Performance Enhancers and Pre-Workout

Performance boosters and PWO products: everything you need to know

What are PWO products?

PWO products (pre-workout), also known as performance boosters or workout boosters, are supplements designed to enhance physical performance before a workout.
They typically contain ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline, which together can help increase energy, focus, endurance, and muscle pump.

PWO products are available in different forms:

• PWO powder: a versatile and economical option that is mixed with water before use.

• Pre-workout shot: an easy-to-use ready-to-drink option that suits busy situations.

• Capsules and tablets: a simple way to take PWO supplements without mixing a drink.

The most common ingredients and their benefits

1. Caffeine: the best-known stimulant that increases alertness, improves focus, and reduces fatigue. Common in PWO products in 150–400 mg servings. Our selection also includes caffeine-free PWO options for those who want to avoid stimulants.

2. Creatine: enhances short, high-intensity efforts, e.g., during strength training. It may improve muscle strength and help with muscle recovery.

3. Beta-alanine: reduces lactic acid build-up and improves endurance in longer efforts. A downside can be skin tingling, which is harmless but common.

4. Citrulline and arginine: these amino acids help improve blood flow and increase muscle pump, which aids in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.

5. Nitrates: nitrate-rich PWO products (e.g., beetroot juice) can improve aerobic performance and endurance.

When and how to use PWO products?

PWO products are recommended about 15–30 minutes before your workout, so their effects start enhancing performance at just the right time. It is important to choose the right product based on your training goals:

• Caffeine-containing pre-workout: for high-intensity workouts such as HIIT or strength training.

• Caffeine-free PWO: for late-evening workouts or for sensitive individuals who do not tolerate stimulants, or do not want to use them much.

Benefits and drawbacks of pre-workout products

Benefits:

• Increases energy and focus (caffeine and adaptogens).

• Improves power output and endurance (creatine and beta-alanine).

• Reduces fatigue and speeds up recovery (electrolytes and amino acids).

• Increases muscle pump and enhances blood flow (citrulline and nitrates).

Drawbacks:

• Caffeine sensitivity: excessive caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, or heart palpitations.

• Skin tingling: beta-alanine can cause temporary discomfort if you are hypersensitive. This is harmless, but some users may find the sensation unpleasant.

• Tolerance: regular use can reduce the effect of a performance booster, so it is advisable to schedule breaks in use, or alternatively switch between a couple of different boosters weekly.

How to choose the best PWO product?

The best pre-workout product depends on your needs:

• Choose a stimulant-free PWO if you want to avoid caffeine and other stimulating ingredients.

• If your goal is maximum power output, choose a product that contains creatine.

• Maximize endurance and muscle pump with citrulline or arginine.

• A pre-workout shot suits quick use, whereas powder is more cost-effective for regular use.

Summary

PWO products are a great way to boost training performance and raise your level of output. However, they do not replace a healthy diet and a balanced training program. When used correctly, they can offer significant benefits such as increased energy, better endurance, and more effective recovery.

Tip: Explore a wide selection of PWO products and find the option that suits you best! You can choose a stimulant-containing or caffeine-free pre-workout tailored to your needs from our extensive range.