This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Crossfit Pre-Workout 2023

If you are like me and are constantly trying to juggle a busy life with performing in the gym then I'm sure you'll agree that sometimes life can leave you feeling a little.... flat

One sure fire way to perform at your peak is to get the right pre and post nutrition into your body in a timely manner.

Pre workouts for CrossFit can help with:

  • Increased sharpness and focus
  • Increased work capacity
  • More explosiveness
  • Ability to grind out a few more reps
  • Potentially burn more fat

So do you need a pre-workout for CrossFit?

A pre-workout will ensure that you can give 100% throughout your workout without gassing out after half an hour.

Although there are no magic formulas or pills that you can take that will instantly turn you into Rich Frowning investing in a good pre-workout for CrossFit can ensure that you give yourself the best chance of performing at your best on any given day.

What is a Pre Workout?

A pre-workout is usually taken between 15 and 30 minutes before working out to help boost your performance.

They usually come in powdered form and are mixed with water. There are a large selection of flavors available, most flavors are based on some kind of fruit juice.

They are made from different ingredients that when combined help with both your mental focus and your physical performance.

They can normally be categorized into 1 of 3 different types:

  • Stimulants - usually with high caffeine levels. This kind of pre-workout should help to increase your focus and attention.
  • Fat Burners - Fat burners or "Thermogenics" contain substances that claim to increase your metabolism and to help oxide fat cells both during and after exercise
  • Pump Enhancers - A pump enhancing fat burner will increase the amount of nitric oxide in your blood stream. The resulting effect is a more noticeable pump in your muscles.

For CrossFit the best pre-workout is going to be stimulant based, although pretty much every pre-workout will have some form of caffeine in it(note: you can actually find some without, and they may use green tea extract as a substitute).

If burning more body fat is one of your objectives then you can of course use a thermogenic based pre-workout.

A Note on Pump Enhancers

Pump enhancing pre-workouts should never be taken by a CrossFit athlete or any athlete for that matter. They are primarily used be bodybuilders that are looking for a bigger pump during their workouts.

You do not want to get pumped when doing CrossFit. A pump will pretty much end your session and is to be avoided at all costs.

However;

Some Crossfitters love the feeling of getting pumped, especially when hitting the weights!

Would I advise a pre workout for CrossFit with a pump enhancer?

No;

But then each to their own. And for that reason we have included some pre-workouts with a pump enhancer added.

What a Pre-Workout is Not

Pre-workouts are not a substitute for hard work, grit and determination. Nor are they to be considered as a cure for a bad diet and bad sleeping habits.

If you have any kind of caffeine sensitivity or any other food intolerance's then you should be very careful and make sure to read the ingredients list.

They really should not be taken by a beginner. In the beginning you should be focusing on form and technique. Once you have mastered the basics and are starting to ramp up the intensity and session endurance then and only then should you consider a pre-workout.


Best Pre Workout for Crossfit

1. PRE Wod

Increasing your performance requires more than just extra endurance and strength. With PRE WOD- the Ultimate Cognitive Enhancing Pre-Workout Supplement, you get ingredients designed to boost your mental performance.

PRE WOD – Pre-Workout Powder Supplement Product Overview

An increasing number of pre-workout supplements are combining ingredients that stimulate both the mind and the body. The makers of this supplement understand that you need to remain focused and mentally active to get better results from your workouts.

You should try to take it about 15 to 30 minutes before working out to get the best results. You need to give your body time to absorb the nutrients.

How much do you use? The manufacturer recommends that you add one scoop to eight ounces of liquid. You can add it to water, smoothies, or fruit juice.

Key Ingredients in PRE WOD – Pre-Workout Supplement

The PRE WOD supplement uses a selection of ingredients that are scientifically proven to help increase endurance, muscle recovery, and strength.

Key Ingredients:
  • Beta-Alanine
  • L-Taurine
  • Huperzine A
  • L-Citruline Malate
  • Vitamin C
  • Caffeine

The ingredients are divided into three categories based on the effects that they have on your body. The first set of ingredients are designed to boost endurance and include beta-alanine and L-taurine.

These ingredients help delay fatigue and increase the breakdown of glycogen, which allows you to work out for longer periods.

The second set of ingredients is designed to boost plasma and nitric oxide. These ingredients improve blood circulation, which helps your arteries relax and work more efficiently.

These benefits lead to greater endurance and overall better blood flow. The L-citrulline malate that is used in this blend is also commonly used in male erectile dysfunction medications.

You also get a “Hyper-Focus Fusion” blend, which is designed to increase your mental focus. You get a combination of caffeine, huperzine A, and DMAE bitartrate.

Pros and Cons of PRE WOD – Cognitive Enhancing Workout Supplement

Why should you think about using this supplement? It is effective. It includes a large dose of Beta-Alanine, which is one of the most beneficial ingredients for increasing muscle recovery and delaying fatigue.

You also get caffeine and DMAE. These ingredients add to your energy levels, but they may leave you feeling a little jittery.

The jitters are a standard part of some of these supplements. Luckily, the ingredients used in this supplement are carefully blended to minimize the jitters.

In fact, if you experience any tingling or anxiety, the effects are short-lived. The jitters should go away in five to ten minutes. If you take the supplement at least 15 minutes before your workout, the jitters should pass before you start working out.

Who Should Consider Using PRE WOD Pre-Workout Powder?

This supplement is a top choice for men and women of any fitness level that want more energy with minimal jitters. You also get a great combination of ingredients for stimulating your brain.

By increasing your concentration, endurance, energy, and strength, you may finally achieve your fitness goals or overcome your plateau.


2. EVLUTION ENGM Zero

Some of the top selling pre-workout powders are combining ingredients that promote better cognitive function with ingredients that boost strength and endurance. EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero Pre-Workout Supplement is one of these options.

EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero Pre-Workout Product Overview

With the combination of better mental focus and increased endurance, you may find that you can get more out of your workouts after consuming this supplement.

It helps give you tunnel vision focus and more drive to power through your workouts.

How do you take this supplement? EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero is a supplement powder.

Like most of these powders, you add one or two scoops to your favorite smoothie or a glass of water. You drink it before your workout to provide your body with beneficial nutrients, calories, and energy.

The manufacturer recommends that you use one scoop about 15 to 30 minutes before your workout.

Key Ingredients in EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero

EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero contains two special blends of ingredients designed to provide mental focus, energy, and endurance. Some of the main active compounds found in this

Key Ingredients:
  • Huperzine A
  • Alpha Glycerylphosphorycholine
  • Caffeine
  • Infinergy
  • Beta Alanine
  • Creatine
  • Betaine

EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero contains ingredients designed to boost strength and endurance. Most pre-workout supplements include these same compounds, such as creatine and betaine.

This supplement also provides ingredients that support better mental focus, which helps set ENGN Zero apart from the competition. You get huperzine A, infinergy, caffeine, and other brain-stimulating ingredients.

These ingredients help you concentrate and remain mentally active throughout your training session. The goal is to support the mind to help boost your performance.

Pros and Cons of EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero

The core ingredients included in this supplement are called the ENGN Shred Matrix. This combination of ingredients boosts the metabolism, which can support weight loss and the development of lean muscle.

While it includes many of the same ingredients that are found in other pre-workout supplements, ENGN Zero includes the “Mind to Muscle Matrix,” which gives it an edge over the competition.

Most people report that they feel more alert and focused during their training sessions. When you regularly workout, it is easy to get bored, unmotivated, and unfocused, which limits your results.

Thanks to the mental stimulation provided by this powder, you may find yourself enjoying your workouts again.

This supplement is also reasonably priced. You get about 30 scoops per container. Depending on the current price, the cost is about $1 per serving, which is par for powder supplements.

There are no drawbacks. You get what you pay for. However, some people may not enjoy the flavors. You can choose between standard vanilla or grape.

Who Should Consider Using EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero?

ENGN Zero contains no artificial flavors or ingredients. You simply get a wide range of beneficial ingredients that offer immediate results. It boosts your metabolism, mental focus, endurance, and delays fatigue.

In the end, EVLUTION Nutrition ENGN Zero may be the perfect choice for anyone that needs more focus in the gym.


3. Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout

Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout Powder is one of the hundreds of options for getting better results from your workouts. How effective is it? Here is what you need to know about Alpha Gx7.

Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout Powder Product Overview

The Alpha Gx7 powder is a safe option for supplying your body with powerful compounds that improve your energy and endurance.

It includes many of the ingredients that are commonly used in these supplements. However, the unique blend helps to maximize the results.

The powder is easy to consume. You simply mix it with eight ounces of water or add it to your smoothie.

Each container includes enough powder for 30 servings, which works out to a little under $1 per serving. The cost-per-serving is a little lower compared to some of the best-selling supplements, making this a cost-effective option.

Key Ingredients in Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout Powder

The ingredients were carefully selected to help maximize your endurance. You may find yourself lifting more or performing more sets.

Key Ingredients:
  • Beta Alanine
  • Citruline Malate
  • L-Carnitine
  • Yohimbe HCL

These are science-backed ingredients that are known to help boost energy and stamina. The L-Carnitine also promotes lean muscle mass while the citrulline malate is included to help prevent fatigue.

These ingredients also include a large dose of Beta-Alanine. You get 2,000 milligrams per serving, which is more than enough to hopefully provide instant results during your next workout.

The ingredients are formulated and produced in the US. The company behind this product also submits the supplement to thorough testing and quality control, ensuring that you get a pure, performance-enhancing product.

Pros and Cons of Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout Supplement

The main benefit of Alpha Gx7 is its ability to boost your endurance. Many customers have reported getting fast and effective results the first time that they try this product.

Alpha Gx7 is also considered safe, as it does not include any additives or chemicals. It is a natural product and available in several different flavors. Choose from watermelon, blue raspberry, cherry, and fruit punch.

It also works quickly. About 15 minutes after consuming one scoop of this product, you should start to feel a rush of energy. It should last through your workout or up to several hours.

While most customers are completely satisfied with this product, several people have reported that they feel jittery or anxious after using it for several weeks.

With these supplements, you typically take a break after 30 days. Toward the end of these 30 days, some customers have mentioned that they experience a crash or added anxiety. However, not everyone has the same experience.

Conclusion – Is Alpha Gx7 Pre-Workout Powder a Good Buy?

The Alpha Gx7 supplement is available at a low price and comes in tasty flavors. It also includes a blend of ingredients that should help most people gain more endurance for their workouts.

The only issue is that some people feel jittery or anxious toward the end of their 30-day routine. Overall, it is still one of the most effective and trusted pre-workout supplements available.


4. Ascent Pre-Workout

The Ascent Pre-Workout Supplement is a gluten-free, sugar-free powder available in a variety of flavors. It is a popular choice, due to its affordability and effectiveness. However, you should learn more about this supplement before adding it to your pre-workout routine.

Ascent Pre-Workout Supplement Product Overview

With the Ascent Pre-Workout Supplement, you get clean energy to help power you through your workouts. It is a zero-sugar supplement without any artificial flavors or dyes.

To use this supplement, you add one scoop of the powder to eight ounces of liquid. The manufacturers typically recommend that you mix it with water. However, you can mix it with any of your favorite drinks.

As the two available flavors are raspberry lemonade and watermelon, you may want to try mixing it with a fruit smoothie. The fruity flavors work great with this energy-boosting powder.

Key Ingredients in Ascent Pre-Workout Powders

With Ascent Pre-Workout, you get a few grams of whey protein and a selection of ingredients that offer clean energy. Here is a closer look at some of the main ingredients:

Key Features:
  • Leucine
  • Sodium Citrate
  • Caffeine
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin D2

The leucine and sodium citrate both help prepare your body for muscle recovery and improve your hydration levels. You also get natural caffeine from coffee fruit extract.

Pros and Cons of Ascent Pre-Workout Powder

The main advantage of Ascent is a variety of flavors. Many of the top selling pre-workout powders come in standard vanilla or chocolate. You may also occasionally find strawberry powders.

Ascent comes in unique, tart flavors. Besides the standard options, you can choose watermelon, raspberry, lemon, and other fruity flavors. These powders are the perfect choice when preparing power fruit smoothies.

Besides the flavors, Ascent provides a great combination of ingredients. You get electrolytes to help reduce dehydration and 150 mg of caffeine to give you a little energy.

The caffeine comes from coffee fruit and offers a clean option for keeping you alert, without causing any jitters.

Ascent Pre-Workout does not contain a large selection of ingredients. The special blend is designed to offer a safe source of energy and electrolytes. However, some people may miss out on the endurance-boosting ingredients that are commonly found in these products.

If you find that Ascent does not offer the full effects that you want, you may consider stacking it with other supplements. In fact, that is one of the best uses of this product.

When combined with a muscle-boosting supplement, you may maximize your training without some of the side effects that people occasionally experience, such as anxiety.

Why Should You Use Ascent Pre-Workout Supplements?

If you want a wider selection of flavors, you should try Ascent Pre-Workout Powder. It is available in various fruity flavors, helping you create an invigorating and refreshing pre-workout ritual.

Ascent is also completely natural and sugar-free. There are no additives or artificial flavors. You get a healthy source of ingredients for a minor energy boost. The only drawback is that it may not be strong enough for some users.


5. pureWOD

The natural-tasting pureWOD PRE – Naturally-Formulated Pre-Workout Supplement is becoming a preferred choice in the gym. It offers increased energy and stamina, along with several other benefits that are worth exploring.

PureWOD PRE – Naturally Formulated Supplement Product Overview

What is pureWOD? It is a pre-workout supplement that provides your body with nutrients. These nutrients are intended to help increase your overall energy and stamina levels. People often use these supplements to workout harder and longer.

PureWOD is sold in powder form. You add one scoop to a glass of water, mix the powder, and drink. About 15 to 30 minutes later, you should start to feel the extra energy kicking in.

While it is intended as a pre-workout supplement, you can also use it any time that you need an extra jolt of energy. Each serving includes 200 milligrams of caffeine. It also includes Goji berry powder, which is known to help increase energy levels and metabolic rates.

Key Ingredients:
  • Creatine
  • Beta Alanine
  • L-Leucine
  • Green Tea Leaf-Extract

These ingredients are completely natural. No artificial ingredients are used in this pre-workout supplement, which makes it suitable for those on the Paleo or Vegan diets.

The powerful ingredients were chosen based on careful research. The manufacturer selected ingredients that are known to increase energy, prevent fatigue, and reduce dehydration.

Pros and Cons of pureWOD PRE – Naturally Formulated Supplement

The all-natural pureWOD does not contain any artificial sweeteners, chemicals, flavors, colors, or dyes. There are also no binding agents or fillers. You get 100% pure performance-boosting ingredients.

There are no chemicals in this supplement, which should appeal to those that want the most natural solution for increasing stamina.

Another benefit of this supplement is the lack of jitters. The powder contains about 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is equal to about two cups of coffee. Despite the caffeine, the supplement does not leave you feeling edgy, anxious, or jittery.

While the supplement includes caffeine, it also includes ingredients to help keep you calm. For example, the green tea extract helps relax your nervous system and heart rate, countering some of the negative aspects of caffeine.

Some people do not like the taste of pureWOD. It has a bitter taste that some people may struggle to drink it when mixed with water. If you find the taste to be too strong, you can try mixing it with juice or a fruit smoothie.

Conclusion – Is pureWOD the Right Option?

Like most pre-workout supplements, this product is designed to improve your endurance, strength, and metabolism. Increasing your metabolism assists with all types of fitness goals, whether you want to shed fat or build more lean muscle.

While pureWOD does not have the best taste, most people find that it works great. You may notice a significant difference in your endurance without experiencing any jitters from the caffeine.

If you want a jitter-less supplement, consider trying pureWOD PRE – Naturally-Formulated Powder.


6. Cellucor C4 Ultimate

Cellucor C4 is a popular line of supplements for pre-workouts. With C4 Ultimate, you get the ultimate combination of performance-enhancing ingredients. It is the most effective supplement from Cellucor, and it may provide the results that you want.

Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder Product Overview

What is Cellucor C4 Ultimate? It is a powdered pre-workout supplement that includes a combination of ingredients to give you more endurance and energy. Like most of these supplements, you add one scoop of the powder to an eight to twelve-ounce glass of water, juice, or a smoothie.

The manufacturer recommends that you take it about 15 to 30 minutes before your workout. As it works quickly, you should start to feel a tingling of energy just as you are about to start working out.

Pre-workout supplements often contain a lot of the same ingredients. The specific amounts of each ingredient and how they are combined help determine the effectiveness of the blend.

Key Ingredients in Cellucor C4 Ultimate:
  • Caffeine
  • Creatine
  • TeaCrine
  • Citrulline Malate
  • Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
  • Nitrosigine

Cellucor C4 is a popular line of powder supplements. The C4 Ultimate is the top-of-the-line option, including more of these ingredients compared to other Cellucor C4 products.

It includes ingredients that help provide an instant boost of energy. These ingredients include caffeine and niacin. You also get ingredients that promote more metabolic action, which may increase your muscle recovery rate and promote more weight loss.

Pros and Cons of Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Supplement

When using Cellucor C4 Ultimate, most people report that they experience fast results. You should start to feel the full effects in 30 minutes or less.

There are three disadvantages to this powerful supplement. The first issue is that it includes artificial sweeteners. Instead of Stevia, this supplement uses artificial sweeteners that some people try to avoid, as they are linked to obesity, diabetes, and weight gain.

You may also experience a caffeine buzz or jitters after using it. Each serving contains four times the recommended daily allowance of niacin. Niacin is an energy-boosting ingredient commonly used in energy drinks and may give people the jitters.

Cellucor C4 Ultimate is also a little more expensive compared to other options. While each tub is reasonably priced, it contains fewer servings. You get 20 servings per container instead of the standard 30 servings.

Who Should Consider Using Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout?

Cellucor C4 Ultimate is a great choice for people of all fitness levels that want to maximize their results. It may give you the edge that you need to lose more weight, build more muscle, or reach a specific fitness goal.

You may want to lift more or workout longer. This supplement may give you the energy that you need. However, it does contain a strong dose of niacin that may leave you feeling jittery. It also contains artificial sweeteners, which some people prefer to avoid.

If you have a strong tolerance for niacin and do not mind artificial sweeteners, you may want to think about using Cellucor C4 Ultimate. It is effective, powerful, and one of the best selling pre-workout supplements.