Most Based Preworkout Known to Man

To get the most out of our training sessions, it's best we fuel ourselves optimally beforehand. We have many options at our disposal to energize and optimize our state for high performance and focus. Here we will be exploring what some have called "the most based preworkout known to man" and why it can be such a powerful preworkout option.

1. Caffeine

Why It’s Great for Pre-Workout: Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid, meaning it enhances physical performance, and its inclusion in pre-workouts is backed by decades of science. As a central nervous system stimulant, it increases alertness, focus, and energy by blocking adenosine receptors, reducing perceived exertion during exercise.

Performance Boost: A 2021 meta-analysis in Sports Medicine found that caffeine (3–6 mg/kg body weight) improves endurance by 2–4% and strength by up to 7% in high-intensity workouts. For a 70 kg (154 lb) person, this translates to 210–420 mg, aligning with a strong pre-workout dose.

Mental Edge: Caffeine enhances reaction time and concentration, critical for sports requiring precision. The Cleveland Clinic (updated 2022) notes it boosts focus during high-intensity sessions.

Fat Oxidation: It promotes fat burning as an energy source, sparing glycogen stores. A 2023 study in Journal of Applied Physiology showed a 15% increase in fat metabolism during moderate exercise with caffeine intake.

Timing: Consuming caffeine 30–60 minutes pre-workout maximizes blood levels.

2. Butea Superba

Why It’s Great for Pre-Workout: Butea superba is a Thai herb traditionally used for vitality and libido. Butea Superba is gaining traction as a natural performance enhancer due to its potential testosterone-boosting and vasodilatory effects. Though research is preliminary, it’s a standout for those seeking herbal alternatives.

Testosterone Support: Butea superba may enhance testosterone levels and improve erectile function, possibly via increased blood flow and androgen receptor activity. Another way to achieve this is pine pollen tincture.

Blood Flow: Its vasodilatory properties may improve nutrient delivery to muscles, reducing fatigue. This aligns with its traditional use for circulation, potentially enhancing pump during resistance training.

3. Black Ginger

Why It’s Great for Pre-Workout: Black ginger is a Southeast Asian root and is emerging as a potent natural testosterone booster and endurance enhancer, earning it a cult following in fitness circles.

Testosterone Elevation: Black ginger increases testosterone in men which can enhance strength and recovery during training. Pine pollen is another way to boosts T.

Anti-Fatigue: Research suggests it reduces lactic acid buildup, delaying muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise. 

Anti-Inflammatory: Black ginger’s antioxidant properties may reduce exercise-induced inflammation, aiding recovery.

4. Salt + Watermelon

Why It’s Great for Pre-Workout: The combination of salt and watermelon offers a synergistic boost to hydration, endurance, and muscle function, addressing electrolyte needs and energy demands in a natural way.

Hydration and Electrolytes: Salt replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat, critical during intense workouts. Sodium also supports nerve function and prevents cramps.

Citrulline from Watermelon: Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. 

Energy and Recovery: Watermelon’s natural sugars (fructose and glucose) provide quick energy, while it is also hella hydrating (92% water). Watermelon's anti-inflammatory amino acids may also reduce soreness post-training.

Practical Synergy: Salt enhances watermelon’s flavor and absorption, making it a refreshing, functional pre-workout snack.

Why This Combo Works Together

Energy and Focus: Caffeine kickstarts the session with mental and physical energy.

Hormonal and Vascular Support: Butea superba and black ginger extract enhance testosterone and blood flow, amplifying strength and endurance.

Hydration and Endurance: Salt and watermelon ensure optimal fluid balance and muscle performance, preventing fatigue especially in hot conditions. Additional ways to enhance all of the above are adding shilajit resin or shilajit tablets to this stack.