Can You Mix Pre-Workout with Juice

What is Pre-Workout?

Before we discuss whether or not you can mix pre workout with juice, it’s a good idea to know what exactly pre workout is.

Different people have different definitions. If you read a site like Bodybuiudling.com (which used to be a popular message board and website, but has gone down hill) you’ll see a lot of people using slang terms.

Check out Youtube channels for health gurus and you’ll also see a lot of variance when it comes to exactly defining just what pre workout is.

Does pre workout mean anything that you take before you hit the gym? Well, is a cold brew coffee a pre workout?

Here’s one of the best reviewed Pre-Workout’s On The Market.

Sure, a lot of people would say that it’s exactly what a preworkout is. And as a matter of fact, if you check out some of the more popular pre workouts out there, quite a lot of them actually contain caffeine.

Normally I do not recommend that you add caffeine to a fresh juice. We’ll discuss this in more detail below.

So, most pre workouts have caffeine. Some have more than others, which is important. Caffeine in small doses is good (I am an advocate for black coffee and tea). But you never want to risk adding straight caffeine to your drinks. Caffeine supplementation is dangerous and have been linked to deaths (I STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST USING STRAIGHT CAFFINE).

Other popular ingredients in pre workouts tend to be creatine and vitamins (namely the b vitamins).

The popular pre-workouts are basically a mixture of caffeine (what you might get in a Red Bull, Monster, or cup of starbucks) and vitamins and creatine. There are some that mix in specific amino acids that are supposed to benefit you post-workout and mid workout.

What is the point of pre-workout?

The point of pre workout is to improve your performance during the your time at the gym.

Have you ever hit the gym and just felt exhausted? Well, that’s what pre workout is for. It helps people who are feeling tired and who feel that they can’t push though the workout.

In this way, it’s similar to drinking a monster energy drink. It peps you up.

The point is to keep you energized throughout the time you are going to spend working out in the gym. If you get tired while working out, then odds are that you won’t hit your workout goals.

The point, therefore, is to make sure you max out your times and hit your workout goals.

Should you Mix Pre-Workout With Water or Juice?

Most places online that talk about pre workout tend to endorse the water only method. And that makes sense because most of the pre workout that you see advertised online are going to be flavored.

The other good thing about mixing pre workouts with water is that it’s so simple. That’s one of the best things about pre workouts. They are simple to make and easy to drink.

However, some people do like to mix them with juice and that’s perfectly fine. The main thing that you need to understand is that you want to take into account the flavor profiles.

If you get a berry flavored pre workout, then you should want to mix it with a juice where it will go together well.

Will You Gain Wait on Pre Workout?

No, you’re not going to gain wait with more pre workouts. That’s not typical.  Most pre workouts are going to be sweetened with an artificial sweeter. It’s not something that you’re going to have to worry about.

However, if you do choose a pre workout that has been sweetened with sugars, which sometimes does happen, then you do have to be mindful to not over indulge in the pre workout. (you should not take more than the recommended dose to begin with anyway since it might not be safe).

It’s not really an issue unless you happen to be on a tight calorie plan where your caloric deficit is only a few hundred calories. If that’s the case, and if you are taking a pre workout that has regular sugars in it, then be mindful.

Can You Use a Natural Preworkout?

 

It depends on what you mean when you say “natural”. Many people who make and market regular pre-workouts would tell you that their products are “natural”. And what exactly do they mean when they say it’s a natural pre workout? Well, they will attest that the things such as caffeine, and vitamins and anti-oxidants are completely natural.

And for the most part they wouldn’t be lying.

However, if you’re looking for a non-store brought pre workout, then it becomes a bit more tricky. What you’re essentially discussing here is something that is a homemade pre workout.

And there is no real natural homemade pre workout that can compete with the store brought brands. And that has mostly to do with the caffeine component. You can always make home brewed coffee, but it’s not the same as getting a preworkout from a reputable health food company (be wary of some of the the off brands).

However, a cold brew coffee and a shot of ginger lemon juice isn’t a bad choice if you’re not looking to take pre-workout.

I would caution that you shouldn’t mix preworkout and coffee.

You can mix pre workout with juice especially if you are making something such as a lemon and cucumber drink that would be a good pre workout drink.

What Type of Juice Should You mix with a Pre Workout?

Honestly, that’s a bit of a personal choice. You have a variety of juice’s to choose from. What I would say, is to stay away from sugar rich juices (such as heavy fruit or carrot juices).

Some good things to juice and add to your pre workout?

Organic Lemons- Crisp Tasting and good for energy. And you can juice the whole lemon.

Celery- Not a Heavy Juice

As a side note, if you are looking to make fresh celery juice, read my write up on the best juicer for celery.

Beets- They contain beataine, good for exercise.

 

And I’d always advise that you stick with an organic and well known pre workout formula. The category is just too risky to trust off brand producers. Here’s a few of the ones that are best in class.