Pre-Workout

Pre-Workout at Myprotein

Pre-workout supplements are designed to be taken before training, bringing together ingredients that serious athletes and gym-goers reach for before a session. Whether you're heading into a heavy lift, a HIIT class, or a long run, the right pre-workout formula puts the key ingredients in one place — ready to go when you are. The range here spans powders, gels, shots, gummies, and tablets, so whatever your routine looks like, there's a format built for it.

The pre-workout supplement range at Myprotein covers everything from fully loaded, multi-ingredient formulas through to focused single-ingredient options like citrulline malate and pure caffeine tablets. Formulas vary in caffeine content, ingredient combinations, and format — including stimulant-free options for those who train late or want to control their caffeine intake separately. With 20 products across the range, there's real breadth here, from grab-and-go shots and gels to full-sized powders with multiple servings.

Who Pre-Workout Supplements Are For

Pre-workout supplements are a go-to for anyone who trains with intention — gym regulars, competitive athletes, and recreational exercisers who want to show up to every session prepared. They're particularly popular with weightlifters and resistance trainers, but the range also covers endurance athletes and those doing high-intensity cardio. If you're consistently putting in the work, a pre-workout formula fits naturally into that routine.

First-timers are also well catered for here. Lower-caffeine options and single-ingredient formats make it straightforward to start simple and build from there. Those who already have a solid supplement stack but want to dial in their pre-session routine will find plenty of options worth exploring — including stimulant-free pre-workouts for anyone who's already managing caffeine from other sources.

When to Use Pre-Workout

Most pre-workout powders and capsules are best taken 20–30 minutes before training. This gives the ingredients time to be absorbed before your session gets underway. Pre-workout gels and shots, being liquid or semi-liquid, can be taken closer to training — making them a practical choice when you're heading straight from work or you're already at the gym. Timing varies slightly by product, so checking the label of your specific formula is always the right move.

Caffeine-containing pre-workouts are best avoided in the hours before sleep. If you train in the evening, the stimulant-free options in the range — like Origin Pump Pre-Workout — are worth considering. On rest days, most people skip their pre-workout entirely, since the formula is specifically built around the demands of active training sessions.

Pre-Workout Benefits

Caffeine as a Training Ingredient

Many pre-workout formulas in the range are built around caffeine, a well-researched stimulant compound. Caffeine contributes to an increase in endurance performance¹ and is one of the most widely used ingredients in sports nutrition. Products like THE Pre-Workout deliver 200mg per serving — a meaningful dose for those who know their caffeine tolerance.

Creatine for High-Intensity Exercise

Several formulas in the range include creatine — an ingredient with strong evidence behind it. Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise². It's one of the most studied compounds in sports nutrition and a logical addition to any pre-workout formula built for resistance or power-based training.

Variety of Formats

Not everyone wants a powder. The pre-workout range includes gels, shots, gummies, tablets, and scoopable powders — so there's a format for every training setup. Gels and shots are ideal for athletes on the move, while powders offer more flexibility around serving size and ingredient combinations.

Stimulant-Free Options

Pre-workout doesn't have to mean caffeine. Stimulant-free formulas — like Origin Pump Pre-Workout — are built for those who prefer to keep their caffeine intake separate, train late in the day, or simply want a pump-focused formula without stimulants. These options broaden the range significantly and make pre-workout accessible to a wider audience.

FAQs

What is pre-workout?

Pre-workout is a category of sports nutrition supplements taken before a training session, typically containing a combination of ingredients such as caffeine, amino acids, creatine, and vitamins. They come in multiple formats including powders, gels, shots, gummies, and tablets. The specific formula varies by product — some are high in caffeine, others are stimulant-free, and some focus on single ingredients like citrulline malate or pure caffeine.

What's the difference between a pre-workout powder and a pre-workout shot?

Pre-workout powders are mixed with water and typically offer larger serving sizes with more flexibility around dosing and ingredient combinations. Pre-workout shots are ready-made, single-serve liquids — no mixing required, and convenient for training on the go. The Pre Workout Shot for a ready-to-drink liquid, and several scoopable powders at different price points and ingredient profiles. There's also a stimulant-free powder for those who prefer to train without caffeine.

Does pre-workout contain creatine?

Some pre-workout formulas in the range include creatine as part of their ingredient profile. Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise². If creatine is important to your training stack, check the individual product page to confirm whether it's included and at what dose — the daily intake of 3g creatine is required for this effect.

Who developed these pre-workout products?

Myprotein's expert nutritionists developed the pre-workout range, formulating each product with specific training use cases in mind. That covers everything from high-stimulant formulas for experienced athletes through to single-ingredient options and stimulant-free alternatives for those with different needs or training schedules.

Are pre-workout supplements suitable for all training styles?

Pre-workout supplements suit a wide range of training styles — weightlifting, HIIT, endurance running, cycling, and general gym training. The key is matching the formula to your session type. High-caffeine, creatine-containing formulas are particularly popular with resistance and power-based athletes. Endurance athletes often gravitate toward formulas with electrolytes and carbohydrates alongside caffeine. Stimulant-free options work well for anyone doing evening sessions or who wants to separate their caffeine intake from their pre-workout stack.

1. Caffeine contributes to an increase in endurance performance.  

2. Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise.