Last Updated On August 23, 2023
You're feeling shaky, unable to concentrate, nervous, and your heart feels like it may just burst out of your chest. These jitters are pretty common, even for those gym veterans who exercise daily.
However, there are many steps you can take to make sure you’re pumped up for the gym without going overboard.
Let's jump right in so you know how to stop pre-workout jitters before your next workout!
What Makes You Jittery in Pre-Workout?
Caffeine tends to be the main culprit when it comes to feeling jittery, and if you've ever had too much coffee on an empty stomach before, you already know that.
This occurs when caffeine levels are too high in the body, which increases adrenaline in our bodies and raises our blood pressure [1]. If you are already predisposed to anxiety, these symptoms can come on even easier.
Yohimbe, especially when used with anti-depression medication, can cause that familiar shaky, anxious feeling too.
Beta-alanine can create a tingly and itchy feeling from pre-workout sometimes, which may contribute to this feeling.
Pre-workout supplements that use these ingredients can cause a jittery feeling, especially if you haven’t eaten or consumed much water recently.
How To Stop & Prevent Pre-Workout Jitters?
1. Controlled Caffeine Consumption
Sometimes it’s easy to drink one too many cups of coffee or go a bit heavy on the pre-workout scoop. However, monitoring how much caffeine you consume is one of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted side effects.
Alternatively, you can try decaf instead, or going half-caf so you can still fill that craving without taking it over the limit.
It’s recommended to never exceed 400 mg of caffeine in a 24-hour period, so check how many milligrams are in your supplement [2]. Of course, this does vary a bit depending on the individual’s body weight, but this is a great rule of thumb.
Related Article - How Much Caffeine Is In Pre-Workout Supplements?
2. Use Theanine & Other Non-Caffeine Based Stimulants
That's not to say that you shouldn't try other stimulants, however.
For example, the amino acid theanine is an excellent alternative to caffeine in that it does boost cognition and mood. Even using it in conjunction with caffeine can have positive benefits, as it can help reduce the effect of jitters and rapid drops in energy levels.
More "natural" stimulants like green tea, guarana, and ginseng are also great options. They may not have the "explosive" effect caffeine can, but they still help elevate focus and boost energy levels. Try these first in smaller amounts so you don't experience a negative pre-workout side effects.
On a side note, many pre-workout formulas include vitamin B3, often referred to as niacin. Niacin is not only great for the skin but muscle health, which could even help with muscle growth. [3]
Before trying niacin, check to see if your pre-workout supplement doesn't already include it. If it is a proprietary blend, it's likely that it does include it, at least in a small doses.
Read Also - Stimulant Vs Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout
3. Drink Water & Stay Hydrated
No matter what your goal is in fitness, staying hydrated will help get you there faster.
Drinking the right amount of water will not only improve exercise performance but keep your entire body healthy. Of course, how much water is "enough" will greatly depend on your body weight and how much pre-workout you take.
Not to mention, you'll be less likely to feel jittery when properly hydrated. In addition, drinking water helps dilute the amount of caffeine in your system, which can keep you in a controlled, energetic state.
On the other hand, being dehydrated can cause our bodies to function improperly and can even cause symptoms of anxiety [4]. Caffeine is a natural diuretic that can dehydrate you, thus, making you feel shaky or uneasy.
4. Get Moving & Exercise
Sometimes we just have to get moving and burn off all that excess energy! If you are feeling jittery - regardless of whether or not you’ve taken a pre-workout supplement - it’s best to get those muscles working and increase circulation.
Being active will metabolize excess caffeine and will reduce stress and anxiety from pre-workouts. If you do feel you've consumed too much pre-workout, don't work out like you're setting PRs.
Instead, take a brisk walk or a light jog, do some yoga and just focus on bringing yourself back to a calmer state.
5. Eat A Hearty Meal
In a way, eating a hearty meal is like drinking water in that both will help dilute the effect of caffeine and other stimulants. Fats and proteins help slow the release of caffeine into the bloodstream, which can help you stay away from feeling shaky or nervous.
Proper nutrition and diet are critical to your body working as intended and maintaining your health.
Working out on an empty stomach may have its benefits, but if you're feeling uneasy, it's probably best to consult your healthcare professional if you'd like to continue working out that way.
Also Check Out - Should You Take Pre-Workout On An Empty Stomach?
6. Replace Lost Electrolytes
Did you know that staying properly hydrated not only means drinking enough water but replacing lost salt? That's even more important if you're taking a pre-workout supplement.
If you're sweating a lot, as is normal during a workout, you're losing electrolytes. Being low on electrolytes can affect brain and body function and cause you to be seriously ill.
A great way to replace them is by adding Pedialyte or a similar beverage to your pre-workouts! That way, you're getting everything you need in one beverage, and it'll add to the taste too!
When you have the right amount of electrolytes, you'll experience increased muscle strength, endurance, and energy and minimize jittery sensations.
7. Practice Deep Breathing
Sometimes, feeling mentally anxious or uncomfortable can also make you jittery.
Our heart rate speeds up, which can cause you to breathe quicker and more shallow and your stomach to cramp up. This can make training more difficult and prohibit muscle performance, which isn’t going to lead to a very productive workout.
Taking a pre-workout supplement can induce these feelings or increase anxiety, depending on the stimulant quantity.
Best Pre-Workout That Won't Make You Jittery
If you're on the lookout for a stimulant-free pre-workout, we suggest Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout.
It offers a delightful taste and is crafted with high-quality ingredients, making it an excellent choice for your fitness routine.
Recommended Pre-Workout!
Frequently Asked Pre-Workout Jitters Questions
Yes, C4 Pre-Workout jitters are common. As caffeine is one of the primary ingredients in C4 pre-workout supplementation, it's not unheard of to experience jitters.
Typically, they won't last longer than an hour. If they last longer than this, it's a smart idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Yes, if you drink milk, it can help as the proteins in milk take longer to break down, helping slow down caffeine from being released into the body.
While salt can help in reducing inflammation, it’s yet to be determined if a salt supplement helps with caffeine jitters.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get rid of jitters from pre-workout ingredients, follow this guide and you won’t have a problem getting into the routine. A good pre-workout makes you feel powerful at the gym and should only offer you benefits.
There are countless supplements out there, and by following our advice, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect one to accompany your workout routine.
References:
1. https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/i5/Caffeine-Jitters.html
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155041312030190X
4. https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20120120/even-mild-dehydration-may-cause-emotional-physical-problems
