BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Expert Shopper Sports & Fitness

Best pre-workout powder for women

Which pre-workout powder for women is best?

Potent pre-workout powders for women can add an additional boost to your workout routine. With the right pre-workout powder, you can safely propel yourself to improve your workout with extra endurance and energy. Pre-workout powders are also powerful since they include ingredients to fight muscle fatigue and boost your energy. The Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy is an excellent option for those that find most powders leave them feeling jittery.

What to know before you buy a pre-workout powder for women

Caffeine

When looking for a pre-workout powder for women, you should know how your body reacts to stimulants. The primary stimulant used in these pre-workout products is caffeine, and many pre-workout powders deliver about 100 to 400 milligrams. The extra caffeine boosts your energy and alertness and increases your heart rate and body temperature.

Amino acids

Pre-workout powders with no caffeine include amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and building muscle. Amino acids are a more natural way to increase your performance than caffeine is.

Switch up the mix

If you think your pre-workout powder has stopped giving you the effect it once had, take a break rather than increasing your dose. Always adhere to the proper dosage guidelines, and begin with half a dose to gauge your body’s response if you’re trying a pre-workout product for the first time. Also, add more of a single ingredient, like BCAAs, beta-alanine or l-citrulline.

What to look for in a quality pre-workout powder for women

Flavors

Pre-workout powders have endless flavor options and range from flavorless to super sweet. Some pre-workout products use natural flavors, so check the label if you want to avoid any artificial sweeteners. Some stores let you taste a small sample before buying if you’re shopping in the store.

Size and variations

Most powders come in 30-serving containers, enough for one to two months if you work out regularly. Some of these products also come in a liquid formula, and they’re known as On the Go or OTG. They’re meant for a quick energy boost if you are not able to mix your own drink.

Proprietary blends

Amino acids and caffeine are a few of the most popular additives companies add to their pre-workout products. A proprietary blend is a company’s own mix of several active ingredients to develop a powerful combo of energy-boosting power. They create these blends or mixes to add subtle properties and make their pre-workout product stand out from competitors.

For instance, a company might add small amounts of beta-alanine and l-citrulline to the pre-workout product along with creatine to offer more muscle-building and energy-boosting properties. These ingredients are grouped as part of a proprietary blend rather than listed individually as ingredients on the label. Read the product labeling carefully to make sure it offers what you’re looking for and doesn’t have any ingredients you don’t want or need.

How much you can expect to spend on a pre-workout powder for women

Pre-workout powders for women range in price from about $15-$80, depending on the powder's quality, ingredients and features.

Pre-workout powder for women FAQ

Can you take a pre-workout powder before your evening workout?

A. Stimulants impact every person differently. Your body might continue to feel the effects of a potent pre-workout powder even after your workout. Avoid taking caffeinated pre-workout powders at night since you might have difficulty falling asleep.

How long will the effects of taking a pre-workout powder last?

A. The effects of the powder will kick in about 15 to 20 minutes after you take it and last for multiple hours, depending on the dose.

Is a pre-workout powder formula better for you than a pill or liquid formula?

A. Liquid pre-workout formulas usually start to work more quickly than capsule, pill or powder formulas, but the formula you choose comes down to flexibility and convenience. Powder is the most common option since you can adjust the dose to get the most out of your workout and the product.

What’s the best pre-workout powder for women to buy?

Top pre-workout powder for women

Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy

What you need to know: This is an excellent option if other pre-workout powder formulas leave you feeling jittery.

What you’ll love: This powder gives you sustained energy for difficult, long workout routines, mixes well without clumping and offers fast energy without relying too much on caffeine. People also like the taste, and the powder comes in 30 flavors.

What you should consider: This product includes artificial sweeteners and colors in some flavors.

Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods

Top pre-workout powder for women for the money

Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion

What you need to know: This comprehensive powder provides both a physical and mental boost.

What you’ll love: This helps with muscle growth, promotes endurance, and improves focus, performance, and energy. The product also features a delicious taste, no sugars and up to 30 servings at a reasonable price.

What you should consider: This product includes some artificial flavoring and is processed in a facility with soy, fish, eggs, milk and nuts.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Sierra Fit Pre-Workout Powder

What you need to know: This product is packed with electrolytes, B vitamins and a mix of performance-enhancing ingredients.

What you’ll love: It features a variety of delicious flavors with no preservatives or sugars and delivers impressive performance results and a potent energy boost. The powder is also a great value for 30 servings and can be taken with water or other liquids.

What you should consider: This powder quickly separates, and it’s best used with a blender bottle.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Alex Kilpatrick writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Share this post: