Most gym-goers are already using pre-workout supplements to up their game. They promise wild energy, laser focus and insane pumps — no wonder they've taken off! But do these pre workouts offer more than a performance advantage? Are they putting both your heart – and overall health at risk?
The Dangers Of Pre-Workout Supplements
The products are built to take you further, faster and longer than your body is naturally equipped. But beneath the veneer of that hyper-concentrated rush is a cocktail of stimulants that might be doing everybody parts, but he most damage to your heart.
1. Overloaded with Caffeine
Caffeine is the most common ingredient in pre-workouts, and while performance may enhance it triggers overproduction of energy if too much caffeine. Bearing servings as high as 400 mg a pop (for the strength of four cups’ worth in there) many people are overdosing their system. And too much caffeine will increase your heart rate and blood pressure, giving you palpitations in the worst cases.
If this is allowed to occur over a long period of time, then you would have been putting your heart under serious stress and risk developing cardiovascular problems further down the line.
2. Unregulated Stimulants
Outside of the land of caffeine, some pre-workouts contain insane stimulants (DMAA or synephrine) designed to root your chest hair and shoot your heart high into space! The drugs are associated with potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks and strokes. Even worse, there are no strict regulations around some pre-workout products and the ingredients making it potentially unsafe due to the drugs you could be consuming without your knowledge.
3. Nitric Oxide Overload
Additionally, plenty of pre-workout supplements also contain ingredients to boost nitric oxide production which leads to improved blood flow and muscle pumps. This feels good in the moment but overly dilating blood vessels can result in severe sudden drops of blood pressure, dizziness and passing out. Combined with high doses of stimulants, and your heart could end up stuck in a deadly game of tug-of-war between the two—rapidly increasing beats then suddenly their lows.
The Psychological Trap
This psychological dependency is ever prevalent with pre-workout supplements. The intense energy they give you will often cause you to feel like it is the only way that you CAN workout. With time, this dependence can become abuse and consequently the health issues associated with chronic stimulant use.
A Safety-First Performance Approach
Because the reality is working out doesn't require putting yourself (or your heart) on a line. Performance enhancements such as hydration, nutrition, and sleep are safer. Enhance natural are sources like bananas, coffee (in moderation) or beet juice can get the job done without risking any harmful side effects.
Conclusion: Place Your Bet on Health
Although the pre-workout you take every morning may get your energy pumping through those deep squats, it could be doing a number on for heart. If you do want to reach for new highs with your body, then make sure you are doing so without risking side effects or other harmful long term health risks.
You do not need a pre-workout bet on unsustainable PUMPS Or you can take care of your health, train intelligently and use natural energy to propel you forward. Your heart — and your gains, in the end.