As someone with a decade of experience in the gym and a background in nutrition and dietary supplements, it would be easy for me to give you a scientific Woke AF pre-workout review, but that’s not how I like to roll.

Instead, I have spent these past three weeks testing and trying out the Woke AF pre-workout. And after 12 pretty grueling sessions with Woke AF - I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you.

Sounds good?

Pros

  • Offers a potent caffeine dose
  • Good selection of flavors
  • Will enhance strength and energy
  • Provides excellent focus

Cons

  • Unnecessarily complex formula
  • Contains a banned ingredient
  • Plenty of underdosed ingredients

Woke AF Pre-Workout Review

If there’s one thing I want you to take from my Woke AF pre-workout review, it is that this is not the best product you can spend your money on.

In my opinion, Woke AF is a potent pre-workout that does work  - BUT - it’s complex for the sake of being complex, which is not something I like. While its ingredient label might look imposing to an untrained eye, some of the stuff on the back is just smoke and mirrors.

Woke AF is designed to have you experience a sudden rush in energy as well as some flushing and tingles, tricking you into believing it actually works wonders when, in reality, this formula is lacking in more than one way.

It works, it just doesn't work well enough, as far as I'm concerned. Also, there are some ingredients in here that could be problematic, but more on that later.

Woke AF Pre-Workout

Woke AF Pre-Workout

Ingredients

3.6

Effectiveness

4.4

Price

3.9


Overall Rating

4.0

My Ratings Explained

As I said, I don’t like the ingredient profile of Woke AF pre-workout. It is flawed in more ways than one. Dosages are way too low more often than not, some of these ingredients are borderline useless at these dosages, and one of these (Synephrine) is banned by some sports organizations.

But simultaneously, I can’t challenge the efficacy of Woke AF pre-workout. I’ve tried it, it works quite well, and while I do know that nearly everything I felt was thanks to caffeine, that still doesn’t mean I could score it lower.

Finally, the price point on this one isn’t astronomically high, but I still wouldn’t call it great. Unless you can find Woke AF on sale, it will be approximately 25% more expensive than an average pre-workout powder, so I feel like this rating is on point.

Key Details

Servings Per Container

30

Price Per Serving

$1.83

Unit Count (Ounces)

12.55-13.55 oz

Flavors

11

Calories (Per Serving)

n/a

Carbohydrates (Per Serving)

n/a

Calcium (Per Serving)

n/a

Sodium (Per Serving)

39mg

Potassium (Per Serving)

n/a

Will My Performance Increase?

Yes, several aspects of your performance will increase if you take Woke AF pre-workout. That much is true when you take more than 300 mg of caffeine in a single sitting.

However, caffeine can only get you so far.

Woke AF Pre-Workout Performance Graph

My energy levels soared, and I felt like I was noticeably stronger. Also, I was dialed in and focused every single time (which is arguably the best thing about this pre-workout). 

However, my pumps and endurance were only so slightly affected, and while I can’t say I care about pumps a lot, muscle endurance is something that’s very important to me.

So, overall, yes, I did perform better in the gym. I felt stronger and more energized, and I was able to keep my mind sharp. However, this wasn’t the all-around approach I wanted from a pre-workout, and if you’re anything like me, you might agree.

How Will I Feel Post-Workout?

The immediate post-workout experience after taking Woke AF was mighty good for me. I would always leave the gym with a pep in my step and some fuel left in the tank.

More often than not, this extra energy I had in me would help out with my other daily tasks. 

I could easily muster the strength to work for at least two hours, with peak-level concentration and motivation, right after I’d get home from the gym.

However, it wasn’t all great. On several occasions, I did crash. But to be fair, I’d usually crash if I didn’t eat quite right that day, so I can’t blame Woke AF pre-workout entirely.

What Are The Possible Side Effects

Considering there are quite a few “exotic” ingredients in the Woke AF pre-workout formula, the list of possible side effects is quite extensive, with the most common being:

  • Skin tingling: Beta-alanine is notorious for causing paresthesia, a skin-tingling sensation in arms, hands, neck, feet, etc.
  • Upset stomach: Ingesting a higher dosage of caffeine in a single sitting is known to cause several stomach issues, ranging from nausea to diarrhea.
  • Jitters and anxiety: Excessive caffeine intake can cause jittery feelings and restlessness, which could result in anxiety in certain individuals.
  • Cardiovascular issues: Elevated blood pressure and heart rate could be a side effect of interesting Synephrine and caffeine simultaneously.
  • Sleep disturbances: Taking high caffeine doses close to bedtime could cause difficulties in both falling and staying asleep.

Thankfully, the only tangible side effect I experienced was beta-alanine tingles.

I felt prickling sensations all over my face, neck, and hands quite shortly after drinking Woke AF pre-workout shake, but that was about it.

One time, I had a stomach ache, but since that was an isolated incident, so to speak, I can’t put that against Woke AF.

What Flavors Are Available And How Do They Taste?

Regarding Woke AF pre-workout flavor choices, there are 11 different flavors you can choose from:

  • Strawberry Watermelon
  • Blue Raz Lemonade (Currently unavailable)
  • Blue Raz (Blue Raspberry)
  • Rocket Pop
  • Grape
  • Blood Raz
  • Killa OJ (Orange Juice)
  • Miami (Strawberry-Mango-Pineapple)
  • Sour Gummy
  • Swole Whip (Pineapple-Mango-Vanilla)
  • Watermelon Lemonade

Naturally, I couldn’t have tried all of these, but I did alter between Watermelon Lemonade and Killa OJ.

Out of the two, Watermelon Lemonade definitely tastes better. It’s just the right amount of sweet and sour, while Killa OJ definitely tastes a bit disappointing. It's kind of metallic, sort of like super cheap orange juice.

Also, how anyone approved that name is beyond me.

On the bright side, mixability is excellent with this one. Woke AF pre-workout mixes and dissolves well without leaving almost any traces on the bottom of your glass or shaker.

Is It A Fair Price?

Woke AF pre-workout isn’t exactly what I’d call a fairly-priced product, but the price isn’t all that bad.

At just above $1.80 per serving, Woke AF is 20-30% more expensive than your regular pre-workout powder. I guess the price difference is “justified” with a more complex formula, but as far as I’m concerned, Woke AF isn’t 20-30% better than your average pre-workout.

On the other hand, Woke AF is on sale at the moment of writing, and its current price per serving is just above $1.50, but who knows how long that’s going to last?

Who Is It Best For?

I wish I could say there is an ideal customer for Woke AF, but I genuinely don’t think there is because you can do better. There are at least five products at this price point, or below it, that are significantly better than Woke AF - like the one I’ll recommend in the end.

Also, Woke AF contains Synephrine and Dendrobium extract, which just aren’t worth the hassle and can potentially do more than good. Speaking of such things…

Who Is It Not Good For?

Woke AF pre-workout is not good for any NCAA athlete or newbie gym-goers who aren’t accustomed to pre-workout powders.

Firstly, Synephrine is a banned substance by the NCAA and is known to cause or increase the chance of several cardiovascular issues, including stroke.

Subsequently, Dendrobium extract safety is simply not researched enough despite its centuries-long traditional use. According to an endocrinologist friend of mine, in rare cases, dendrobium “can even cause seizures.”

In addition to those specific issues, pre-workouts such as Woke AF aren’t suitable for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Those with stimulant sensitivities
  • Those with underlying cardiovascular issues
  • Those suffering from anxiety

Other Online Reviews

Online Store

Star Rating

Number Of Reviews

Amazon

n/a

n/a

Brand Website

5.0/5

7

Average Online Rating

5.0/5

7

Tips For Increasing Performance Using Woke AF Pre-Workout

The only viable tip I could give you when using Woke AF that could increase your performance in the gym is to mind your diet and sleep.

You can’t safely double-scoop Woke AF, so that’s out of the question.

Additionally, it doesn’t really make sense to add stuff to the mix as that defeats the purpose of buying a single product for your pre-workout regimen (although a few additional grams of citrulline could be beneficial).

So, the only thing that’s left is to eat and sleep properly. Eat a balanced diet rich in all macros as well as vitamins and minerals, and sleep 8 hours each night.

One thing I can say is that if you’d like your pumps to be a bit better, I suggest either drinking beetroot juice or eating beetroots as a part of your pre-workout meal, although I must say the effects of that will hardly be significant enough.

Woke AF Pre-Workout

Woke AF Pre-Workout

Ingredients

3.6

Effectiveness

4.4

Price

3.9


Overall Rating

4.0

Ingredients - Effectiveness & Amount

Key Ingredient

Dosage/Serving

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Caffeine per serve

333 mg

3-6 mg/kg

Very effective

Citrulline per serve

6 g

6-8 g

Moderately effective

L-Tyrosine

0 mg

500-2000 mg


L-Theanine

0 mg

100-200 mg


Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and various other plants, known for its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. 

When consumed, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing drowsiness and increasing alertness. 

The most common dose for enhancing physical and mental performance typically falls within the range of 200 to 400 milligrams, which puts Woke AF’s dose well into the efficacious range.

The effects you can expect are:

  • Increased Power Output and Endurance: Numerous studies have shown that caffeine intake can enhance muscular power and endurance, including a 2004 meta-analysis of forty double-blind studies.[1]
  • Improved Energy Levels: According to current data, caffeine increases the release of adrenaline, epinephrine, fatty acids, lactate, and norepinephrine, all of which can lead to a temporary energy boost.
  • Enhanced Cognitive Function: Caffeine has been shown to improve cognitive performance, including increased alertness, concentration, memory, and reaction time.
  • Increased Metabolic Rate: Caffeine can boost metabolism, aiding in fat oxidation and weight loss, according to a 1990 study led by Dr. Astrup.[2]
  • Reduced Perceived Effort: Current research indicates that caffeine can reduce the perception of effort during physical activities, making exercise feel less strenuous.

Citrulline Malate

Citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid renowned for its potential performance-enhancing properties, particularly in the realms of physical and athletic performance. 

Commonly used in the form of citrulline malate, it functions by increasing nitric oxide production, which, in turn, leads to improved blood flow, vasodilation, and enhanced nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscles. 

A typical dose for enhancing physical and, to some extent, mental performance ranges from 6 to 8 grams, meaning Woke AF pre-workout falls a bit short, as you're only getting 4 grams of total citrulline.

That said, citrulline's proposed effects, supported by research, include:

  • Improved Exercise Performance: According to a 2010 study, citrulline may increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and lead to better overall exercise performance.[3]
  • Enhanced Muscle Recovery: Some studies suggest that citrulline may help reduce muscle soreness and aid in post-exercise recovery, but additional research on the topic is still required.
  • Increased Nitric Oxide Levels: Citrulline can boost nitric oxide production, leading to improved blood flow and better oxygen delivery to working muscles, according to a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Cardiology.[4]

Stimulants

Stimulant

Included

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Theobromine

No

250-500 mg


Theacrine

No

50-300 mg


Synephrine

40 mg

10-20 mg t.i.d.

Moderately effective

DMAE

No

100-300 mg


Synephrine is a powerful stimulant similar to ephedrine. It will be a solid performance booster at this dose, so I can't say I mind it.

However, as I said earlier, Synephrine is banned by the NCAA, so if you're a professional college athlete, you should probably stay away from Woke AF.

Boosters

Booster

Included

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Beta-Alanine

3.2 g

3.2-6.4 g/day

Conditionally effective

L-Arginine AKG

No

3-6 g


Nitrosigine

No

1.5 g


Agmatine

No

1.6-6.4 mg/kg


5-HTP

No

300-500 mg


Alpha-GPC

200 mg

300–600 mg

Mildly effective

Huperzine A

No

50-200 mcg


Choline Bitartrate

No

500-3000 mg


Creatine

No

3-5 g/day


Taurine

100 mg

1-10 g

Not effective

Piperine

No

5-10 mg


Carnitine

No

500-2000 mg


Betaine

No

3-6 g


Yohimbine

No

0.2mg/kg


Alpha-Yohimbine/Rauwolscine

No

0.2mg/kg


Woke AF Pre-Workout Supplement Facts

Now that you’ve seen which of the remaining ingredients are in Woke AF and whether they work or not, let me give you their brief breakdown:

Alpha GPC

What it is: Choline-containing phospholipid.

Why it's used: Cognitive performance improvement and power output enhancement.

Taurine

What it is: Sulfur-containing amino acid.

Why it's used: Energy metabolism, exercise performance, recovery enhancer.

Himalayan Rock Salt

What it is: Pink salt mined from the Himalayan region.

Why it's used: Hydration and electrolyte balance.

Dendrobium Extract

What it is: Orchid plant extract used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Why it's used: Enhance energy levels and improve endurance and physical performance.

Deer Antler Velvet Extract

What it is: Antler base powder used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Why it's used: Enhance strength and endurance through boosting IGF-1 and testosterone levels.

AstraGin

What it is: Proprietary blend of Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus extracts.

Why it's used: Enhance nutrient absorption, bioavailability, and overall physical performance.

ActaGin

What it is: Proprietary blend of Panax notoginseng and Rosa Roxburghii extracts.

Why it's used: Nutrient absorption and bioavailability enhancement.


One thing I will say is that while most of these lack credible scientific backing, Alpha GPC is emerging as one of the most common nootropics and performance enhancers in pre-workout formulas, with more and more evidence supporting its efficacy.

For instance, a small-scale study led by Tim Ziegenfuss showed that acute Alpha GPC supplementation led to very significant increases in bench press force compared to placebo.[5]

However, there are some concerns over its long-term safety.[6]

Man working out after taking Woke AF Pre

How I Felt When I Took Woke AF Pre-Workout

If my time with Woke AF has taught me anything is that you can expect its effects to be quite similar every time.

Here’s how I felt when I took Woke AF.

Within 15 Minutes

The first thing I started feeling were the beta-alanine tingles. Somewhere around the 15th-minute mark, I’d get this prickly feeling all over my arms and neck. Thankfully, that wouldn’t last too long, and I’d usually be side-effect-free around the time I’d start on my second exercise.

Another thing I’d feel about 15 to 20 minutes in was the energy surge from all the caffeine. This surge was anything but gradual, and once I’d feel it coming, it wouldn’t be more than 10 minutes before it would peak.

I’d feel flush with energy, almost to the point of buzzing out of my skin.I couldn’t wait to do something to get all this extra energy out, which I must say is a good way to feel before you start lifting weights.

Within 60 Minutes

60 minutes in, I’d be in full swing. Depending on what I’m working on that day, I’d be on my third or fourth exercise, still going as strong as I did half an hour ago.

I’d honestly feel pretty good. My energy would still be high, I’d feel strong, and I’d enjoy the pain from completing that last rep to failure.

One thing both me and my gym buddy, who’s an ISSA-certified trainer (who also took Woke AF with me), noticed is that the focus you get from this thing is exceptional.

You’d get this laser-like focus, which is ideal for a gym session where you don’t really have to think or brainstorm but rather focus and execute.

Now, I can’t say all of you will feel the same way because I know of some people who have used Alpha GPC in the past, and they would barely feel it at 300 milligrams, so keep in mind that the individual differences can be quite drastic.

After 6+ Hours

Most of the time, I would feel really good five or six hours after taking Woke AF. I wouldn’t feel drained or exhausted, but just my normal self.

However, there were times when I’d crash. It wasn’t often (two times, to be precise), but when it happened, I felt run over. 

It was hard for me to concentrate, talk, or even just watch TV and enjoy the night with my lady. Instead, I’d just be irritated and grumpy and not too fun to be around.

But as I said, this only happened two times, so there could be something else that contributed to that subsequent crash. Most of the time, I felt just fine.

How Does It Compare To Other Pre-Workouts?

How does Woke AF compare to some other, popular products on the market?

Woke AF Vs Bucked Up Pre-Workout

Both Bucked Up and Woke AF pre-workouts are the product of the same company. As such, they are quite similar.

The notable differences between the two would be that Woke AF has an additional 133 mg of caffeine, 1.2 grams of beta-alanine, as well as Dendrobium, Synephrine, and Deer Antler Velvet extract. So, yes, Woke AF is more potent.

However, I’d much rather go with Bucked Up pre-workout.

Bucked Up contains neither of the three aforementioned compounds, and its caffeine dose is much better if you’re a beginner or sensitive to stimulants, and it’s more budget-friendly.

Recommended

Bucked Up

  • Caffeine - 200 mg
  • Citrulline malate - 6000 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 2000 mg

Woke AF

  • Caffeine - 333 mg
  • Citrulline malate - 6000 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 3200 mg

Woke AF Vs Bucked Up Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout is one of my favorite pre-workouts on the market, and I firmly believe that if you’re to go with a complex formula - this is the one to go with.

It is much better than Woke AF pre-workout, both in terms of ingredient selection and their respective dosages. For instance, BULK contains 2 additional grams of citrulline malate, 800 mg of extra beta-alanine, and 50% more Alpha GPC, in addition to a potent dose of tyrosine and theanine, which are, in my opinion, some of the most important pre-workout ingredients.

So, this is a clear win for Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout.

Recommended

BULK

  • Caffeine - 200 mg
  • Citrulline malate - 8000 mg
  • Alpha GPC - 300 mg

Woke AF

  • Caffeine - 333 mg
  • Citrulline malate - 6000 mg
  • Alpha GPC - 200 mg

What We Have Taken Into Consideration For Giving You A Final Verdict

If you’re wondering why you should trust my verdict, here are a few things about me.

My Expertise In Supplements

Not only have I used pre-workouts for nearly a decade at this point, but I’m also what you may call a poor man’s Derek for MPMD.

I’ve spent countless hours researching different compounds commonly used as dietary supplements to figure out which ones work and which ones are a waste of money.

During that time, I’ve come to realize that most people don’t have the time or the will to conduct the same level of research, so I decided to help and summarize those findings in an easy-to-understand manner.

So, whatever you read here, know that while it comes from personal experience, it is also backed with ironclad scientific findings extrapolated from various studies by some of the world’s leading experts in the field.

I have also studied pharmacology at the University of Belgrade, and I became a certified sports nutritionist in May 2023, so I can navigate easily through the world of supplements and the outrageous claims some of the manufacturers make.

Reviewing Other Products

Another big reason why I review supplements (not just pre-workouts, but nootropic formulas, fat burners, mass gainers, etc.) is because the supplement industry is plagued with BS products.

For far too long have supplement companies and fitness influencers lied to their audiences that they can achieve their dream bodies with their products because they can “naturally boost testosterone” and whatnot.

Now, since I can’t stop that from happening, the best thing I can do is scientifically dissect their formula and tell you exactly what you can expect.

Frequently Asked Woke AF Pre-Workout Questions

Will Woke AF make you fail a drug test?

Woke AF contains Synephrine, which could make you fail a drug test if you're an NCAA athlete.

See Our Detailed Guide - Can Pre-Workout Show Up On A Drug Test?

How long does Woke AF last?

Woke AF has a half-life of approximately 6 hours for its stimulants. However, it will wear off much faster after intense sessions or endurance runs. On average, you can expect about 2 to 3 hours of elevated energy.

When should you take Woke AF?

Woke AF is like all other pre-workout formulas and should be consumed between 30 minutes before your workout.

Does Woke AF pre-workout have creatine in it?

No, Woke AF pre-workout does not have creatine in it. Creatine is not known for its immediate effects on your performance so it isn't a valuable pre-workout addition.

Final Verdict

While the experience I had while performing the Woke AF pre-workout review is generally positive, I must say I’d rather see you use something different.

Woke AF is a potent formula, but there are just too many variables when it comes to this product. Taurine is grossly underdosed, Synephrine is banned by the NCAA, Dendrobium is a big question mark, and so is Deer Antler Velvet extract.

Sure, you’ll get all revved up for a workout, but you can achieve the same thing with one or two caffeine pills.

So, all things considered, you are probably much better off trying out the pre-workout I’ve linked below.

we recommend this instead!

Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre Workout

Ingredients

4.7

Effectiveness

4.8

Price

4.5


Overall Rating

4.7

References: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15657469/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2333832/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20386132/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21067832/
5. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817582/

Last Updated on October 29, 2023

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Andrew White

Andrew White is the co-founder of Garage Gym Pro. As an expert fitness professional (gym building nerd) with over 10 years of industry experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern fitness & the newest market innovations for garage gyms. When he isn’t testing out products for his readers, he’s usually out surfing or playing basketball.