with brain function and can help fight fatigue and increase energy production (Semeco, A. 2023).

Green Tea

Green tea is a natural and effective ingredient commonly used in pre-workout supplements. As a type of tea made from unfermented leaves, it contains a high amount of catechins and antioxidants that support energy, performance, and metabolism. Green tea also contains caffeine, which can support energy production, focus, and endurance during exercise (Gunnars, K et al. 2023).

The Difference Between Stim and Non-Stim Pre-Workouts

It’s probably pretty obvious, but the key difference between high-stim pre-workouts and non-stim pre-workouts is the absence of the stimulants that we mentioned above.

Non-stimulant pre-workouts are specially formulated to provide you with all the benefits of a pre-workout supplement but without the jitters or energy crashes that sometimes come with high-stimulant pre-workouts. Non-stimulant pre-workouts are ideal if you train late in the day and don’t want anything to impact your sleep or if you’ve already had coffee or caffeine during that day and you don’t want to overdo it.

Not only can non-stim pre-workouts still support your performance, energy production, and focus, but they are also a great choice if you're sensitive to caffeine or other stimulant ingredients. They're the perfect way to level up your workouts without sacrificing your energy levels or causing unwanted side effects.

Are Stim or Non-Stim Pre-Workouts Better?

When it comes to pre-workout supplements, the big question on everyone's mind is whether stim or non-stim pre-workouts are better. The answer? It depends on your goals. If you're sensitive to caffeine, or you're pregnant or taking medications that advise against caffeine consumption, then a non-stim pre-workout is likely the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a high tolerance for caffeine and need that extra kick to get going at the gym, then a high-stim pre-workout will serve you best.

If you’re looking for the best non stim pre workout in Australia, Evolve Carnitine RX can fuel your performance. This stimulant-free formula is sugar-free and vegan-friendly, supporting clean energy with a combination of L-carnitine fumarate, L-carnitine tartrate, and N-acetyl L-carnitine to support your performance and body goals.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a high-stimulant option to help you maximise your performance, you can’t go wrong with Evolve Avenger. This formula is high-stim and contains zero banned substances. With a blueprint of hard-hitting ingredients, Avenger can support your performance goals and help you raise the bar.

If you’re working towards specific body goals, don’t overlook Evolve Pyro. This moderate-stim thermogenic is designed to support your body goals with a combination of thermogenic ingredients.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that every person is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. There is no ‘best’ option; the most effective solution depends on your personal goals and requirements.

The Rundown

When it comes to selecting a pre-workout supplement, it's important to consider what works best for your body and fitness goals. While stim pre-workout formulas may work well for some, non-stim pre-workouts also offer a range of benefits that cannot be ignored and are effective if you’re looking for a formula without the jitters or energy crashes that can come with stimulants. Ultimately, the best pre workout is the one that suits your needs and preferences, so make sure you consider your own needs and goals and don’t just follow the hype.

For more information about how non-stim pre-workouts, high-stim pre-workouts, and low-stim pre-workouts can work differently to support your performance goals, chat with our knowledgeable team at Evolve Nutrition today or reach out online. To learn more about how to get the best out of your pre-workout, check out our blog on How to Avoid a Pre-Workout Crash.

References

Harvard School of Public Health. 2020, ‘Caffeine’, The Nutrition Source, accessed January 2024, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/caffeine/ 

Stoppani, J. 2021, ‘How to Take L-Carnitine Correcly to Boost Your Training’, Bodybuilding, accessed January 2024, https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/your-expert-guide-to-l-carnitine.html 

WebMD. ‘Taurine - Uses, Side Effects, and More’, WebMD, accessed January 2024, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1024/taurine

Semeco, A. 2023, ‘7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng’, Healthline, accessed January 2024, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits#reduces-inflammation 

Gunnars, K et al. 2023, ‘10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea’, Healthline, accessed January 2024, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea