{"title":"Pre-Workout for Beginners","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew to pre-workout? Compare products on whether they contain caffeine, how much is in one full-strength serving, and the cost per serving. We don't tell you what to take; we show you what to check on the label first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pre-workout\"\u003eAll pre-workout\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/stim-free-pre-workout\"\u003eStim-free pre-workout\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/moderate-stimulant-pre-workout\"\u003eModerate-stim pre-workout\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pre-workout-samples\"\u003ePre-workout samples\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pre-workout-shots\"\u003ePre-workout shots\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat should a beginner look for in a pre-workout?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with the caffeine per full-strength serving. Supplements with added caffeine must state it, under the warning \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/eur\/2011\/1169\/annex\/III\"\u003e\"Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women\"\u003c\/a\u003e, so it's the easiest figure to compare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen check that every ingredient amount is listed, and work out the cost per full-strength serving. If you'd rather avoid caffeine altogether, see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/stim-free-pre-workout\"\u003estim-free pre-workouts\u003c\/a\u003e. \"Two pre-workouts can look very similar on the shelf but have completely different formulations, caffeine levels and costs per serving,\" says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much caffeine is too much?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) says \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.efsa.europa.eu\/en\/topics\/topic\/caffeine\"\u003esingle doses up to 200mg, and up to 400mg a day spread through the day\u003c\/a\u003e, do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults, apart from pregnant women. The NHS puts \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/pregnancy\/keeping-well\/foods-to-avoid\/\"\u003ea cup of instant coffee at about 100mg\u003c\/a\u003e, so count your coffee and tea too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UK government warns that dry scooping (swallowing the powder without mixing it with water) may exceed the recommended daily dose, and that \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/food-supplements-containing-caffeine\/food-supplements-containing-caffeine\"\u003eincreasing the serving based on how you feel may lead to unsafe amounts\u003c\/a\u003e. Follow the label directions, and speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you have a medical condition or take medication. Pre-workout isn't for under-18s or pregnant women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you try pre-workout before buying a tub?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes: our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pre-workout-samples\"\u003epre-workout samples\u003c\/a\u003e let you try a single serving before buying a full tub. Compare more options in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pre-workout\"\u003epre-workout guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/health-information-disclaimer\"\u003egeneral information for adults, not personalised medical advice\u003c\/a\u003e. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWritten by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/about-us\"\u003eAndy Arshad\u003c\/a\u003e, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cellucor-c4-original-pre-workout","title":"Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout","description":"\u003cp\u003eC4 Original is marketed by Cellucor as the world's best-selling pre-workout, and it is moderately dosed rather than extreme. At 150mg of caffeine per serving it is a genuine option for someone taking a pre-workout for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavour range is enormous, including licensed Millions Bubblegum and Millions Cola.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy choose it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarketed by Cellucor as the world's best-selling pre-workout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerate 150mg caffeine — a sensible starting point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains nitrates and beta-alanine — see the label for amounts per serving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThirteen flavours including licensed Millions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e207g starter tub or 414g full size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix one scoop with 175–250ml of cold water 20–30 minutes before training. Start with half a scoop if you are new to pre-workout, and avoid within six hours of bedtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContains caffeine. Not suitable for children, or people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or breastfeeding.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cellucor","offers":[{"title":"207g \/ Cherry Limeade","offer_id":58284631490891,"sku":"5056569900102","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Cosmic Rainbow","offer_id":58284631523659,"sku":"5056569900409","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Frozen Bombsicle","offer_id":58284631556427,"sku":"5056569900416","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Fruit Punch","offer_id":58284631589195,"sku":"5056569900027","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Green Apple","offer_id":58284631621963,"sku":"5056569900096","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Icy Blue Raspberry","offer_id":58284631654731,"sku":"5056569900010","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Millions Bubblegum","offer_id":58284631687499,"sku":"5056569901925","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Millions Cola","offer_id":58284631720267,"sku":"5056569901932","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Orange","offer_id":58284631753035,"sku":"5056569900119","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Pineapple Head","offer_id":58284631785803,"sku":"5056569901284","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Pink Lemonade","offer_id":58284631818571,"sku":"5056569900003","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Strawberry Margarita","offer_id":58284631851339,"sku":"5056569900089","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"207g \/ Watermelon","offer_id":58284631884107,"sku":"5056569900034","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Cosmic Rainbow","offer_id":58284631916875,"sku":"5056569900423","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Frozen Bombsicle","offer_id":58284631949643,"sku":"5056569900430","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Fruit Punch","offer_id":58284631982411,"sku":"5056569900065","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Green Apple","offer_id":58284632015179,"sku":"5056569900133","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Icy Blue Raspberry","offer_id":58284632047947,"sku":"5056569900058","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Millions Bubblegum","offer_id":58284632080715,"sku":"5056569901949","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Millions Cola","offer_id":58284632113483,"sku":"5056569901956","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Orange","offer_id":58284632146251,"sku":"5056569900157","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Pineapple Head","offer_id":58284632179019,"sku":"5056569901291","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Pink Lemonade","offer_id":58284632211787,"sku":"5056569900041","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Strawberry Margarita","offer_id":58284632244555,"sku":"5056569900126","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"414g \/ Watermelon","offer_id":58284632277323,"sku":"5056569900072","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/4937\/6331\/files\/image_2024-06-05_666075c6b0b20.jpg?v=1787914110"},{"product_id":"kaged-muscle-pre-workout-sport","title":"Kaged Muscle Pre-Workout Sport","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lighter, cleaner pre-workout from Kaged — naturally flavoured, with 3.5g of vegan-fermented L-citrulline, 1.6g of beta-alanine and a moderate 188mg caffeine dose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat caffeine number is the important one. It's enough to sharpen a session without the wired, over-stimulated feeling that heavier formulas produce, which makes this a better fit for morning training, everyday use, and anyone who has found the top end of the category too much.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe citrulline is Aminature vegan-fermented rather than synthetic, and the flavouring is natural — both worth having if you'd rather not drink something that tastes manufactured.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMix with cold water 20–30 minutes before training. 259g tub in Fruit Punch and Mango Lime.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContains caffeine. Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone sensitive to caffeine. Do not exceed the stated dose, and avoid taking it close to bedtime.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kaged Muscle","offers":[{"title":"259g \/ Fruit Punch","offer_id":58290547294539,"sku":"850015107870","price":26.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"259g \/ Mango Lime","offer_id":58290547327307,"sku":"855894008973","price":26.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/4937\/6331\/files\/image_2025-12-09_69382cf3576e0.jpg?v=1787945447"},{"product_id":"ostrovit-pump-extreme-pre-workout","title":"OstroVit Pump Extreme Pre-Workout","description":"\u003cp\u003eOstroVit Pump Extreme has thirteen active ingredients in a 300g tub, at a lower price than most of the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOstroVit manufactures at scale in Poland and prices accordingly, which makes Pump Extreme a sensible entry point if you've not used a pre-workout before and don't want to spend £30 finding out whether you like them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMix a serving with cold water 20–30 minutes before training. Start with half a serving to gauge how you respond.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e300g tub.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContains caffeine. Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone sensitive to caffeine. Do not exceed the stated dose, and avoid taking it close to bedtime.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OstroVit","offers":[{"title":"300g","offer_id":58290586747211,"sku":"5903246224597","price":9.37,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/4937\/6331\/files\/image_2026-05-13_6a045cfb034ea.jpg?v=1787945849"},{"product_id":"prosupps-dr-jekyll-signature-pre-workout","title":"ProSupps Dr. Jekyll Signature Pre-Workout","description":"\u003cp\u003eDr. Jekyll is the civilised half of ProSupps' famous pairing — strength, focus and endurance without the extreme stimulant load of its Mr. Hyde counterpart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe split is genuinely useful. Mr. Hyde is built for the days you need dragging into the gym; Dr. Jekyll is built for the other four sessions a week, where you want a clear lift and sharp focus without spending the rest of the evening wired.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat makes it a good everyday pre-workout and a sensible first one if you're new to the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMix with cold water 20–30 minutes before training. 282g tub in Blue Razz, Green Apple, Lightning Lemon and Mixed Berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContains caffeine. Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone sensitive to caffeine. Do not exceed the stated dose, and avoid taking it close to bedtime.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ProSupps","offers":[{"title":"282g \/ Blue Razz","offer_id":58290589401419,"sku":"810034818935","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"282g \/ Green Apple","offer_id":58290589434187,"sku":"810034818959","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"282g \/ Lightning Lemon","offer_id":58290589466955,"sku":"810034818928","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"282g \/ Mixed Berries","offer_id":58290589499723,"sku":"810034818942","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/4937\/6331\/files\/image_2025-06-12_684aa7897c86d.jpg?v=1787945926"}],"url":"https:\/\/supplementhq.co.uk\/collections\/pre-workout-for-beginners.oembed","provider":"SupplementHQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}