It’s true that many pre-workouts are stimulant-based. They are popular because the caffeine and other stims provide extreme energy, increased alertness, and improved performance. Yet not everyone wants stims. For those lifters, there are pump-based pre-workouts. As the name implies, these target the pump with no stims. In this article, Comparing Pump And Stim-Based Pre-Workouts, we’ll look at the advantages of each and the best way to use them. Let’s get started!
The Advantages Of A Pump Pre-Workout
Typically, pump-based pre-workouts are stim-free. The primary advantage of this type of pre-workout is that it’s based on pushing the pump to the extreme. With zero stims, you can use it any time of the day. If you train at night, using a stim-based pre-workout doesn’t work, at least not if you want to sleep well. Using a stim-free, pump-based pre-workout means you can literally train any time you like. Finally, if you are sensitive to stimulants, a pump pre-workout has you covered. You still get the pump, endurance, focus, and performance benefits without the stims.
The Advantages Of A Stim-Based Pre-Workout
For many of us, a stim-based pre-workout is the way to go. After all, the stims give you energy and alertness. That’s important if you want to get the most out of your workout. It should come as no surprise that every pre-workout offers different levels of caffeine in stim-based pre-workouts. It’s true you can use a stim-based pre-workout whenever you want. However, taking it late in the day may not be the best idea. Logically, the best time to use one is earlier in the day so you have no issues getting a good night’s sleep.
Using Your Pre-Workout
Flexibility
Everyone responds differently to a pre-workout, especially one with stimulants. That’s why you can choose products according to your caffeine level tolerance.
Stacking
The beauty of a pump pre-workout is that you can use it by itself or you can stack it with your favorite stim-based pre-workout.
Cycling
It may be a smart idea to cycle a high-stim pre-workout like containing high caffeine with a more moderate-stim pre-workout .
Don’t Forget About L-Citrulline.
Here’s one of the most effective pump ingredients on the market. You can add this to any stim-based or pump-based pre-workout.
Optimal Pre-Workout Nutrition & Supplementation
Don’t forget your pre-workout meal about an hour and a half to a couple of hours before you take your pre-workout. This meal should be light but should contain protein and medium to high glycemic carbohydrates so you have plenty of training energy. Then, take the pre-workout of your choice about 30 minutes before you train. Don’t forget your post-workout shake as soon as you end your last set.
