One of the hottest topics in the CrossFit training space is the use of pre-workouts. Pre-workouts can be a powerful tool if you struggle to find the energy to train early or late in the day. 

However, they also provide other performance-enhancing benefits, such as increased blood flow and alertness. These benefits are especially valuable for CrossFit athletes who require both physical endurance and mental sharpness to excel in your workouts.

There is a wide variety of pre-workout supplements available to CrossFit athletes, and unfortunately, that also means quality can be all over the place.

With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to discern which products are truly effective and worth your investment.

To help you navigate this crowded marketplace, I’ve compiled a list of my top five pre-workout supplements based on various factors.

This list includes options that cater to different goals, whether you need a boost in energy, a stimulant-free option, or something budget-friendly without compromising quality. 

I have chosen these five pre-workouts based on my 10-year combined experience as a CrossFit coach and Performance Physical Therapist, observing what has worked best for my clients and my own performance.

If you are thinking about adding a pre-workout supplement to your nutrition, then you’ll definitely want to check these out.

Whether you are new to pre-workouts or looking to switch up your current routine, this guide will help you find the perfect supplement to meet your training needs and make the best choice to help you smash your next CrossFit workout.

The 5 Best CrossFit Pre Workout Supplements

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Best Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout is ideal for CrossFit athletes who are focused on muscle building and performance enhancement.

It features clinically dosed nitric oxide boosters and ergogenic aids to enhance strength, stamina, muscle pumps, along with AlphaSize® alpha-GPC, PurCaf® caffeine, L-tyrosine, and taurine for improved mental acuity and energy.

Natural testosterone-supporting ingredients aid muscle growth and muscle recovery, and it’s naturally flavored with stevia.

Most Caffeine: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

Legion Pulse Pre Workout is perfect for CrossFitters seeking maximum caffeine to boost energy, focus, and power output.

This supplement contains a clinically effective dose of key ingredients, including caffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, Alpha-GPC, and betaine.

The high caffeine level of 350 mg of caffeine anhydrous improves energy levels and power output, while L-theanine reduces jitters, providing smooth, sustained focus.

Citrulline malate increases nitric oxide production for better blood flow and endurance, and beta-alanine delays fatigue by buffering lactic acid build-up. Alpha-GPC enhances cognitive function, and betaine boosts muscle endurance.

Best For Stimulant Free: 1 Up Nutrition Stim Free Pre Workout

1 Up Nutrition Stim Free Pre Workout is ideal for athletes sensitive to caffeine or those cycling off stimulants.

It features potent ingredients like citrulline and Nitrosigine® to boost nitric oxide levels, enhancing blood flow and reducing exercise-related fatigue.

EelevATP® increases mitochondrial ATP production for non-stimulatory clean energy, while betaine anhydrous promotes muscle growth and hydration.

L-taurine reduces muscular fatigue, and cognitive enhancers like DMAE bitartrate, L-tyrosine, and 1% Huperzine A improve focus and alertness.

This blend ensures optimal performance and mental acuity without the use of stimulants.

Best For Endurance Boosts: SNAP Supplements Nitric Oxide Organic Beets

SNAP Supplements Nitric Oxide Organic Beets is designed to maximize nitric oxide production, enhancing endurance and muscle pump.

The key ingredient, organic beetroot, is a potent nitric oxide catalyst, boosting blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles.

Oxystorm ensures sustained nitrate levels for prolonged effects, while BioPerine improves antioxidant bioavailability.

Additionally, B vitamins support energy and stress management.

This potent combination of ingredients enhances athletic performance by increasing endurance and promoting better muscle pumps via increased blood flow.

Best Price: Cellucor C4 Pre Workout

C4 Pre Workout is the most budget-friendly option but is still high quality. It’s one of the most well-known brands in the pre-workout space.

It contains 200mg of caffeine for intense energy and focus and Huperzine A to enhance cognitive function.

The Velox® Performance Blend combines L-Citrulline and L-Arginine to improve performance, pump, and recovery.

Creatine nitrate supports increased pump and training performance, while CarnoSyn® Beta-alone helps combat muscular fatigue and enhance endurance.

Additionally, PeptiPump® Bioactive Lentil Peptides work with the Velox® blend and Creatine Nitrate to further boost pump and performance.

What Are Pre-Workout Supplements?

Pre-workout supplements are specifically formulated products designed to be consumed before physical exercise. Their primary aim is to enhance athletic performance by providing a significant energy boost, increasing endurance, and improving focus during workouts.

These supplements are particularly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts like you if you’re looking to maximize your training sessions and achieve better results.

The formulation of pre-workout supplements typically includes a variety of ingredients that work synergistically to optimize both physical and mental performance.

Common forms of pre-workouts include powders, capsules, and drinks, allowing users to choose the most convenient option for your routine.

Pre-workout supplements cater to a wide range of fitness goals, from boosting energy levels for early morning sessions to providing the stamina needed for extended training periods.

The versatility and efficacy of these supplements make them a valuable addition to any athlete’s regimen.

By choosing the right pre-workout supplement, you can experience noticeable improvements in workout performance, helping you to achieve your fitness goals more quickly.

Common Ingredients In CrossFit Pre Workout Supplements

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most common ingredients in pre-workout supplements.

It is a powerful stimulant that increases alertness, reduces perceived exertion, and enhances overall workout performance. (1)

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which helps delay the onset of fatigue and energize you throughout your workout.

Beta Alanine

Beta alanine is one of the eleven non essential amino acids that the body produces, and it is crucial in preventing lactic acid buildup during an intense workout.

By increasing carnosine levels, beta-alanine helps delay muscle fatigue and boost muscular endurance, allowing athletes to perform high-intensity exercise for extended periods. (2) 

This can be particularly beneficial for CrossFit athletes who engage in intense, short-duration exercises that rapidly accumulate lactic acid.

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is a well-researched ingredient known for improving muscle strength, power, and muscle mass. 

It works by increasing the availability of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in cells.

This enhances the ability to perform high-intensity, explosive movements. Which is especially advantageous for CrossFit athletes when they are lifting heavy weights. (3)

Nitric Oxide Boosters

Nitric oxide boosters, such as L-arginine and beetroot extract, are included in pre-workout supplements to enhance muscle blood flow. 

These ingredients help dilate blood vessels, allowing for better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles and improving cardiovascular exercise performance.

Improved blood flow can result in better performance, reduced fatigue, and a more significant muscle pump during workouts. (4)

How Pre Workout Supplements Work

Pre-workout supplements work by combining various ingredients that synergistically enhance different aspects of physical and mental performance.

Stimulants like caffeine increase alertness and energy levels, allowing athletes to train harder and longer. (1)

Amino acids like beta-alanine and creatine help buffer fatigue and improve strength and endurance. (3)

Nitric oxide boosters enhance blood flow, which supports muscle performance and recovery. (4)

When consumed before exercise, these ingredients quickly enter the bloodstream and take effect, typically within 30 to 60 minutes.

The enhanced energy, focus, and endurance provided by pre-workout supplements can help you push through challenging workouts, perform at your best, and achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.

General Benefits For CrossFit Athletes

Pre-workout supplements offer several benefits that are particularly advantageous for CrossFit athletes.

Here are the main ones:

Increased Energy

One of the primary benefits of pre-workout supplements is the significant boost in energy levels.

Ingredients like caffeine help CrossFit athletes like yourself maintain high energy throughout workouts, especially if you’re training before or after work hours.

Improved Endurance

Pre-workouts often contain ingredients such as beta-alanine and nitric oxide boosters.

These help delay muscle fatigue, decrease recovery time, and improve oxygen delivery to muscles, enabling athletes to sustain high-intensity efforts for extended periods.

Enhanced Focus

Mental focus is crucial for CrossFit athletes who must maintain concentration during complex movements and high-intensity workouts.

Stimulants like caffeine and other nootropic ingredients found in pre-workout supplements help improve cognitive function, allowing athletes to stay focused.

How to Choose the Right Pre Workout Supplement for Your Needs

Choosing the right pre-workout supplement is crucial for optimizing your performance in CrossFit. This decision involves considering your specific performance goals, caffeine sensitivity, and budget.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining which supplement will best support your training needs.

Performance Goals

Aligning your pre-workout supplement with your performance goals is essential. 

Alertness

If your primary aim is to improve alertness and focus during workouts, look for supplements containing caffeine. For example, Legion Pulse is known for its high caffeine content, which provides a substantial energy boost and enhanced mental acuity. 

Lactate Tolerance

if you’re looking to improve lactate tolerance and delay fatigue, beta-alanine is a key ingredient. Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout includes clinically effective doses of beta-alanine, helping you sustain high-intensity efforts for longer periods.

Strength & Power Performance

For those aiming to enhance strength performance, creatine monohydrate is indispensable. Creatine nitrate, found in C4 Extreme Pre Workout, supports increased pump and training performance, making it ideal for boosting strength and power. 

Enhanced Aerobic Capacity

If aerobic performance and better blood flow are your goals, nitric oxide boosters such as citrulline malate and organic beet root are vital. SNAP Supplements Nitric Oxide Organic Beets is particularly effective for enhancing aerobic capacity and ensuring optimal blood flow to muscles.

Caffeine Sensitivity

Caffeine sensitivity is another important factor to consider. If you are sensitive to stimulants and notice you don’t feel your best when you have had too much caffeine, it’s best to opt for a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement. 

1 Up Nutrition Stim Free Pre Workout is an excellent choice for those who need the performance benefits without the associated jitters and anxiety that can come from caffeine.

Conversely, if you handle caffeine well and require a strong energy boost to power through your workouts, supplements with high caffeine content, such as Legion Pulse, can provide the desired effects.

Budget

Budget considerations are also crucial when selecting a pre-workout supplement. While premium options like Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout offer extensive benefits and high-quality ingredients, they come at a higher cost. 

However, there are also more budget-friendly options available that do not compromise on quality. C4 Extreme Pre Workout is one such example, providing a well-rounded blend of effective ingredients at a more affordable price per serving.

Considerations for Using Pre Workouts

When choosing and using pre-workout supplements, it’s important to be aware of several key considerations to ensure you are making the best and safest choice for your needs.

Potential Banned Substances

One of the foremost considerations is the presence of potential banned substances. If you compete in a sport governed by a regulatory body, it’s crucial to ensure that the supplement you choose does not contain any ingredients that are prohibited.

Some pre-workouts may include substances that are not approved for use in competition, which could lead to disqualification or other penalties. 

Always check the ingredient list against the banned substances list of your governing body and consider opting for products that are certified by third-party testing organizations like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport, which verify the absence of banned substances.

Use of Fillers and Artificial Sweeteners

Another important factor is the use of fillers and artificial ingredients. Some pre-workout supplements may contain unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives that do not contribute to performance enhancement and may even be detrimental to your health. (5) 

Look for supplements that prioritize natural ingredients and avoid those with a long list of synthetic additives. 

Products like Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout are known for their transparency and use of natural flavoring and sweetening, making them a cleaner choice for health-conscious athletes.

Ergogenic Doses

Lastly, it’s essential to consider the ergogenic doses of key ingredients. Ergogenic aids are substances that enhance physical performance, and they need to be present in clinically effective doses to be beneficial. (5)

Many supplements may list popular ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine, but in proprietary blends with amounts too small to have a significant effect. Research the recommended dosages of these ingredients and compare them with what is provided in the pre-workout supplement. 

his ensures you are getting a product that will truly reach peak performance. For instance, the dosages in Legion Pulse and Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout are based on clinical research, providing effective amounts of key ingredients to support your training and elevate your performance to the next level.

Final Thoughts On Pre-Workouts For CrossFit

Pre-workout supplements can significantly benefit CrossFit athletes by providing the energy, focus, and enhanced performance necessary to tackle the demanding and varied workouts characteristic of this training style. 

CrossFit sessions often involve high-intensity exercises that require both physical stamina and mental acuity. The right pre-workout supplement can help bridge the gap between your current performance and your potential, allowing you to train harder, longer, and with greater efficiency.

If you’re struggling with maintaining energy and alertness during your training sessions, a well-chosen pre-workout can make a substantial difference.

Whether it’s an early morning workout that leaves you feeling sluggish or an evening session after a long day, a pre-workout supplement can provide the boost needed to perform at your best. Enhanced focus from ingredients like caffeine and nootropics ensures that you stay mentally sharp.

I encourage you to click the links and check them out for yourself. Experimenting with different pre-workouts can help you find the perfect match for your training needs, ultimately enhancing your CrossFit performance and helping you reach your fitness goals. 

With the right supplement, you can experience the benefits of improved energy, focus, and endurance, making each workout more productive and enjoyable.

References:

1.  Guest, N. S., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Nelson, M. T., Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Jenkins, N. D. M., Arent, S. M., Antonio, J., Stout, J. R., Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Goldstein, E. R., Kalman, D. S., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4

2.  Saunders, B., Elliott-Sale, K., Artioli, G. G., Swinton, P. A., Dolan, E., Roschel, H., Sale, C., & Gualano, B. (2017). β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 51(8), 658–669. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096396 

3. Fernández-Landa, J., Santibañez-Gutierrez, A., Todorovic, N., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2023). Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 53(5), 1017–1027. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01823-2 

4. Kiani, A. K., Bonetti, G., Medori, M. C., Caruso, P., Manganotti, P., Fioretti, F., Nodari, S., Connelly, S. T., & Bertelli, M. (2022). Dietary supplements for improving nitric-oxide synthesis. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, 63(2 Suppl 3), E239–E245. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2766 

5. Kerksick, C. M., Wilborn, C. D., Roberts, M. D., Smith-Ryan, A., Kleiner, S. M., Jäger, R., Collins, R., Cooke, M., Davis, J. N., Galvan, E., Greenwood, M., Lowery, L. M., Wildman, R., Antonio, J., & Kreider, R. B. (2018). ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y