Alpha Lion Pre-Workout Review (Superhuman & Extreme Rated)

What Are Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts?

Alpha Lion is a sports nutrition company founded in 2017 by a group of rather different individuals dedicated to the same goal.

Due to significant growth, Alpha Lion ended up on the Inc 5000 list as one of the "Fastest Growing Companies in America."

Besides pre-workouts, they offer other supplements, such as protein powders, fat burners, and recovery aids.

They deserve praise for the 365-day money-back guarantee. We rarely see that.

The Amazon rating is 4.3 out of 5 stars for both products I've tested. I must emphasize that Superhuman has 10 times more ratings than Extreme.

It has been on the market since June 2021, while Extreme was launched in June 2022, so that is not surprising.

One scoop of Extreme is 15.7g, which is 0.5g less than Superhuman, but the number of servings per container is the same (21).

My Experience & Results Taking Both Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts

It is not easy to compare two similar pre-workout supplements. Daily energy fluctuation, nutrition, night's sleep, and many other factors affect the workout.

So if I have a great workout after taking one of these two and get worse results with the other one tomorrow, it doesn't automatically mean that the first one is significantly better.

Testing took me almost a month and a half since it is necessary to repeat the tests on many different days to be able to offer you a separate Superhuman pre-workout review and Extreme pre-workout review.

I was taking one full scoop from the beginning and did not increase or decrease the dosage.

1. Flavor

Superhuman is available in 6 different flavors plus one limited edition (Futuristic Fruit):

Extreme is available in 3 flavors, and I assume that over time they will add other flavors to the offer as well:

For obvious reasons, I ordered Grapezilla and Hulk Juice. I liked both because they are more sour than sweet and don't leave a terrible aftertaste like many pre-workouts.

A friend of mine tried Unicorn Juice, and his impressions are very positive.

I heard that Orange Gainsicle is a classic orange popsicle flavor, so if you like that flavor, then Orange Gainsicle may be a good choice for you.

As for mixability, it mixes perfectly, even in a smaller amount of water than recommended.

I find that quite important because I don't want to drink 16oz of water before the start of training, during which I will drink over 20oz.

2. Performance Increase

After a decade of taking pre-workouts regularly, I'm never sure if I'll notice a performance increase when I buy new products.

Both Alpha Lion pre-workouts gave me what each of us needs - to squeeze out a few more reps at the end of the set, and those reps are the most important for muscle growth.

I didn't detect a major difference in performance increase between these two, but you can try Extreme on those days when you do more challenging workouts. It's leg day for me.

3. Pump

At least three ingredients act as vasodilators, thus increasing blood flow, lowering your blood pressure, and boosting muscle pumps.

This tells me that the manufacturer thought the muscle pump was quite important for most customers.

Although a muscle pump is not as significant as one might think, I still agree that many gym-goers take pre-workout supplements precisely to get a pump.

The pump is a great source of motivation to keep going when you see yourself in the mirror with larger muscles and veins. It also has another role.

When the blood vessels are dilated, the delivery of nutrients to the muscles is faster, which equals better recovery.

4. Focus

Does your mind wander during gym workouts? Mine, too.

Even though my experience helps me to finish the workout even when lacking mental focus, in those moments, the mind-muscle connection and athletic performance suffer.

That's why I immediately checked whether performance ingredients that impact focus and cognitive abilities are included. Fortunately, they are!

Most of the ingredients in Alpha Lion pre-workouts are fast acting, so they will kick in very quickly but won’t fade before you finish your training.

Thanks to Huperzia Serrata, Extreme pre-workout affects mental sharpness even more than Superhuman, but the difference is not remarkable.

5. Energy

If your daily caffeine intake is high and most pre-workouts can't bring you that extra boost of energy, then Extreme is a better choice.

For most, Superhuman is a great pre-workout as well.

I have two espresso shots per day on average, and every time I took Superhuman, I felt more than enough energy, even when I was nearing the end of training.

However, Extreme has one more ingredient (Methylliberine) that brings energy levels even higher.

Learn More - Pre-Workout Vs Coffee (Which Is Best To Take Before Workout?)

6. Side Effects

Extreme will give you jitters, but many of my clients don't consider that a side effect. I tend to agree with them since that caffeine-jittery feeling is pushing me to start a workout right away.

If you are sensitive to coffee and energy drinks, then avoid Extreme and buy Superhuman.

The only other minor side effect, in my experience, is beta-alanine tingle.

Juniper berry extract is not part of Superhuman and Extreme, unlike some other Alpha Lion pre-workout supplements, so you don’t have to worry about bloating, nausea, and similar stomach issues.

Learn More - Can You Stop Pre-Workout Jitters?

7. Post-Workout

I haven't experienced a sudden come down with either of these two pre-workout supplements.

The energy boost you feel after consuming it appears quickly, but the decline is smooth, and you almost won't notice it.

You will be tired, but nothing that is out of the ordinary.

However, I had trouble falling asleep when I took Extreme for an evening workout, so my advice is to take it no later than 6 PM. The same applies to Alpha Lion Superhuman pre-workout.

Learn More - Why Does Pre-Workout Affect Your Sleep?

8. Cost & Availability

Alpha Lion pre-workouts are available on Amazon, GNC, and the official website.

They are cheaper on Amazon than on the official website, which is a bit surprising, although the price difference is not significant.

All in all, no matter which online store and pre-workout you choose, you will pay approximately $2 per serving, so Alpha Lion pre-workouts are not cheap.

The same is with Sport, Pump, Burn, and Superhuman Supreme pre-workout.

Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts - Ingredient Comparison Chart

When a manufacturer decides to launch a variation of its primary product, usually most of the ingredients remain the same; otherwise, the whole business endeavor might turn unprofitable.

Nevertheless, the difference between Superhuman and Extreme is smaller than expected. They have the same 9 ingredients, and the dosage is almost the same.

Extreme has three additional elements.

That is why I will start with nine of the same ingredients and then analyze the three other ingredients present only in the Alpha Lion Extreme pre-workout supplement.

The first two are L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, and L-taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid.

They are among the most common ingredients in pre-workout supplements since they are well-researched.[1]

L-citrulline stimulates nitric oxide production.

Nitric oxide is a compound responsible for increased blood flow and muscle pumps.

4000mg is an average dose and sufficient for most people, but it would be even better if L-citrulline malate was added for bioavailability and to improve absorption.

Taurine is a very versatile chemical that aids fat loss, reduces muscle fatigue and cramps, and improves focus, among other things.[2]

S7 is the first of three proprietary blends in these dietary supplements. I prefer something other than proprietary blends because we are often not sure how much of each substance we're getting.

Still, there is no doubt that a proprietary blend is a safe concept, contrary to popular belief.[3]

S7 is another nitric oxide levels booster and consists of seven plant extracts, hence the name.

Green coffee bean extract and green tea extract are two of the seven plant extracts, and they contain L-theanine. 50mg is the optimal dose.

I believe you have heard of beta-alanine. This non-essential amino acid is often available as a separate sports supplement because it increases carnosine levels.[4]

Carnosine protects you from lactic acid, prevents its build-up, and thus extends the time before cramps appear.

It also reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). These are just some of the benefits that should make you endure the beta-alanine itch, even if you hate it.

Despite the fact that betaine anhydrous draws a comparison to creatine monohydrate, they are two quite different substances.

I don't want to go into an in-depth analysis of these two substances now, especially since creatine is not one of the ingredients in Alpha Lion pre-workouts.

That is why I will only focus on the benefits of betaine anhydrous.

It is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and can also be found in foods.

It is very important for proper hydration during physical activities, and it also improves muscle pump.

Unlike other substances that stimulate blood-based pumps, betaine anhydrous is for water-based pumps.

Black pepper extract is part of many dietary supplements that help with high blood cholesterol and sugar levels.

It is added to pre-workout powders to make nutrient absorption faster.

There is more L-tyrosine in Superhuman than in Extreme. I'm not sure why the manufacturer decided to put one-third more L-tyrosine in Superhuman pre-workout.

That aside, L-tyrosine is an amino acid that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Most of those who suffer from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) experience a lack of concentration and get tired quickly.

L-tyrosine should boost cognitive abilities and endurance in both healthy people and those with thyroid problems.

And now two more proprietary blends with fancy names - SXT and SantEnergy.

SXT contains a common stimulant - caffeine anhydrous but also two new types of modified-release caffeine.

One should extend effects, while the other should delay the effect of caffeine and thus provide you with enough energy and focus at the end of the workout.

SantEnergy is a useful energy matrix for those who struggle with weight management since it is a metabolism and energy booster.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you more about SantEnergy Nu because studies are very limited for now.

Now we've covered all the ingredients of Superhuman, so it's time to break down those 3 available only in Extreme - Methylliberine, Huperzia Serrata, and Alfabin.

I already mentioned methylliberine when I was talking about energy. It is a purine alkaloid, and it is found in the Kucha tea leaf.

Methylliberine may promote focus, mood, and energy, making it similar to caffeine.

Huperzia Serrata is a plant that is well-known in Asian traditional medicine.

It improves cognitive abilities and also protects nerve and brain cells, so it is used for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Studies are limited.

And the final ingredient in this Alpha Lion Superhuman review is Alfabin. I don't see the point of adding 1mg of a vague and unknown substance that is supposed to be an adrenergic antagonist.

I would certainly leave Alfabin out of Extreme pre-workout and add other stimulants, but I guess 1mg can't hurt you.

Learn More - How Much Caffeine In Pre-Workout?

Who Should Take Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts?

Alpha Lion pre-workouts are equally good for newbies and seasoned gym-goers.

I recommend Superhuman to beginners and Extreme to advanced exercisers, while those in between can choose both, depending on needs, but also factors such as age and body weight.

Generally, they are safe for healthy individuals if the suggested dose is taken.

Learn More - Is Pre-Workout Bad For Teens?

Who Should Avoid Taking Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts?

If you belong to one of the following groups: minors, people with chronic diseases, allergy sufferers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, you should stay away from pre-workout and all other supplements not specifically recommended by your doctor.

Also, obese people should not try to change their body composition at once, but progressively.

Also, if you have any doubts about the effect of the supplement or a certain ingredient on your health, make an appointment with a medical practitioner and ask for an opinion.

Learn More - Can Pre-Workout Cause Kidney Stones?

Alpha Lion Pre-Workouts Vs Popular Alternatives

Let's see how Alpha Lion Extreme and Superhuman stack up against Gorilla Mode and Bucked Up, two very popular fitness supplements.

Alpha Lion Vs Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

Since you will most likely take 2 scoops of Gorilla Mode, the price is nearly identical, so that certainly won't be the deciding factor.

The biggest difference between Gorilla Mode, one of the best-selling pre-workout supplements, and our two reviewed is 5g of creatine monohydrate.

This means you will meet your daily need for creatine just by consuming Gorilla Mode and thus increase power output.

Also, Gorilla Mode offers massive pumps since it contains a hefty dose of 9000mg of L-citrulline compared to 4000mg in Alpha Lion pre-workouts.

So Gorilla Mode is the go-to option if you are chasing a superhuman pump.

Gorilla Mode provides higher doses of caffeine but is beta-alanine free, which can negatively affect your recovery.

Alpha Lion Vs Bucked Up Pre-Workout

Bucked Up Pre-Workout is not cheap, but it is 50 cents cheaper per serving.

The formula of Bucked Up Pre-Workout is actually great, and I like the wide variety of flavors.

It will give you everything you expect from a pre-workout: energy, focus, and pump without too high caffeine doses.

There is only one potential problem - deer antler velvet extract. IGF-1 can cause problems for military personnel, athletes, and others who often undergo drug tests.

So this pre-workout, compared to other pre-workouts, is not for everyone.

Frequently Asked Alpha Lion Pre-Workout Questions

Does Alpha Lion have creatine and/or caffeine in it?

Alpha Lion Superhuman and Extreme contain caffeine, but they are free of creatine.

Learn More - Can You Mix Creatine And Pre-Workout?

How do you take SuperHuman pre-workout?

My personal experience shows that for full benefits, you should take Alpha Lion product 20 to 30 minutes before the workout mixed with water for best results.

Are Alpha Lion pre-workouts FDA approved?

Pre-workouts, in general, are not regulated by the FDA because they can be sold without approval.

The Food and Drug Administration may step in and remove the product from the market if there is a good reason to do so.

The FDA does not regulate the supplement industry like the pharmaceutical industry.

Does Alpha Lion contain DMAA?

No, Alpha Lion does not contain DMAA, a potentially dangerous amphetamine derivative, nor the N-methyl tyramine hcl, called the new DMAA.

Learn More - DMAA (Why Is It And Why It's Dangerous?)

Final Verdict – Is It A Good Brand?

After consuming these two products and also conducting quick research about other Alpha Lion supplements, my opinion about this brand is positive.

They are transparent and obviously have experience in this industry. They use quality ingredients, but even more critical, proven ingredients.

The products are well-balanced, and there are no safety concerns.

If you need an energy and focus boost and don't mind them being on the pricey side, feel free to buy one of the Alpha Lion pre-workouts.

References: 

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501277/
3. https://www.crnusa.org/sites/default/files/Proprietary%20Blends/CRN-ProprietaryBlends-DietarySupplements1021.pdf
4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z