The bodybuilding arena is always on the lookout for supplements that would augment your performance at the gym and otherwise. Sometimes, these substances are not so healthy, safe, or legal, but they give you results should you choose to engage in them. The newest addition to this array of boosters is pre-workout supplements.
While protein shakes increase your amino acid intake for better muscle growth, a good pre-workout supplement aims to work towards greater energy levels and increased blood flow to help stamina. Most serious athletes have to add such supplements to their daily routines as these products help to improve results and motivation before actually hitting the gym.
A pre-workout supplement is an amalgamation of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, productive compounds, and, sometimes, caffeine or sugar that could result in a better and longer performance in the gym. These ingredients also boost energy production and improve muscular endurance, particularly for high-intensity workouts. Some even help with the shortening of recovery times.
So, they are the same as energy drinks? No, they aren’t. Most energy drinks are tipped full of caffeine and sugar. That’s about all. They provide you with brief bursts of energy followed by a massive crash that can be avoided only by slugging down more of the energy drink. Pre-workout supplements contain nutrients that fuel your body while raising energy levels. A pre-workout supplement would work on several factors of your body at once. It would affect your central nervous system, which would give you an energy boost and motivation. These supplements would then improve blood flow to the muscles – boosting stamina and helping the nutrients and oxygen get around. If the pre-workout supplement you choose should contain BCAAs – branched-chain-amino acids or creatine, the improved blood flow would help the building blocks of protein synthesis and fat reduction reach their destinations.
Do you need Pre-workout supplements?
That depends. If you work out to maintain all-around fitness and keep the beer belly off, then you don’t need a pre-workout product. However, if you engage in high-intensity training on an everyday basis for professional or athletic purposes, then you may benefit from the use of pre-workout supplements. When you use such supplements, you can reduce muscle fatigue and exhaustion, which could help you stay in the gym for longer.
Are all pre-workout supplements the same?
No, they aren’t. Many brands can help you with nutrients that prove useful in a gym setting, whereas some are not. Some brands simply pump out products jammed up solely on caffeine and sugar. Such products can give you a sudden rush of energy, but if used long-term, your body doesn’t benefit much. On the contrary, the excessive use of sugar and caffeine can damage vital body systems.
You must have heard of several such products but can’t choose because you don’t know how. We are here to help. Comparing three popular and marketed products, we compare benefits, audience, ingredients, side effects, unique features, and prices. By the end of this comparative guide, you should be able to make an informed decision about which product works best for you.
Bucked Up vs CELLUCOR C4 vs Intensive Pre-Train: What Are They and What Do They Do?
#3 – Bucked Up
Of the three brands we compare here, Bucked Up from DAS Labs is the first. One of the most popular brands on the market today, Bucked Up is meant for those who wish to take their workout routines to the next level with extra mental focus and energy to spare. The product contains no fillers and carries up to 200mg of caffeine preservation. The ingredients include HGH – human growth hormone releasers that aid exercise performance. Bucked Up uses natural and safe ingredients; it does not even add creatine to its formula. It’s easy enough to take – mix 1 scoop (10.5 g) of the pre-workout supplement in 6 to 8 ounces of water and consume 15 to 30 minutes before the workout. You also have the option of choosing from 17+ flavors. The only warning is that you do not exceed 2 scoops of the supplement within 24 hours and that the product is meant for healthy adults only.
#2 – CELLUCOR C4 Original Pre Workout Powder
The second supplement is CELLUCOR C4 from Cellucor. Established in 2002, Cellucor has quite a few sports and nutrition products to its name. CELLUCOR C4 was first launched in 2011 and is now available in 3 flavors. The product can be used by men and women alike. CELLUCOR C4 uses 135mg of caffeine per serving and creatine and nitrate. Many reviews claim the supplement is refreshing and that one can feel the hit of energy and increased endurance. This product has even been certified by the NSF. Adding 1 scoop (approximately 6 mg) of the powder to 8 ounces of water is all you need for a great pre-workout rush. Also, it tastes great.
#1 – Intensive Pre-Train from Crazy Nutrition
Lastly, we have Intensive Pre-Train from Crazy Nutrition, a new brand from Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited. A recently formed company, Crazy Nutrition, launched Intensive Pre-Train after they cornered the market with mass gainers and whey protein supplements. When reviewed, the supplement seems to be the most accurately dosed and does carry 200mg of caffeine. Also, they use no proprietary blends and are transparent about what and how much of an ingredient they use. The pre-workout uses science and biology to make certain that the body uses the ingredients optimally. The aim is to increase ATP production and reduce lactic acid build-up, which causes fatigue. All you have to do is mix 1 scoop (20g) of the powder with 12 ounces of water and consume it 30 minutes before hitting the gym. The supplement will do the rest.
Intensive Training Made Easy with Intensive Pre-Train, learn more!
All three are popular and good-tasting pre-workout products. So, let’s compare the benefits.
What are the Benefits of Each Pre-Workout Supplement?
To be honest, you won’t find much variety here, as all three brands make similar claims. According to them, the following are what you can expect from each product.
| Bucked Up | CELLUCOR C4 | Intensive Pre-Train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefits |
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Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that while there is some common ground, Intensive Pre-Train appears to offer a broader array of benefits than its counterparts. A solid pre-workout product is defined by the components used to make it. The quality and dosage make a world of difference. Let’s take a closer look at that.
Bucked Up, CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train: How Does it Work?
For the most part, the ingredients each pre-workout supplement uses are varied, which also explains the varied results you can get from each product.
The only ingredient common to all three dietary supplements is beta-alanine. Beta Alanine can be found as a supplement on its own. Beta-alanine is an amino acid found in skeletal muscle and is responsible for the buffering capabilities of the body.
- Synthesized in the body from carnosine, beta-alanine increases carnosine levels in the muscle, which delays fatigue and improves performance.
- Moreover, it is an antioxidant, helps the immune system, and slows down the aging process.
Citrulline or Citrulline Malate is an ingredient found in Bucked Up and Intensive Pre-Train. Another non-essential amino acid, citrulline supplementation, is the new fad in the bodybuilding arena.
- It enhances nitric oxide production, which has performance-boosting properties. It also affects blood pressure and increases the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients delivery to working muscles.
- Citrulline can improve endurance and delay fatigue during training.
Vitamin C can be found in both CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train. If you are a serious athlete, you need vitamin C.
- A potent antioxidant, it rids the body of free radicals, which cause fatigue and cell damage.
- It is also needed for collagen synthesis and carnitine synthesis – needed for ATP production and modulate tyrosine metabolism.
- Vitamin C boosts immune function, enhances recovery, prevents muscle breakdown, and lowers cortisol levels.
Both CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train use L-Arginine AKG.
- This amino acid helps the body build protein while releasing nitric oxide into the blood.
- It also improves insulin release, and some suggest that it can induce the release of HGH.
- Arginine can even improve nutrient absorption.
- Arginine keeps the blood flowing smoother by causing the blood vessels to dilate.
CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train both use Taurine.
- This amino acid is vital for heart and brain health and even influences nerve growth and maintenance.
- It keeps blood pressure stable and calms the nervous system.
- A powerful antioxidant, this amino acid affects muscle recovery and can improve energy levels.
CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train also use Caffeine Anhydrous.
- A study conducted in 2021 concluded that caffeine consumed before exercise can lead to improvements in endurance, power, and improvements in muscular strength.
- Caffeine is an agent to improves focus and alertness, improves pain tolerance, and helps athletes spend long hours in the gym.
Vitamin B6 aids the absorption of amino acids and ensures that all protein is used for building muscle mass and not wasted. Moreover, it keeps the immune system and nervous system in shape.
Vitamin B12 is responsible for the production of red blood cells, which are the vehicles for oxygen and nutrients to muscles, enhancing muscle growth and strength. It also affects recovery as it is vital for protein and fat synthesis in the body. CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train share these ingredients, too.
Those were the common ingredients shared among two or three of the supplements. Following are the ingredients exclusive to each:
Bucked Up Ingredients
Senactiv: This is a proprietary blend of natural, non-stimulant, performance-enhancing nutrition ingredients. It is a combination of Panax ginseng and Rosa roxburghii. This ingredient claims to generously improve muscular endurance and reduce post-workout recovery. Studies have shown that the use of Astragin increases muscle glycogen replenishment by 370%.
Deer Antler Velvet Extract: Deer Antler velvet is derived from pre-calcified antlers. Included in HGH and energy boosters, this natural ingredient is commonly used to increase strength, endurance, athletic performance, and muscle repair. It may also improve blood pressure and fertility and slow down aging.
AlphaSize Alpha GPC: This is a building block for a neurotransmitter present in brain and muscle cells. This component benefits the body as a whole but is particularly good for retaining lean muscle mass and strength, reducing fat mass, and boosting vigor.
Astragin: Another proprietary blend that ensures the better absorption of vital nutrients and enhances gut health, Astragin can help the absorption of amino acids to healthy fats. It is a blended mix of plant extracts from Panax Notoginseng and Astragalus.
CELLUCOR C4 Ingredients, which uses an Explosive Energy Blend
Calcium, magnesium, Sodium, and potassium: Proteins alone do not make a strong body. Plenty of minerals are needed to keep you pumping at the gym.
- Calcium is needed for healthy and strong bones.
- Magnesium helps to prevent injury and help the muscles relax.
- Sodium helps to regulate muscle contraction and nerve function and improve blood flow and volume, and
- Potassium is needed for overall muscular function.
Creatine HCI: Creatine is probably the oldest performance-enhancement ingredient. Creatine increases the muscle’s phosphocreatine stores in the muscles. This compound aids adenosine triphosphate – ATP, the molecule central to metabolism at a cellular level and all cellular functions.
It also has Pyridoxine HCl, which is the same as vitamin B6, and Cyanocobalamin, which is a synthetic form of vitamin B12.
Intensive Pre-Train Ingredients
Iron: Iron is needed to build red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients. Iron is also needed for protein and fat metabolism, helping to rebuild and repair muscle.
Vitamin B Blend: In addition to other metabolic benefits, the vitamin B complex is needed for the metabolism of proteins and the production of new muscle cells. They also repair micro-tears that result from extensive training.
Glycerol Monostearate: This compound gets muscle cells to absorb more water. Moreover, it helps to maintain aesthetics and boost performance and endurance.
Glucuronolactone: This natural chemical is commonly found in pre-workout supplements as it increases the anabolic response of the body and improves athletic performance on the whole. It also helps with reducing the risk of liver toxicity.
L-Phenylalanine: An essential amino acid, plays a key role in the production of various important molecules in the body, including neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Hence, it enhances mood, focus, and alertness, providing you with the mental drive needed for an effective workout.
Bioperine (Black Pepper Extract): A patented extract that is a part of several supplements, Bioperine aids fat loss and thermogenesis, increases nutrient absorption, boosts brain function, and decreases inflammation.
Betaine Anhydrous: A popular ingredient found in several performance-enhancing supplements. It is used to support protein synthesis and improves power and hydration. It also helps liver function and cellular reproduction and helps to make carnitine.
L-Tyrosine: An amino acid produced naturally in the body. Tyrosine can help maintain mental capacities, especially under stressful conditions. It helps to elevate levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine – all of which help the body feel revved up and ready.
Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that helps the body adjust to stress, ashwagandha has several benefits, including fertility, stress relief, and depression. For muscle and stamina, the addition of this herb to supplements can improve results from workouts.
En-Xtra: En-Xtra is a caffeine-free energy supplement, and its effects can last for up to 5 hours. It also supports mental energy and safeguards the body from caffeine crashes. The supplement is derived from Alpinia galanga.
All these natural ingredients have been proven to be effective in lean muscle mass building, improving workout intensity, helping you with lifting weights, and boosting overall physical performance. The key takeaway here is that even though Intensive Pre-Train uses most components, none of them are ineffective ingredients. They all have a role to play and cover all requirements for the strongest pre-workout routine.
What is Unique About Each of These Pre-Workout Supplements?
Considering that each pre-workout supplement uses different formulae, they all differ slightly from each other. However, the difference is not always for the better. While each product aims to be the most powerful pre-workout drink, that is not always the case.
The effects of all three pre-workout supplements are pretty much the same. Bucked Up and CELLUCOR C4 is available in flavors and colors, but that does not help make them better for pre-workouts. An effective pre-workout supplement would be one to provide your body with all the nutrients needed to support a training session and something that could safeguard against the crash that follows the said session. Intensive Pre-Train stands out as the sole product providing substantial energy without causing a crash. Regardless of how much caffeine is in your system, Intensive Pre-Train can help you with it.
An excellent pre-workout powder includes gearing the body up for the mental and physical stress to follow. Intensive Pre-Train uses scientifically proven ingredients that are used by Bucked Up and CELLUCOR C4 and some more. The use of additional ingredients means that Intensive Pre-Train has included all elements to support your workout performance and your bodybuilding journey as a whole.
What Do They Cost & Where Do You Buy Them?
The easiest and safest way to buy dietary supplements is through the official website.
Buy Bucked Up
For DAS Labs Bucked Up, you can visit its official platform or visit sites like Amazon, GNC, etc., to grab the best deal.
- Regardless of whether you choose Bloody Raz or Killa OJ, the cost of a tub would set you back $49.95. If you make purchases greater than $75, your shipping is free. Bucked Up also gives you a 45-day money-back guarantee should you be dissatisfied with the product.
Buy CELLUCOR C4
CELLUCOR C4 can be bought from the Official site or from Amazon, GNC, Walmart, etc.
- If you subscribe, you save 30%.
- A tub of 30 servings of C4 would cost you $21.99.
- Shipping is free for orders above $55, and C4 comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. You have a few flavors to choose from, too.
Buy Intensive Pre-Train
Intensive Pre-Train can be ordered exclusively from the Official Crazy Nutrition Website for the best deals and discounts.
- One tub holds 20 servings, and if you subscribe, you save Big.
- For a “One-time Purchase,” the cost of one tub is $64.99, whereas if you “Subscribe” the same tub is available for $45.49.
- This pre-workout gives you the option of delicious flavors and has a caffeine-free option (Green Apple) as well that costs less and is priced at $41.99 for Subscribed members and $59.99 for One-Time Buyers.
FAQs
Q1. Are any of these Pre-workout supplements steroid or SARMs-based?
Ans.: No, none of these pre-workouts use steroids or SARMs. Rather, they are formulated using only natural and safe ingredients.
Q2. Are any of these Pre-workout formulas habit-forming?
Ans.: Because all three pre-workout supplements use no illegal substances, they are not habit-forming. You can stop using it whenever you please.
Q3. How soon can results be expected?
Ans.: The results are almost immediate. You can feel the effects of the supplement within half an hour to 45 minutes of consuming the supplement (depending on the brand you opt for).
Q4. Will any of these pre-workouts affect hormone activity in the body?
Ans.: Natural ingredients benefit the body in all sorts of ways. The only effect you see will be a possible increase in HGH and testosterone.
Bucked Up, CELLUCOR C4 and Intensive Pre-Train: How Do They Compare?
Because there is a lot of information to take in, we are going to make it easy for you. For you to choose the best pre-workout supplement, we shall draw a comparison of all three.
| DAS Labs Bucked Up | CELLUCOR C4 | Intensive Pre-Train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Flavors | 17+ flavors | 3 flavors | 3 flavors |
| Cost | $49.95 | $21.99 | $64.99 for Blue Raspberry and Fruit Punch and $59.99 for Green Apple Flavor (which is caffeine-free) |
| Daily Dosage | 1 scoop a day prior to workout | 1 scoop a day prior to workout | 1 scoop a day prior to workout |
| Where to Buy? | Buy Bucked Up or CELLUCOR C4 from well-known retail companies like Amazon, GNC, Walmart, etc. Or you could directly make your purchase from their respective official websites. | Intensive Pre-Train is solely available on the Crazy Nutrition Official Website at the Best Prices and Deals. | |
Summary & Verdict
When trying to bulk up and put on some muscle, you need something that would hone your physical and mental focus to that one goal. Pre-workout supplements help you do just that. Research has demonstrated that using an appropriate pre-workout supplement can significantly enhance your performance at the gym.
Bucked Up, C4, and Intensive Pre-Train are three of the best pre-workout supplements in the market today. They differ slightly because of the ingredients used and the benefits they claim to have. But when looking at the reviews given by certified users, most reviews are positive. C4 is the only one that seems to have a repetitive issue of clumping, but otherwise is said to be a decent pre-workout.
Of the three, Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train seems to take the win for several reasons.
- One, it promises the maximum number of benefits, which it seems to deliver.
- Two, the pre-workout uses the most beneficial ingredients in the right doses.
- Three, it includes the use of EN-Xtra, which stops the jitters from caffeine crashes.
- Fourth, the product can be used by women, too.
You deserve the best pre-workouts, and Intensive Pre-Train does seem to fit the bill.
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