REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout Review – Is It Legit Or Not?

What Is REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout?

REDCON1 Total War is classed as an all-in-one pre-workout supplement. It’s designed to help increase focus, enhance muscular endurance, and boost energy levels.

The manufacturer REDCON1 are so confident that you’ll enjoy their product that they offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied with their supplement.

One of the best features of Total War is that the supplement has been tested by a third party to ensure the product is free of banned substances. 

It’s a great value pre-workout and offers full label transparency, making it ideal for athletes or anyone who’s regularly drug tested.

My Personal Experience With Total War Pre-Workout

For this Total War pre-workout review, I’ll be breaking it down into several main categories that are crucial when you’re choosing your supplement.

1. Flavor

When it comes to pre-workouts, the flavor can be hit and miss. However, with an extensive range of flavors available, Total War undoubtedly has one you'll like.

Here’s a list of the different flavors you can choose from:

While testing the pre-workout, I picked a few different flavors to try and figure out which was the best-tasting Total War pre-workout.  

My personal favorite flavors were Blue Raspberry and Sour Gummy Bear; I really like these flavors as they have a strong taste and mask any of the ingredients from the pre-workout.

Taste is something that many supplements struggle with, especially pre-workouts, but I feel Total War has nailed this aspect.  

However, I must add the Blue Lemonade flavor wasn’t great, but I’ve had a lot worse in my time.  

I mixed my pre-workout in a shaker and used water as instructed on the supplement label.

One thing I noticed was how easy the PWO mixed, and it didn’t leave any annoying lumps at the bottom. This is a massive plus if you ask me.

The first time I tested REDCON1 Total War, I used half a scoop to assess tolerance levels, and once I knew I responded ok, I then upped it to one scoop, ensuring I got adequate doses of each ingredient.

2. Performance Increase

While using Total War during my workouts, I felt it’s an effective supplement that’ll help you achieve your fitness goals.

I was able to lift for a few extra reps, which will help muscular hypertrophy, and I didn’t need as much rest between my sets.  

If I’m being honest, I still felt like I could perform a few additional sets by the end of my workout, which is always a nice feeling to walk out with.  

I didn’t notice any significant changes in the weight I could lift, but this could have been offset by the additional reps I performed.  

3. Pump

When it comes to the pump, I was hoping the high dosages of the L Arginine amino acids would help drive the blood into my muscles. However, I found the pump to be moderate.  

This isn’t a dealbreaker, but I would have liked to get a better pump after taking this supplement.

However, when I trained the biceps, they did feel like they were ready to explode, but it wasn’t a bad thing… a good pump is always nice.

4. Focus

While I found Total War to give me excellent energy levels, I didn’t experience the laser-like focus you can get from some PWO supplements.

And, if I'm being honest, I had very little to distract me in my home gym, and my enhanced energy levels made me feel like I could lift the world.

Of course, this might be a different story if you work out in a commercial gym where you can chat with people.

My advice: Take the supplement, put your headphones on, and start lifting.

5. Energy

The caffeine levels in the REDCON1 supplement definitely boosted my energy levels.

And, as it utilizes two types of caffeine, one slow release and one fast, I found these levels to be sustained throughout my workout and afterward.

I didn’t suffer any crashing, which surprised me as I usually get some sort of crash after taking caffeinated supplements.  

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

6. Side Effects

Firstly, I highly recommend you test the product using half a scoop, as everybody will have a different experience with this product.

From my experience, I didn’t get any bad side effects. My stomach didn’t hurt, and I didn’t feel the sudden urge to run to the toilet every five minutes (which is a HUGE win).

However, I did get the infamous Beta-alanine itch… but if you’re like me, you won’t mind that feeling.

As the product is high in caffeine, I got slightly jittery during my second workout using Total War.

I am somewhat sensitive to caffeine, and the jitters wore off rather quickly once my workout started, but I don't think anyone appreciates that shaky feeling.

This supplement's safety is backed by third-party testing, ensuring it's not laced with dangerous or banned substances.

A 2017 study showed that healthy individuals taking PWO supplements are unlikely to develop any medical issues.[1]

But always seek medical advice before you take the supplement as a precaution.

Note: Never take more than the recommended dosage. If you take more than one scoop of this supplement, you might get unwanted side effects and risk your health.

Learn More - What Happens If You Take Too Much Pre-Workout?

7. Post-Workout

Once I finished my workout, I didn’t notice any crashing, and my energy levels remained rather level until I went to bed.

Luckily, I took the supplement at 1 pm, which was perfect for my 11 pm bedtime. I didn't struggle to sleep, which is a massive bonus.

Learn More - Does Pre-Workout Keep You Awake?

8. Cost & Availability

You can buy the Total War pre-workout supplement from Amazon for around $35-$40, which is a bargain.

You get 30 servings in a tub (around 14.7g per serving), making this one of the most cost-effective pre-workout supplements around.

Total War is usually well stocked, but sometimes certain flavors can be out of stock.

However, they typically replenish the supply reasonably quickly. You can also find this product at most large-scale vitamin shops.

Total War Pre-Workout Ingredients Evaluated

The nutrition facts can only tell you so much about pre-workout products.

We’ll break down what you can expect from the net weight of each ingredient.

Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6000mg

Fed up with your muscles fatiguing during your workout? Citrulline Malate has you covered.

This useful ingredient has been proven to delay muscle fatigue while promoting increased aerobic energy levels.[2]

Citrulline Malate is a combination of L-citrulline and Malic Acid.  

Redcon1 Total War pre-workout uses the common ratio of 2:1, meaning there are 4000mg of L-citrulline and 2000mg of Malic Acid in the product.  

While this is within the “effective clinical dosage,” it’s on the lower end compared to other PWOs.

Beta-Alanine – 3200mg

Beta-Alanine is extremely popular with fitness enthusiasts because of its potential health benefits and exercise performance-enhancing properties.  

The Beta Alanine ingredient produces a dipeptide molecule called carnosine. Carnosine helps reduce the amount of lactic acid in your muscles, helping you lift for longer.  

Beta-Alanine increases your body's carnosine levels, preventing lactic acid build-up while reducing muscular fatigue.  

If you like PWOs, you'll know about the Beta Alanine tingles; I usually get them on my lips, ears, and biceps. When I get that tingling sensation, I know it's time to start working out.

Learn More - What Causes Pre-Workout Tingle?

Agmatine Sulfate – 1000mg

Derived from the amino acid L-Arginine, Agmatine Sulfate has become fairly popular in bodybuilding.  

It helps promote increased nitric oxide levels in your body. This nitric oxide booster helps to relax the inner muscles in your blood vessels, causing them to widen.

As a result, you get increased blood flow and lower blood pressure.  

Most pre-workout supplements contain around 1000mg-1500mg of Agmatine Sulfate, so the Total War pre-workout supplement sits within the recommended range.

Taurine – 1000mg

Taurine is one of the few natural substances often found inside energy drinks, and it has proposed sports performance-enhancing benefits when taken within the correct dosage.  

Your body can naturally produce Taurine, but if you want to see some of the benefits of this supplement, it’s recommended that you take the ingredient in supplement form.

While it supports nerve growth and lowers your blood pressure, it can reduce “the pump” you get during a workout. However, while taking Total War, this wasn’t an issue for me.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 250mg

When it comes to caffeine content, Total War shines. It contains 250 mg of caffeine anhydrous and 100mg of di-caffeine malate, but I’ll discuss the latter in a moment.  

Caffeine Anhydrous is one of the most common forms of caffeine and is often the type you’ll see in other PWO products.

As for dosage, 250mg of Caffeine Anhydrous is the perfect amount, in my opinion.  

Caffeine gives you an energy boost and can enhance focus, everything you need when it comes to working out.

Juniper – 150mg

Juniper extract is one of the ingredients that has several health benefits. It helps increase your HDL cholesterol and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Some research has pointed to Juniper extract being “anti-diabetic.”[3]

Di-Caffeine Malate – 100mg

Di-Caffeine Malate is another type of caffeine included in the Total War pre-workout supplement.

It can boost energy and differs from Anhydrous Caffeine as it gives you a sustained release of energy.  

The Di-Caffeine Malate ingredient is created by fusing caffeine with Malic acid.  

Mixing both types of caffeine in the Total War supplement gives you sustained energy throughout your workout.

Green Tea (Leaf) Extract – 45mg

Green tea extract is becoming a popular ingredient in the pre-workout supplement industry.

It has several proposed health benefits, such as aiding weight loss, better brain function, and reduced risk of heart disease.

However, as Green tea extract contains catechin, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the formation of free radicals in the body.

Naringin – 25mg

Naringin is found in the skin of citrus fruits and is known for its bitter flavor. It doesn't offer any nutritional value but does contain a high concentration of antioxidants.  

In the fitness industry, it’s used in supplements as a preservative and gives it the bitter taste often associated with a pre-workout supplement.

The bitter taste is helpful as it masks other chemical components within the PWO that don’t taste nice.

BioPerine – 10mg

Derived from black pepper extract, BioPerine has been added to the Total War Pre-workout to help aid the absorption of all the nutrients in the supplement.  

It has also been linked with preventing mental impairment (such as Alzheimer’s disease).

A study showed improvement in mice who’d suffered chemically induced Parkinson’s disease when they were given BioPerine.[4]

Theobroma Cocoa – 5mg

Theobroma Cocoa contains the active ingredient "theobromine ." Theobromine is known for increasing oxygen flow to the lungs by relaxing your body's lung muscles.

It’s also known to promote weight loss and is sometimes used in fat burner supplements.

Even though most supplement companies will use Theobromine, the Redcon1 supplement company has opted to use the source ingredient (Theobroma Cocoa) in Total War.

Who Should Use REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout?

REDCON1 Total War is suitable for most gym-goers looking to get a little more from their workouts.

While you don't need to be a bodybuilder to use this supplement, it is extremely popular in the bodybuilding world.

It helps you achieve an enhanced pump, increased endurance, and higher energy levels - everything you need to help push out an extra few reps to grow your muscles.

On top of the workout benefits, Total War includes several anti-inflammatory properties, so not only does it aid your workout and your muscle’s recovery.

In my opinion, this pre-workout supplement is best for anyone who performs a resistance training workout.

Who Should Not Use Total War Pre-Workout?

While PWOs are great, they aren’t suitable for everyone.

Firstly, if you have a medical condition or have suffered heart issues in the past, you should avoid pre-workout supplements (unless your doctor states otherwise).

Learn More - Can Pre-Workout Kill You?

Pregnant women should also avoid taking the supplement and stop taking pre-workouts until they’ve finished breastfeeding.

Again, if you’re uncertain, seek further help from your doctor or physician.

Another reason you should avoid taking a pre-workout is if you plan to sleep after your workout. I think it can go without saying that drinking a load of caffeine before bedtime isn’t ideal.

Lack of sleep will be worse for your muscle gains than not taking Total War, so it's best to avoid the supplement if you work out in the evening.

Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 11 hours, so I'd advise you don't take this supplement past 4 pm.

Learn More - Is Pre-Workout Suitable For Pregnant Women?

Can Total War Match Up To Other Pre-Workouts?

REDCON1 Total War Vs Woke AF Pre-Workout

Woke AF is extremely expensive for a pre-workout supplement, costing around $10-15 more than Total War. However, it does have a much larger caffeine content (333 mg).

However, Woke AF did give me a bad stomach the first time I took it, which I suspect was due to the caffeine content. I’d say it’s best suited for gym-goers looking for a super-strong pre-workout.

For me personally, I'd like to avoid the sour stomach and take Total War. 

REDCON1 Total War Vs C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout

When comparing Total War to C4 Ultimate, I found they're both great supplements within a similar price range.

However, C4 comes with 10 fewer servings compared to REDCON1's supplement, making it more expensive in the long run.

However, C4 has a slightly larger caffeine content, and I found the focus slightly better.

Overall, both supplements are similar, and for the price, I’d choose Total War, as you get an extra 10 servings.

Learn More - Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout Review

Common REDCON1 Total War Questions

What Is the recommended dosage for this pre-workout?

The recommended dosage for the Redcon1 Total War pre-workout is 1 scoop (14.7g), which should be more than enough for most gym-goers.

I highly recommend you don’t exceed this dosage, as high quantities of some of the ingredients can be dangerous.

Before taking any pre-workout, you should always perform a tolerance test; try taking ½ a scoop the first time. 

Does this pre-workout have creatine?

Unlike some pre-workouts, Total War doesn’t contain creatine. However, this is a good thing in my eyes.

Usually, if it is in pre-workout supplements isn’t a high enough dosage, meaning you’d have to supplement anyway.

Learn More - Creatine And Pre-Workout (Can You Mix Them?)

How long before a workout should you take Total War?

To get the most from the Total War pre-workout supplements, you should take them 20-30 minutes before you start working out.

I found 15 minutes beforehand to be the ideal time, as I started getting a slight tingle in my lips, letting me know it was about to kick in.

Was Total War pre-workout banned?

Total War pre-workout is free from banned substances and is verified by a third-party auditor, ensuring the pre-workout is legal to consume.

Final Verdict

If you’ve been looking for a pre-workout to enhance your workouts, it can be a challenge knowing what’s the best.  

REDCON1’s Total War offers an excellent supplement that could be what you’ve been looking for.

Read through the review (above) and see if this supplement is the right fit for your fitness routine. It might be precisely what you’ve been looking for.

References: 

1. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-016-0159-2
2. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/36/4/282
3. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/EVALUATION-OF-ANTI-DIABETIC-AND-ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIC-Banerjee-Singh/591b8382f9fe1889761c611443365ab3099a5c9f
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31207354/