RYSE Pre-Workout Review (Is It Any Good?) – GarageGymPro

What Is RYSE Pre-Workout? (About This Brand)

RYSE is one of the newer sports nutrition brands on the market. They stock protein, supplements, and even apparel, but they're best known for their pre.

The brand itself is young, cool, and has a very aesthetic look. Looks aren't everything, but it's refreshing to review a new brand battling some of the older names on the market.

RYSE has two pre-workouts in powder form, and they're both very high-stimulant pre-workout options.

However, despite the high levels of caffeine, their products definitely aren't geared up for the highest level of bodybuilder, and they definitely aren't premium.

Their pre-workout supplement flavors are quite out there (but amazing), and you can see how they're looking to mix it up in the market.

This young brand is great for young lifters and combines style and cool looks.

What I would say about RYSE is that they don't seem to have the depth of experience or latest science knowledge that some other brands have.

Their products are good, but once I started using their pre, I could tell that the combination of ingredients wasn't as effective as something like Transparent Labs pre-workouts.

Learn More - Stimulant Vs Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout

My (3 Month) Experience Using RYSE Pre-Workout

For my pre-workout review, I took RYSE products for about 3 months. I used it just before most of my workouts and kept an eye on my exercise performance.

1. Flavor Profile

RYSE supplements come in 7 flavors:

This isn't the first of the reviews I've done where I've been confused by the names of the flavors, but it wasn't as confusing as some other brands.

For this review, I tried the SunnyD and Tiger's Blood. I did want to try Ring Pop Cherry and Smarties, but they were sold out.

I have to say that the two I did try for this pre-workout review were really good.

The Sunny D really did taste like the drink, and I don't know whether they included some of the original ingredients, but it definitely brought back some nostalgic memories.

The powder pre-workouts were both easy to blend too. They were much smoother than other brands like Gorilla and C4, and the pre-workout even mixed well with milk.

I don't usually have milk because it's extra calories - but it's nice to have the option.

Ryse doesn't offer the same amount of choice as brands like MyProtein (which has 14 flavors), but the flavors they do have are amazing.

The two I tried for this review blended really well, and their flavor really did deliver, so RYSE gets strong marks in this category.

2. Performance Increase

I followed the instructions and took it 30 minutes before each session to see how it impacted me. I felt the stimulant within about 5 minutes, and I went into the gym pretty focused on the job.

However, my power output didn't seem much higher, and I wouldn't say it gave me an incredible workout.

I didn't feel like I was lifting more, but I felt my endurance and energy levels had increased.

I was able to crank out more sets and train for longer without losing focus, so that's definitely a good thing.

All in all, I'd say there was a pretty good performance increase, but the beta-alanine did give me a pretty big tingle across my skin which might be too much for beginners.

3. Pump

Getting decent pumps from your training generally depends on how the blood flows to your muscles while you train.

The pumps from RYSE loaded supplements were pretty limited, and while I was getting a good workout, I didn't feel like I was maximizing my aesthetic.

Now I'm not a bodybuilder, so I don't particularly search for pumps, but I know it's a big deal for a lot of lifters.

The best patented ingredients for a good pump are beta-alanine, L citrulline, and arginine, all of which encourage blood to flow.

Unfortunately, when you look at Ryse pre-workout nutrition facts, you can see it has very little pure L citrulline or arginine, so it's not surprising I didn't see big pumps.  

4. Focus

One thing I would say about this loaded pre is that it gives a lot of mental focus.

There's 350mg of caffeine and 200mg of theobromine (which is a bit like caffeine), and you feel it right away. I instantly felt more focused and woken up.

This was great for my training because I was completely tuned in.

I didn’t feel distracted by the people around me, and I could feel the effectiveness of my session improving because of the supplement.

If, like me, you're working out first thing in the morning, then you'll love this pre because RYSE takes mental focus to the next level.

Learn More - What Is The Caffeine Content Of A Pre-Workout Supplement?

5. Energy

I also felt a lot of energy from this pre-workout supplement, and the caffeine hit me almost instantly.

I'd say that after taking the proper dosage, I was pretty energized for 2-3 hours, and the unique formula in the supplements gave me good energy, which supported a longer workout.

When I used the I AM GOD product, which is another high stim supplement, I found that I crashed quite quickly. RYSE has counteracted that by including malic acid in the formula.

This helps to control the absorption rate, so even though it's lower caffeine, it still gives you energy for longer.

6. Side Effects

I've used a lot of pre-workout supplements and have done a lot of reviews, so I'm ready for the potential negative impacts.

I didn't find RYSE too bad, but there were two key negative effects for me; tingles and feeling wired.

I felt slight tingles over my body after I first made contact with the powder, which had to be from the beta-alanine.

It wasn't so bad as to impact my workout or focus, but I think beginners would find it uncomfortable.[1]

I did feel a bit wired after I left the gym, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The energy and focus from the caffeine stayed in my system for about 3 hours, so it's great for a long session.

However, I would say it's worth avoiding RYSE in the evenings, or you may struggle to sleep.

Learn More - Why Do I Feel Tired When Taking Pre-Workout?

7. Post-Workout

Despite the high caffeine and energy levels, I didn't feel any significant crash or an upset stomach after my workout.

I felt the increased mental focus and energy for a few hours once I was done, but I think the formula helped to manage the come down, and I definitely didn't drop like I have with other brands.

It's a good idea to avoid using RYSE in the evenings because the nootropic ingredients and caffeine anhydrous, which improve your performance, can also work against you and leave you struggling to sleep.

If you do start to feel jittery, then it's a sign that this loaded supplement maybe isn't for you.

Learn More - Nootropic Pre-Workout (What Is it & How It Works?)

8. Cost & Availability

RYSE pre-workout supplement is one of the more expensive pre-workout supplements at about $1.72 a serving.

It's not too bad when you consider the high caffeine content, but it's more expensive than competitors like HYDE, which is $1.17 and has even more stimulant.

RYSE is about the same as Transparent Labs pre-workout ($1.77 a serving), and Transparent Labs is arguably a more well-rounded pre-workout.

You can buy RYSE pre-workout in stores, but it's much easier to order it online.

You can order their pre-workout through Amazon, third parties like Muscle Factory, or from Ryse directly - but RYSE doesn't really ship internationally.

I ordered through Muscle Factory because they tend to have all the flavor options in stock.

It's pretty easy to purchase Ryse pre-workout, but I would say it's quite expensive for what it is.

RYSE Pre-Workout Ingredients (Nutritional Facts)

Sodium – 136 mg

This helps muscles contract better and work harder, so you can get more from your workout.

Vitamin C – 90 mg

Vitamin C helps to increase the antioxidants in your body and can help you train for longer.

It also helps to lower the overall stress within your body.

Choline Bitartrate as VitaCholine ® – 610 mg

This ingredient helps to enhance cognitive function, and along with the other stimulants, it's what makes RYSE so effective at helping you focus.

Calcium – 90 mg

Calcium can help to stop muscle cramping and aches, so you can train for longer. There's no evidence yet of long-term benefits, but it can be beneficial in intense sessions.

Phosphorus – 50 mg

Phosphorus and phosphate are essential for your whole internal system and help your muscles to function.

Phosphorus helps oxygen reach your muscle groups so they can work harder without fatigue.

Potassium – 90 mg

Potassium has been shown to boost cardiovascular levels and help your overall endurance.

It's also been shown to reduce lactic acid build-up, and RYSE has included it so you can train harder without experiencing the negative side effects.

Beta-Alanine – 3,200 mg

This is an amino acid that helps to protect all muscle groups from soreness, improve your performance, and prevent fatigue.

There's a very high dosage in RYSE pre-workout, which can help you make gains but also leave you feeling tingly.

Betaine Anhydrous – 1.5 g

Betaine Anhydrous helps to improve your hydration and supports protein synthesis. It basically helps your muscle mass look bigger and helps you develop lean mass.

Betaine Nitrate – 1 g

Betaine nitrate also helps to improve your hydration and helps to keep you going for longer so you can train harder.

Sodium Nitrate – 500 mg

Sodium nitrate helps to improve your blood flow and makes it easier to perform high-intensity workouts.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 370 mg

This is another form of stimulant in RYSE pre-workout that helps to improve your focus and performance while training.

Theobromine – 200 mg

Theobromine is often used as an appetite suppression ingredient, but it’s in this supplement to help increase your energy levels.

Slow Release Caffeine – 30 mg

This helps to manage your energy levels and prevents a crash after your workout.

Club Moss Hupezia Serrata Extract – 10 mg

Huperzia Serrata has been shown to support cognitive function. It helps to keep you alert and focused during your workout so you can maximize your gains.

Who Should Consider Taking RYSE Pre-Workout?

The caffeine in this loaded pre-workout indicates that only advanced users should take it, but the other ingredients don't give all the benefits that elite lifters might expect.

So instead, RYSE supplements are best for intermediate lifters and those who want to increase their muscular endurance and are ok with a smaller but decent pump.

RYSE is also great for anyone who wants a massive energy boost. The high levels of caffeine, theobromine, and slow-release caffeine give you a long-lasting jolt of energy.

This helps to reduce muscle fatigue throughout your entire workout, and the good energy and other proven ingredients can help you reach your fitness goals.

This pre is also good for anyone who stacks their supplements. They take the increasingly unique approach of publishing all the ingredients and not hiding by saying they are "proprietary blends."

This is great for anyone who likes to keep track of what's in their system.

If you're looking to increase your energy and endurance in the gym, then Ryse supplements are going to be good for you.

Who Should Avoid Having RYSE Pre-Workout?

This pre-workout isn't great for complete beginners or experienced bodybuilders.

The human body can only process so much stimulant, and there's clinical evidence that it can harm you if you take too much.

This pre-workout has more caffeine than most beginners can handle, even in a half serving, so if you're just starting out, you're probably better off with something like the Transparent Labs Bulk pre-workout or C4 pre.[2]  

Bodybuilders want a huge pump, and you'll only get limited muscle pumps from RYSE supplements.

RYSE has lower quantities of amino acids like pure L citrulline, so there's less blood flow to your muscles.

If you're a bodybuilder, you'll be better off with Gorilla mode pre-workout, which can give you massive pumps.

Is RYSE A Good Pre-Workout Brand? (How It Stacks Up)

RYSE Vs Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

Gorilla Mode pre is another high-stimulant blend with over 350mg of caffeine in a single serving.

It gives great pumps because of the high levels of nitric oxide and also has creatine, amino acids, and other ingredients to help improve your performance.

In terms of ingredients, the key difference between RYSE loaded pre-workout and Gorilla is the beta-alanine content.

Gorilla doesn't have any beta-alanine, whereas RYSE contains very high quantities - which is why it makes you feel so tingly.

Beta-alanine helps to reduce muscle fatigue for better longer-term performance, so RYSE may be better for longer sessions.

I’d also say that Ryse has better flavors and blends better, Gorilla can be a bit rough and grainy.

All in all, the Gorilla pre-workout blend is better for bodybuilders and serious lifters. It's a bit cheaper at $1.25 a serving and is probably the better choice for those with experience.

Related Article - Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Review 

RYSE Vs Total War Pre-Workout

Total War pre-workout is one of the options if you're looking to improve your gym effectiveness on a tight budget.

It's got a little less stimulant (250mg) but has more L citrulline to give bigger muscle pumps.

Total War won't give you as much of an energy boost, but it's a great choice for a well-rounded pre on a budget.

RYSE definitely tastes better, but if you want to save some money or you're watching your caffeine intake, then you're probably better off with Total War.

Related Article- Total War Pre-Workout Review 

RYSE Pre-Workout Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is Ryse pre-workout?

All RYSE products are FDA approved and made in FDA level 3 approved facilities, so they are at the top of the list as far as safety goes.

How long does RYSE pre-workout last?

Generally 1-3 hours, depending on the dosage.

Learn More - How Long Does Pre-Workout Last In Your Body?

Does Ryse pre-workout have creatine in it?

No, not as standard, but you can take it separately and stack your supplements.

How many scoops of Ryse pre-workout should I take?

It’s recommended that you take 1 scoop 30 minutes before your workout. You can take more and add more water, but be careful because it’s loaded with caffeine.

Final Verdict

RYSE pre-workout is good. It blends well, tastes great, and has lots of caffeine, but it is lacking in some areas.

It won't increase blood flow to give you a pump and won't do as much for muscle recovery.

RYSE works well for intermediates. Beginners may find the beta-alanine and caffeine too much, and experienced lifters probably want a bit more.

Hopefully, this RYSE supplements review has been useful, and you now know whether it's suitable for you.

References: 

1. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/beta-alanine-uses-and-risks
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445139/