Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout Review – GarageGymPro

What Is Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout?

The advanced formula (AF) of Beyond Raw LIT brings more active ingredients, higher caffeine levels, and more endurance while lowering recovery time.

Compared to the standard LIT formula, these changes can be quite drastic.

In short, LIT offers 250mg of caffeine, 3g of L-citrulline, and 3.2g of beta-alanine with 1.5g of creatine.

LIT AF, on the other hand, bumps up these numbers to 300mg caffeine, 8g L-citrulline, and 3.2g beta-alanine with 2g creatine.

Beyond Raw LIT AF, on its own, offers an incredible energy boost thanks to the high levels of caffeine.

It also comes with enough essential amino acids, vitamins, and beta-alanine to show improvements in endurance, performance, and workout stamina.

Learn More - How Much Caffeine Is In Pre-Workout?

My Experience Taking Lit AF Pre-Workout (60 Days In)

For this LIT AF review, I tested two flavors for several weeks to see if their claims and promises held up.

Testing was for many common decision-making factors, including flavor, cost, and muscle pump. I also tested for ingredient quality, energy levels, and any side effects.

1. Flavor

I tested two of the brand's flavors and was a little disappointed. The Gummy Worm flavor gave me some hope, but it wasn't easy to get down after a few days.

The Sweet and Tart did taste like the candies of a similar name, but both flavors left a chalky aftertaste in my mouth.

Unfortunately, LIT AF pre-workout doesn’t offer a large range of flavors. In fact, they only have four:

The powders did mix well in water but dissolved slower than other brands, and I needed a shaker to get rid of the smaller bits that didn't go away with spoon stirring.

2. Performance Increase

The performance increase is noticeable for the first couple of weeks. This included extra reps, an extra set or two, and a slightly faster workout routine time.

However, unlike some other premium brands, I found that I became more accustomed to the ingredients and plateaued in my workout performance.

This isn't unusual, but it doesn't hold well against the label's promise to "dig in and dominate."

What I can say, though, is that throughout the testing period, the pain was lessened post-workout and recovery times were shorter.

3. Pump

Lit AF uses 2g of micronized creatine and 8g of L-citrulline malate to help deliver better muscle pump.

To be effective, though, 5g of creatine per day is recommended, and up to 8g of citrulline malate.

If you are supplementing outside of your pre-workout, it will need to include more creatine and zero citrulline.

Personally, I prefer my pre-workout supplements to come without creatine so I can more closely monitor my daily intake.

4. Focus

Part of the ingredient list is dedicated to improving focus and attention. As someone who is easily distracted in the gym, I can attest that there was some visible focus control.

I was able to concentrate on my lifts and weight management while moving plates. More importantly, though, I was also able to focus on my breathing and prep between sets.

5. Energy

The high caffeine content of the LIT AF pre-workout supplements leaves little room for your morning cup of coffee.

Keep in mind that 300mg is only one cup of coffee shy of your daily recommended intake.

Still, the various caffeine sources allow for a simulated time-release style of energy. You will get the immediate boost about 30 minutes after taking it.

You also get more energy boosts over the next couple of hours.

 Learn More - Pre-Workout Vs Coffee

6. Side Effects

The time-release type of caffeine delivery helps minimize the chance of a sugar crash after your workout. You are still doing high-intensity workouts on 300mg of energy, however.

One of the main side effects I experienced was being overly exhausted on the way out of the gym.

The other minor side effects are common among most pre-workout supplements.

They include the tingles and flushing from beta-alanine (or niacin) as well as jitters or an uneasy feeling from the high caffeine content.

 Learn More - Pre-Workout Side Effects (What Are They & How to Treat Them?)

7. Post-Workout

Aside from the aforementioned exhaustion, there wasn't a lot of note post-workout.

I typically consume a lot of caffeine throughout the day, but if you do not or are caffeine sensitive, you can experience a long restless night.

High levels of stimulants such as those found in LIT AF, especially when taken later in the day, can affect your body, fatigue, and sleep habits.

Learn More - Pre-Workout Crash (Can You Avoid It?)

8. Cost & Availability

Beyond Raw LIT AF pre-workouts are available at any GNC store across the country.

It is priced as a premium pre-workout mix, though, so be prepared to pay about $2.25 per serving for the 20-serving container.

You can also find all four flavors in online stores like Amazon. Depending on when you buy, the more popular flavors (Sweet and Tart and Lemon Ice) may or may not be available.

Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout (Ingredients Per Scoop)

Compared to many pre-workout brand options, Beyond Raw LIT AF ingredients are quite numerous.

Boasting 9 active ingredients, it also has numerous inactive ingredients. While many of these core ingredients help shelf life or add flavor, some you may be able to do without.

It does have a few registered and proprietary blends on the list, but their ingredients and total amounts are visible.

Potassium (200mg)

Replacing the need for orange juice or a banana, the 200mg found here can prevent cramps and help increase your endurance levels during high-intensity workouts.

Minerals such as this can help you achieve your personal fitness goals.

Calcium (180g)

Calcium is another mineral you may get plenty of in your diet.

In a pre-workout, though, the added amounts offer a small amount of blood pressure leveling and can help muscles contract and regulate heart rhythms during exercise.

Sodium (40mg)

When used during an exercise or workout routine, sodium will help replace the water levels in your blood and muscles when you are sweating or going to the bathroom.

Sodium has also been shown to help you squeeze and contract your muscles harder during lifts.

L-CITRULLINE DL-MALATE (8000mg)

L-citrulline malate increases blood flow while helping recovery times by limiting lactic acid buildup.[1]

Though on the higher side, 6 to 8g is recommended for HIIT workouts or high endurance performances to gain lean mass.

Caffeine (300mg)

The primary caffeine blend in the Beyond Raw products helps you get an instant boost of energy and then allows for a slowed release throughout your workout.

In addition, the mix of the ZumXR Caffeine ® targeted-release formula and caffeine anhydrous helps prevent the crash later.

At 300mg, though, you should limit or eliminate all other daily stimulant intake. 400mg per day is the highest recommended limit.[2]

Beta-Alanine (3200mg)

This non-essential amino acid has several known benefits and is a staple in most good pre-workout formulas.

Beta-alanine helps to increase strength gains as well as help improve overall endurance and physical performance.

Betaine Anhydrous (2500mg)

Betaine is reported to help improve body composition. Effective doses of 2 to 4g per day are believed to help achieve massive pumps and keep your overall appearance more bulky.

Other pre-workout exercise formulas are beginning to use betaine as well.

Creatine Monohydrate (2g)

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements and has multiple scientifically backed benefits.[3]

It helps hydrate your muscles and improves endurance and even stamina. It also supports recovery time and can lead to some incredible pumps.

However, to get the most from creatine powder, you need about 5g per day (even on non-training days), so additional supplementation will be needed anyway.

Unlike other supplements, creatine monohydrate has little, if any, negative effects.

Learn More - Pre-Workout Vs Creatine (How They Differ?)

Arginine Silicate Inositol (1500mg)

Like L-arginine, Arginine silicate inositol (Nitrosigine ®) is just a long way to say nitric oxide enhancer.[4]

As a stabilized form, it helps increase nitric oxide levels and blood flow to the smaller blood vessels and keeps them pumped throughout your workout.

Taurine (1g)

Found in energy drinks, as well as red meat and fish, taurine is a common nootropic amino acid that improves cardiovascular function.

Taken regularly with other vasodilators, it can help transport nutrients to the working muscles during your exercise routine.

People with high blood pressure should be cautious of using too many vasodilators, though.

Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate disodium (400mg)

Known as Peak ATP, this is a salt hydrate formula that can help cardiovascular health and body composition and may even reduce muscle breakdown, prolonging endurance levels.[5]

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (150mg)

Alpha-GPC, or AGPC, is naturally found in the brain. This choline compound can help in memory and learning functions of the brain.

As a supplement, it might help with general focus and improve overall brain health.[6]

Who Should Use Beyond Raw Lit AF Pre-Workout?

Beyond Raw pre-workouts are ideal for those looking for a massive energy boost and improved athletic performance.

Anyone that needs help with focus and attention will enjoy the benefits of LIT AF pre-workout, too.

Who Should Avoid Having Lit AF Pre-Workout?

Anyone that is caffeine sensitive or doesn’t handle stimulants well will have a hard time with this pre-workout formula. While non-stim pre-workouts do exist, this isn’t one of them.

Others that require a great flavor or many taste options will also find better brands out there.

Finally, for those that choose to supplement with minerals, amino acids, and creatine separately, Lit AF may not be the best option for you.

 Learn More - Stimulant Vs Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout

How Does Beyond Raw Lit AF Stack Up Against Competitors?

Beyond Raw is a well-known brand, but there is a lot of competition out there. So how does Beyond Raw stack up against some of the best?

We compare Lit AF against C4 and Ghost to find out.

Beyond Raw Lit AF Vs Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout

Cellucor C4 is one of the most popular pre-workout brands out there. They have more flavors to choose from compared to Lit AF.

However, C4 also has less caffeine, so it may not be the choice if you need more energy boosts.

If price and flavor are your choice, though, C4 may be the way to go. Both provide a great workout, and both have artificial flavors compared to other pre-workouts in the fitness industry.

Read Also Our Review Of Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout

Beyond Raw Lit AF Vs Ghost Pre-Workout

Ghost is an up-and-coming brand with a high following due to the flavors of their popular pre-workout supplements.

With more than a dozen flavors to choose from and childhood favorites like Warheads candies and Bubble Yum or Sonic Limeade, it is easy to see why.

The stimulant levels are a bit lower but still high enough to make Ghost pre-workouts a much better option for most. The lower price (more than half) also makes Ghost more enticing.

Related Article - Ghost Legend Pre-Workout Review

Frequently Asked Lit AF Pre-Workout Questions

What is the best way to utilize Beyond Raw Lit AF pre-workout?

For best results with this pre-workout, you need to stick to the serving suggestions of one scoop. There are 20 scoops worth per container. Add the scoop of powder to your cold water or juice and mix thoroughly.

How long before my workout should I take Beyond Raw Lit AF?

Beyond Raw LIT pre-workout is best taken 30 minutes before your workout. Mixing well with water is usually the best and fastest, though fruit juice or a fresh fruit smoothie can work too.

Can you take Beyond Raw Lit AF pre-workout on an empty stomach?

If you have a lower caffeine tolerance taking Lit AF pre-workout on an empty stomach can cause digestive upset. It is always best to have a small meal or snack prior to taking any supplement, including a pre-workout.

 Learn More - Is it Safe To Take Pre-Workout On An Empty Stomach?

Does Lit AF build muscle?

The formula allows for higher endurance, lower muscle fatigue, and better muscle contractions. This will allow you to work out harder or even add reps and sets to your routine, which can build muscle faster.

Conclusion

The GNC-branded Beyond Raw pre-workout supplement is a higher-priced formula that has a lot of label promises. With an extensive of the basics and other ingredients, some gym enthusiasts may find too many non-essential additions to suit their needs.

Our LIT AF review shows that for those looking for a high-energy option that offers a no-crash time-release stimulant and who want to see bigger body muscle pumps in the gym, it is a viable option to choose.

References: 

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/1550-2783-9-33
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595023/
5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-48
6. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41?scroll=top&needAccess=true