Let’s begin with the question, “Do pre-workout supplements work?”. The short answer is “Yes”. Many would argue that such supplements didn’t exist a few decades ago, but bodybuilders still worked out and gained incredible muscle mass. The truth of the matter is that pre-workout supplements weren’t marketed as such back then, but they existed. Many used substances, some unsavory, to increase endurance and boost performance. Many turned to drugs, caffeine, creatine, and several similar elements to get the gains. The only difference is that we have it easy now. Before being packaged into a tub and labeled, many foods and drinks were consumed to aid performance at the gym. The idea was the same – to reduce recovery time, boost energy levels, and decrease fatigue.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal digests slowly. This means that hunger pangs won’t haunt you while you are at the gym. Also, oatmeal contains vital nutrients that would provide the body with more energy and help the body recuperate post-workout.
- Brown Rice: This staple is usually consumed with chicken breast. It is an unrefined complex carbohydrate. This provides sustained energy release for growing muscles.
- Bananas: These fruits make a great pre-workout snack as they are rich in carbs and potassium, both of which are crucial for exercise performance and keep sugar levels on point.
- Yogurt: A central part of the gym lifestyle is fat loss, and you want to do that without losing muscle. To stop the muscle from wasting away, you would have to increase your protein intake, and yogurt supplies this. It also provides healthy fats.
- Peanut Butter: Apart from protein, peanut butter is also a source of antioxidants. Free radicals build up during exercise, and these radicals cause wear and tear on the muscle, thereby delaying recovery. Antioxidants help rid the body of free radicals.
- Beet Juice: A good source of potassium, vitamins C and B9, iron, and manganese. Beet juice raises nitric oxide levels, which can increase blood flow, leading to better exercise performance.
These are just a small selection of foods that were commonly consumed by bodybuilders in the past as pre-workout supplements. Nowadays, supplement brands have tapped into this vein, and what they do is they take all the good things from natural sources and compile them to form one easy-to-consume product. But what is unfortunate is that many brands use dicey and harmful substances that may be habit-forming and may cause long-term damage. Others make tall claims of enhancing energy levels but do not deliver. Only a few actually work. Of the few that do, we will compare. Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout, Cellucor C4, and Intensive Pre-Train from Crazy Nutrition. At the end of this comparative guide, you should be able to make a decision as to which pre-workout supplement works out for you.
Total War Pre-Workout, Cellucor C4, and Intensive Pre-Train
#3 – Redcon1 Total War Preworkout
Redcon1 Total War Pre-workout is a complete pre-workout supplement designed to boost energy, focus, and stamina. It uses clinically tested ingredients that are natural to provide these benefits. Free from harmful and banned substances, Total War Pre-workout guarantees results and even offers returns in case you are not satisfied with the product. The product offers a variety of delicious flavors to suit your palette and is intended to help you get through high-intensity workouts without the usual fatigue and muscle soreness that follows.
The dosage is easy enough – mix one scoop of your preferred flavor powder in 4 to 6 ounces of water and consume 30 minutes prior to training. Total War uses 250mg of caffeine anhydrous per serving.
#2 – Cellucor C4
Cellucor C4 comes from a line of sport nutrition products all aimed to improve athletic performance. Available in 4 flavors, C4 is intended for men and women, and it is said that the feeling of intense energy is almost immediate. Cellucor C4 is an approved product by the NSF. C4 creates a natural increase in energy, mental clarity, and stamina that can fuel the workout you intend to get and help the body recover quicker. With a combination of creatine and nitrates, Cellucor C4 can meet the demands of a high-intensity training session.
The recommended dose is a scoopful of the powder in 6 ounces of water, and this needs to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before your training session. C4 includes 150mg of caffeine per serving.
#1 – INTENSIVE Pre-Train by Crazy Nutrition
Crazy Nutrition is a branch of CrazyBulk, an already-established sports supplement brand. Intensive Pre-Train uses science and correctly dosed natural ingredients to boost the body’s natural response to exercise, recovery, and muscle gains. Also, Intensive Pre-Train is the only supplement among the 3 that addresses the issue of caffeine crashes, which usually follow after the use of pre-workout supplements. Also, most of the ingredients are designed to increase energy and keep fatigue away.
The perfect time to consume Intensive Pre-Train is 30 minutes prior to your gym session – take 1 scoop in 8 to 12 ounces of water. This supplement comprises 200mg of caffeine.
Visit here to learn how the Intensive Pre-Train can unleash explosive energy and laser focus.
How Do These Pre-Workout Supplements Work & What Results Can You Expect?
Total War Pre-workout, Cellucor C4, and Intensive Pre-Train have been designed using quality ingredients in the right dosesto boost focus, energy, and endurance. The quality ingredients chosen all work at a cellular level to increase ATP production. This boosts energy levels. They also curb the build-up of lactic acid, which is the main cause of fatigue. Free radicals are released into the bloodstream during exercise, and when levels increase, free radicals cause inflammation and lay the foundation for chronic conditions. Pre-workout supplements are also intended to be used to help the body discard free radicals. Ideally, this is what you must expect from any pre-workout supplement worth its salt. So, let’s see if these supplements deliver.
| Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout | Cellucor C4 | Intensive Pre-Train |
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By adding an adaptogen that helps you to focus, handle stress, and boost energy levels, Intensive Pre-Train seems to be taking an early lead. Also, in sheer numbers, Intensive Pre-Train can give you more.
What Performance-enhancing Ingredients do These Supplements Use?
Even though the goal is the same, Total War, Cellucor, and Crazy Nutrition use different formulae to achieve it. There are a few overlaps, though.
Common Pre-Workout Ingredients
- Caffeine Anhydrous
Most just stick with coffee as a pre-workout supplement because it is a natural stimulant. Caffeine has been proven to enhance athletic performance and boost concentration. Because of these qualities, caffeine anhydrous is added to pre-workout powders to increase endurance, boost strength, and provide extreme energy. You also see body fat loss, as caffeine can induce fat oxidation.
- Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that the body uses to produce carnosine, which is stored in skeletal muscles. Carnosine curbs lactic acid accumulation in the body, which improves athletic performance. Beta-alanine also helps to break down glucose for fuel, maintains the pH balance in muscles, and keeps fatigue at bay. When taken as a pre-workout supplement, beta-alanine intuitively reduces muscle soreness and leads to better gains.
- Citrulline Malate
An amino acid that supports overall health and exercise performance is citrulline. But unlike other amino acids, citrulline is not used for protein synthesis. Citrulline helps the body by removing harmful compounds like ammonia from the body. It also widens the blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to the muscles.
Pre-Workout Ingredients Shared by Two Supplements
- BioPiperine®/ Piperine (Total War Pre-Workout & Intensive Pre-Train)
The ingredient, BioPiperine® is just a trademarked version of piperine. Piperine comes from black pepper which induces thermogenesis. This process improves glucose metabolism, which means more energy to be spent. Piperine also improves nutrient absorption.
- Vitamin C (Cellucor C4 & Intensive Pre-Train)
Studies suggest that when consumed as a pre-workout, there was an improvement in antioxidant activity post the workout session. Vitamin C also aids protein synthesis, which translates to a degree of improvement in muscle growth. The vitamin reduces muscle soreness and shortens recovery times.
- Vitamin B6 (Cellucor C4 & Intensive Pre-Train)
Pyridoxine, as B6 is also known, is key for muscle repair, brain function, and protection against anemia. B6 converts proteins, fats, and carbs to glucose, which boosts energy production and sustains this process for an extended period of time. You would also feel an improvement in performance and stamina after B6 supplementation.
- Vitamin B3 – Niacin (Cellucor C4 & Intensive Pre-Train)
Niacin is added to pre-workout supplements for its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow. This aids those difficult muscle pumps and increases muscle mass gains. It is key to the conversion of food to energy and can even help shed stubborn weight.
- Vitamin B12 (Cellucor C4 & Intensive Pre-Train)
This vitamin influences the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for oxygen and nutrition flow to the muscles. This makes B12 an important addition to popular pre-workouts. Along with RBC production, B12 is needed for the metabolism of food intake, which improves energy output.
Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout Exclusive Ingredients
- Agmatine sulfate: reduces pain sensitivity and improves workout performance, weight loss, and stress relief.
- Juniper extract: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature, promotes heart health and increases the uptake of caffeine in the body.
- Di-caffeine malate: increases energy and muscle power output and reduces fatigue.
- Green Tea Extract: gives an extra boost to the body, increases exercise, and can increase endurance.
- Naringin: helps to shed body fat, has anti-carcinogenic properties, and is rich in antioxidants.
- Theobroma Cacao: is a source of theobromine, which boosts muscle endurance, mood, and focus, improves blood flow through vasodilation, and more.
- Taurine: a naturally occurring amino acid called taurine has been shown to enhance both metabolic processes and physical performance.
- Sodium: Sodium, an essential electrolyte, can provide several benefits when included in a pre-workout regimen, such as electrolyte balance, hydration, blood pressure regulation, increased energy levels, Lower Chance of Hyponatremia, and more.
Cellucor C4 Exclusive Ingredients (which includes the Explosive Energy Blend)
- NO3-T® Creatine Nitrate: helps to improve blood flow and can result in more muscle pumps. Creatine Nitrate was also proven to increase muscle mass, strength, and size.
- Velvet Bean Extract: influences coordination, aerobic performance, and sexual stamina and increases dopamine levels for a better mood.
- Theacrine: reduces post-workout fatigue and boosts energy production. Also influences concentration and mood.
Intensive Pre-Train Exclusive Ingredients
- Betaine Anhydrous: boosts hydration, aids water pumps, enhances energy production, and promotes protein synthesis. It is often referred to as a better version of creatine.
- L-Tyrosine: is added to pre-workout formulas to help improve athletic endurance. Tyrosine is also a key factor in neurotransmitter production. This allows for better mood, motivation, and concentration.
- L-Taurine: maintains muscle contraction strength and intensity, which is needed during long and intense lifting or pumping sessions. It also staves off muscle fatigue for longer periods.
- L-Arginine: can boost nitric oxide levels in the body. This leads to better blood flow, which facilitates better oxygen and nutrition supply to muscles and adds to quick muscle recovery. L-arginine is one of the most commonly added amino acids to sports nutrition supplements.
- Ashwagandha: helps to build muscle mass, maintain strength, and increase testosterone production and release. The anabolic gains also lead to body fat shedding and fertility.
- En-XTRA®: is a trademarked component that protects against caffeine crashes and also protects the cardiovascular system that is directly affected by caffeine. It also supports mental clarity and focus.
- Iron: is needed for hemoglobin production. This is vital for oxygen transportation to the muscle. The more iron, the more hemoglobin, and the more oxygen. This means quicker metabolism of fats and proteins and more energy for use.
- Glucuronolactone: is supplemented usually for protection against carcinogens, but users claim that it can also improve stamina, boost energy, and improve mood.
- L-Phenylalanine: is added to pre-workout supplements to aid fat oxidation while preserving muscle mass. The amino acid is also needed for protein synthesis and alleviation of mental fatigue.
As you can see, all three pre-workout supplements use natural and safe ingredients. It is difficult to find a stimulant-free pre-workout supplement as caffeine is a stimulant. However, a stimulant-free pre-workout product would not be very effective as the purpose of the product is to provide a quick and effective energy boost.
Because of the relatively high dose of caffeine, you should consult a physician before you begin the use of these or any pre-workout supplements. This is pertinent if you are being medicated for any pre-existing conditions.
What’s The Difference?
Total War, Cellucor C4, and Intensive Pre-Train are all good, but you can’t possibly start using them all. There is always that stands out, and you could make a decision based on that;
Total War Pre-workout is a great supplement with some rave reviews to back up the claims the brand makes. However, Total War Pre-workout contains a serious amount of caffeine, close to 320mg. That is almost 3 and a half cups of coffee, give or take. This caffeine content has its benefits as it pumps up the system and revs you up for an intense workout, but the jitters that would eventually follow would not be pretty. Cellucor C4 uses just 150mg and Intensive Pre-Train uses 200mg. Comparatively, the latter two supplements have shown some restraint.
Intensive Pre-Train goes a step ahead and adds En-XTRA®. The sole purpose of this component is to ease the caffeine jitters and the heart racing that come from a caffeine rush. This helps the body recover better from the caffeine and protects the cardiovascular system, too. Intensive Pre-Train wins here too.
Cost & Buying Options
The best options to purchase are from online stores. Also, the purchase made directly from the official website would guarantee that you have the original product and should you have any issues in the future, a settlement would be easier.
Buy Total War Pre-Workout
For Total War Pre-Workout, visit Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or from its official website. Once there, you could choose from a myriad of flavors like sour Green Apple or Blue Raspberry.
- Regardless of which flavor you choose, a one-month supply would cost you $42.99. Shipping costs extra.
Subscription offers are available too, where you get a delivery once every month. In order to receive a refund from Redcon1, customers must return the product within 30 days of receiving it and ensure that it is still in its original packaging.
Buy Cellucor C4 Original Preworkout
For Cellucor C4, visit Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or from its official website.
- With a One-Time Purchase, a single tub of Cellucor C4 Original would set you back $29.99 for 30 servings and $49.99 for 60 servings. Shipping is free for purchases over $55.
- If you choose to subscribe, you get a 30% discount on the price. A single tub with a subscription to Cellucor C4 Original would set you back $19.49 for 30 servings and $32.49 for 60 servings.
Shipping is free for purchases over $55. And C4 is available in 7 flavors. Cellucor offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, and you can cancel the subscription easily.
Buy Intensive Pre-Train
At the exclusive Crazy Nutrition Official Website, you can order Intensive Pre-Train, visit here.
- You have the choice of 3 delicious flavors, and a one-time purchase for a 20-serving tub would set you back $59.99.
- 40 servings would cost $119.98 and
- 60 servings would cost $179.97.
Crazy Nutrition also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and prides itself on having less than 2% refund requests.
FAQs
Q1. Are these products habit-forming?
Ans.: All these pre-workouts use natural ingredients that ensure that you have a powerful pre-workout session. They are free of harmful substances that can induce habits. Hence, these three products discussed here do not induce habits.
Q2. Could all this caffeine cause harm?
Ans.: When used in the recommended doses, there is no harm caused. The FDA states that up to 400mg of caffeine is ok. When using pre-workout supplements, you must be careful to reduce other caffeine intakes.
Q3. Are artificial flavors safe?
Ans.: Artificial flavors in general are safe for human consumption. The flavors are added to supplements because a good-tasting pre-workout powder may appeal to a larger population. If used in the recommended doses, they are safe to consume.
Q4. Can these products guarantee an effective pre-workout?
Ans.: The caffeine alone could do that. The other ingredients in these products ensure that you have a quick recovery and that you have the extreme energy intense gym session need.
Let’s Compare
We understand that this includes a lot of information. To help you draw a learned conclusion, here is a concise recap of all the information we have so far.
| Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout | Cellucor C4 | Intensive Pre-Train | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Caffeine Content | Approximately 320mg. | 150mg | 200mg |
| Flavors | 20 | 7 | 3 |
| Price | $42.99 | $29.99 | $59.99 |
| Refund | 30 days for refunds | 60-day refund policy | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Where to Buy the Strongest Pre-Workout? | Buy from Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or from its official website. | Buy from Amazon, GNC, Walmart, or from its official website. | Buy Intensive Pre-Train from the Official Crazy Nutrition Website. |
Summary & Verdict
If you are a bodybuilding enthusiast, you will find it advantageous to use pre-workout supplements. A pre-workout powder is designed to rev your body up, giving it the extreme energy boost that you would need for the intensity that lies ahead. A pre-workout should, ideally, increase energy production, improve endurance, aid concentration, and help the body quickly recover from exercise. Most pre-workout supplements do that.
Here, we have compared 3 of the best pre-workout supplements so that you can choose the one that suits your needs best. Redcon1 Total War Pre-workout uses high doses of clinically-backed ingredients to boost your exercise performance. Reviews for Total War usually center around two factors. The first is the actual kick that the supplement gives you. If you are into lifting weights or muscle pumps, Total War is the best pre-workout supplement for you. The second is the caffeine crash that the product gives. Many users have mentioned jitters, racing heartbeats, and even mental fatigue that follows the use of Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout.
Cellucor C4 is not a bad product, but nothing exceptional – just an average one. It does fulfill its promises, albeit just moderately. Many users have switched to other Cellucor products because of better results from them. It isn’t impressive, but Cellucor C4 is effective.
Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train seems to be a great option. It checks all the boxes for a pre-workout supplement while also going the extra mile by introducing En-XTRA®. This component is designed, among other things, to stop the jitters and crash that follows high-caffeine intake. It also includes vitamins, iron, and amino acids which would aid muscle gains and strength goals. The not only thing not going for it is the charge of $59.99 for 20 servings.
But in terms of benefits, product formula, pros, and even the refund policy, the extra cost doesn’t seem like too high a price.
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