My Supplements Direct Pre Workout Review

Ben BA(Hons), PGCert

Supplements Direct have a number of supplements out on the shelves that cost very little.

However, they look cheap, this review determines whether or not they offer performance to match the cost.

LAST UPDATED: May 2019 by Ben.

Contents show

First Look

I never normally hit the gym on a Sunday.

Not that I am religious and believe it is a day of rest, no, I have usually over indulged either with the girlfriend by having dinner and drinks on the Saturday night or out with buddies.

This means by no means can I do any exercise the day after, walking is about my limit but I have tried cycling or weightlifting in the past and it is just pointless.

However, I only had a few drinks both Friday and Saturday night and over quite a long period of time…this may be the point whereby I am learning that you do not need to skull 10 pints of beer just because it is a Friday or Saturday night.

As a result, not only do I feel great all weekend, I feel great now on the Monday.

I think I could get used to this, it also meant I slept much better too so I feel much more refreshed.

With all of this in mind and prior to heading over for a Sunday dinner I thought I would squeeze a short and quick chest session in.

So I grabbed the large sachet of pre workout by Supplements Direct and scooped it in to my shaker.

The smell was viscous and once mixed, so was the taste. It was horrendous.

Video

Ingredients

RELATED: We’ve tried and tested the best pre-workout supplement HERE!

L-Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid, importantly for a pre workout supplement is can contribute to nitric oxide production which dilates the blood vessels which increases blood flow.

This means that more oxygen and nutrients can get to your muscles and organs.

Furthermore, it can help erections and contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

In addition to these benefits, arginine also comprises of anti-aging benefits that appear to be as of yet, unsurpassed. [1] [2]

Tyrosine

Interestingly tyrosine is useful to treat stresses of both the mental and physical variety. [3]

Furthermore, when administered to soldiers during a combat military course tyrosine improved cognitive function. [4]

This is further supported by the results from a study that wanted to establish how tyrosine would affect soccer players performance in a warm environment.

The result was that they were able to perform better as their mental effort was reduced. [5]

However, studies have not established a clear or conclusive link between tyrosine ingestion and improved physical endurance or strength. [6]

Caffeine

The benefits of caffeine are numerous, so while it is great to help you wake up in the morning you could be mistaken for thinking that’s its only benefit.

That’s because the World Health Organization believe it may help protect the body against cancer. [7]

However, in terms of caffeine enhancing physical performance, it has been demonstrated that caffeine is able to increase power and increase the maximum work rate of the heart and lungs (VO2 Max). [8]

Beta-alanine

Beta-alanine is an amino acid which has demonstrated its abilities to increase and improve maximum power output which can translate as an increased maximum repetition when lifting weights.

This in turn increases strength. [9]

There is also additional evidence that supports beta-alanine is beneficial for those athletes who are also involved in high intensity exercise. However, it is yet to be ultimately concluded whether it is as beneficial for those people who train regularly compared to novices. [10]

BCAA

Clinical evidence presents branch chain amino acids as contributing to muscle recovery. It does this by reducing muscle damage as a result of physical exercise and also increases protein synthesis.

This can then decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness which can increase the frequency of training. [11]

Vitamin B6

Research suggests that those person who are physically active may need additional B6 supplementation which can contribute towards energy metabolism and cell regeneration. [12]

As a result, athletic performance may be affected and compromised for those who are not getting enough B vitamins in their diet. [13]

Dose

1 scoop before training.

This is a combined amount of 10,000mg.

This does not compare as well to many of the best pre workout supplements which will offer over 15,000mg.

It tasted disgusting and I probably will not use it again, regardless of how big the sachet is.

Pros

Caffeine is a great stimulant that can effect the CNS which controls muscle and heart stimulation.

B6 is great for testosterone levels plus energy and even fat burning.

Tyrosine can help fight fatigue and make sure you are more alert while improving brain function.

Arginine opens up the blood vessels if dosed highly enough.

However, it needs 5000mg at least to have any effect, especially if used to help improve an erection.

BCAA’s are required for muscle recovery, it is always important not to just supplement BCAA’s by themselves as they appear to be ineffective if done so.

Beta-alanine can also improve max strength and power.

How Did It Feel?

The only thing I felt was the tingle of Beta-Alanine.

Then I did not feel anything else, at all.

It tasted like shit, the mix-ability wasn’t particularly good and the effects were dismal.

Cons

This is a proprietary blend.

That means the actual content per ingredient included is not revealed.

We have no idea of the 10g serving if we have 100mg of Arginine or 5000mg, and this is important because Arginine needs a dose of 5000mg to be effective.

It also means that legally, the manufacturer could just included trace amounts of each ingredient listed and bulk it up using a bulking agent.

It tastes like shit and didn’t do anything for me.

There’s a lack of other proven ingredients too which make up the best pre workout supplements.