With so many pre-workout supplements, finding the perfect match for your needs can be difficult.
Energy levels, endurance boosts, lean muscle mass increases, and mass building all start with a pre-workout supplement.
In this review, we will look closely at MyProtein THE Pre-workout.
Not only will we cover its ingredients and promises, but we will take this pre-workout supplement for a test drive so you can see the actual results.
Table of Contents
What Is MyProtein Pre-Workout?
The primary pre-workout for this review is the MyProtein THE Pre-workout. This supplement company also offers a higher caffeine content one called THE Pre-workout + (plus).
Finally, they have an off-shoot of two limited-time flavors under the "MyPro" name.
My Experience Taking MyProtein The Pre-Workout
I tested the MyProtein Supplement Peach Ring flavor to see if it could deliver on the label's promises.
Will it give me energy, boost my endurance to allow more reps or sets, and how does it taste? Let's find out. The results of my personal MyProtein pre-workout review are below.
Flavor Options
The standard pre-workout supplement formula offers 11 different flavors. Meanwhile, the Plus formula and the new supplement, MyPro, formulas each offer two flavors.
Unfortunately, with the flavor combinations they offer, there is little you can do aside from making a fruit smoothie to help with the pre-workout taste.
Performance Increase
One of the first promises is a performance increase. I was skeptical but hopeful, as the actual ingredients formula listed could back this up.
The online average rating and pre-workout reviews gave me hope, too.
I did notice a little more peak performance endurance throughout my workout. I wanted to push a few extra reps and was able to on almost every set.
See Related - Pros & Cons of Taking Pre-Workout
Pump
The muscle pump is evident almost from the first rep. It doesn’t take long for the blood to rush to the muscle area and fill in any gaps that may be there.
I usually am not one to notice a few pumped muscles in the mirror, but THE pre-workout supplements had me looking more often compared to other supplements.
Also Check Out - What Does Pre-Workout Feel Like?
Focus
I can say that I wasn't as focused as I have been with other formulas and brands.
The standard mix has a fairly average caffeine level, and I found myself distracted by the music in my earbuds and stopping to watch people walking by during my between-set rests.
Overall, it helped boost mental focus, clarity, and awareness, and my reflexes stood up, but I want a little more than this pre-workout offered.
Energy
Because of the lower caffeine levels, I could have my morning cup of coffee without worrying about going over the daily recommended limits.
For my tastes, this was a little on the lower side, though, and the Plus formula is a better option.
Twice the caffeine in a pre-workout can be risky, especially for those working out in the evenings, the standard formula is ideal in these situations.
Related Article - Pre-Workout Vs Energy Drinks
Side Effects
Once I took MyProtein THE pre-workout for the first time, it was about 35 minutes before it kicked in.
The side effects were minimal and expected. I was a little jittery for the first hour, and the beta-alanine tingles were prevalent.
However, the tingles went away in about 45 minutes and the jitters stopped shortly after.
About halfway through my workout, I noticed I was even less motivated than my normal mental performance, but I still had the energy to push harder and finish anyway.
See Also - Side effects of Pre-Workout Supplements
Post-Workout
After the workout, I was elated. I could push 14 extra reps throughout the entire 2 hours I was in the gym.
I was tired and sore, of course. I didn't have a crash or the feeling I needed a nap.
Read Also - How To Avoid Pre-Workout Crash
Cost & Availability
At an average cost of about $1.18 per serving for the standard formula, you can pick up THE pre-workout for almost one-third the cost of many other options.
To find MyProtein THE workout, you can head directly to the official MyProtein website. There you will find all the available flavors, limited-time offerings, and their promotional material.
If you do not find what you need, though, you can usually find it on Amazon for the same cost.
Pros
Cons
MyProtein Pre-Workout Ingredients (Nutrition Per Serving)
These are the ingredients mentioned on the MyProtein Pre-workout nutrition label.
Here you can see that MyProtein doesn’t use a proprietary blend.
You know what you are getting in each serving and exactly how much.
This can be quite rare with fitness industry food supplements.
Niacin (15 mg)
The only reason you find Niacin in a pre-workout formula is because it causes niacin flush.
You will also get a tingling sensation all over your body, and many pre-workouts use this to give you the "it's working" effect.
Note that the niacin flush is harmless and will go away in about 15 minutes.[1]
Folic Acid (416 mcg)
Folic Acid is a pre-workout ingredient that science and research have shown allows you to absorb more oxygen.
Increased oxygen and nitrogen also create more nitric oxide (NO).
To increase nitric oxide levels, supplements will add folic acid and other dietary nitrates to a particular supplement to help your body convert NO.
Vitamin B12 (25 mcg)
B12 is a vitamin found in animal proteins as part of a balanced diet or supplements.
It is responsible for supporting cellular energy production, normal energy release, protein breakdown, and muscle building.
The B-vitamin range (B12, B6, two important B Vitamins), as well as Vitamin C and Vitamin D, should be a part of your daily intake.
As an essential nutrient, they can help naturally increase athletic performance and fat loss, and offer a good workout to reach your fitness goals.
L-Citrulline (4,000mg)
L-citrulline is the base form of citrulline, and in most pre-workouts, you will find citrulline malate.
That is because the malate form is better suited for muscle growth. With THE pre-workout, though, we get the base compound ideal for cardiovascular health.
It isn’t a bad thing for endurance trainers or those looking to lose weight on the treadmill.[2] For powerlifters and gym rats, though, L-citrulline malate is a better ingredient to have.
Beta-Alanine (2,000mg)
Beta-alanine is one of the most popular pre-workout ingredients for its lactic acid build-up prevention. Lower pantothenic acid contributes to a longer workout.
Beta-alanine also improves blood flow, so oxygen and nutrients make it to the working muscles.
Betaine Anhydrous (2,500mg)
Betaine anhydrous is a dehydrated compound commonly compared to creatine. Known as an ergogenic aid, an amino acid that increases hydration levels, protein synthesis, and power output.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (750mg)
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, often simply called l-tyrosine, is a dopamine precursor. In the brain, dopamine chemicals help us become more aware, alert, and focused.
In a pre-workout, this amino acid can build up enough to help you stay focused and even improve reaction times.
Creatine Monohydrate (2,000mg)
Creatine monohydrate, the most studied supplement on the market, is one of the most effective solutions to lean muscle mass, strength, and recovery times.
With MyProtein pre-workouts, you get 2 grams per serving, which is 3 to 4 grams less than the daily needed amount to be most effective.
So while taking the pre-workout mix, you will also need to stack more creatine into your exercise routine day.
See Also - Can You Take Creatine With Pre-Workout?
Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
If creatine is the most studied supplement, caffeine may be the most studied ingredient.
Caffeine is the most common pre-workout ingredient in all of the best pre-workout supplements that contain popular stimulants.
Many of them come from coffee bean or tea extracts, as caffeine anhydrous.
Read More - How Much Caffeine Is In Pre-Workouts?
Theacrine (50mg)
Theacrine is an alkaloid from Chinese tea. In MyProtein THE pre-workout, theacrine acts as a secondary caffeine source.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce recovery time and ease the burn from your workouts. Theacrine is stronger than caffeine and works as a slight time-released aspect.
It has a longer half-life and will keep your energy levels up for a longer time while letting you down slower without the crash sugars and high doses of caffeine.[3]
AstraGin (25 mg)
A registered trademarked supplement, AstraGin is used to increase nutrient absorption in the body. It has other benefits, like improving overall gut health, too.
The main issue is that there isn't much scientific research to back the claims.
BioPerine (2.5 mg)
BioPerine is another registered trademarked brand of black pepper extract. It helps regulate internal body temperature and energy levels.
With a 95% absorption rate, BioPerine suggests it also helps lower body fat.
As with most trademarked supplements, there isn’t enough research to fully back the claims. While the outlook is good, we still can’t be sure just yet.[4]
Who Should Take MyProtein Pre-Workout?
MyProtein THE pre-workout is full of high-quality ingredients and near full recommended levels.
With a list including two types of caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine, this is a cost-effective good pre-workout formula that fits the needs of many people.
Who Shouldn’t Consider MyProtein Pre-Workout?
The opposite side of the coin is that MyProtein isn't the best solution for everyone.
With the dual caffeine sources, trademarked yet unproven supplements, and not a vegan-friendly option, some may not enjoy it.
Caffeine-sensitive and vegan gym enthusiasts will find that MyProtein isn’t the best option.[5]
There are options with a lower number of ingredients or low-stim and caffeine-free formulas. You can also check out the MyProtein Stimulant free pre-workout.
Always carefully check the ingredients label before taking pre-workouts, especially if you have pre-existing health problems.
Also Check Out - What Is Stim Free Pre-Workout?
MyProtein THE Pre-Workout Vs Alternatives
MyProtein Vs Optimum Nutrition Pre-Workout
alanine. The prices are similar with both brands and their claims are quite similar. There is only one slight difference that can sway your decision.
ON has a slower onset, which averages about 35 minutes, compared to the much faster-acting 25-minute MyProtein.
On the other hand, MyProtein has a lower flavor that, while good tasting enough, doesn't match the full flavor of Optimum Nutrition.
Also Check Out - Optimum Nutrition Pre-Workout Review
MyProtein Vs C4 Pre-Workout
C4 is one of the gold-standard pre-workout formulas on the market. It has a high sales record and a cult-like following.
The one negative aspect of C4 is that the flavors are a little more than palpable.
MyProtein THE pre-workout has more caffeine per serving, but C4 has a smaller ingredient list.
The C4 formula is more compact, but the results are undeniable. While you may get results from both formulas, MyProtein isn’t as prominent as C4.
Related Article - C4 Pre-Workout Tested & Reviewed
MyProtein Pre-Workout FAQs
How do you best take MyProtein pre-workout?
Following the instructions on the packaging, you should mix one scoop of powder with 250ml of water and mix well. Drinking in one sitting is best and should be done 20 to 30 minutes before your workout begins.
How long does MyProtein pre-workout last?
MyProtein has a half-life of about 5 hours. With the inclusion of theacrine, the energy boosts are faster onset but delay their release over time, making the formula last longer.
How long does it take for MyProtein to kick in?
On average, the energy and focus aspects of the pre-workout will take effect in about 25 to 30 minutes. Some users state they feel motivated and ready in as little as 20 minutes, and others claim it takes closer to an hour.
Is MyProtein made in the USA?
No. MyProtein is a British company based in Manchester, UK. Originally founded in 2004 in New York, The Hut Group in the UK acquired the company in 2011. They operate out of Manchester, UK, and Kentucky, USA, and have sales offices and distributors in 70 countries.
Final Verdict
As this pre-workout review has shown, MyProtein is a cost-effective solution to the pre-workout problem.
While they may not be the flashiest or most reputable brand on the market, they are one of the most on the level.
Some of their ingredients need more study, but overall the pre-workout gives you energy, endurance, and focus while minimizing recovery time and preventing the caffeine crash.
One final caveat, always discuss your supplement intake with a certified medical professional before taking it.
Recommendation | Our #1 Pre-Workout
References:
1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02099.x
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/7/921
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4663612/
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1886
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-sensitivity
Last Updated on January 5, 2023
