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Due to the vast number of pre-workout supplements on the market, it can be hard to sift through all of the products and determine which best suits the needs of a woman on a mission to crush a workout. It can be hard to get ourselves out the door for a grueling workout and some pre-workouts, such as Pre-Kaged Sport, have a great reputation for enhancing energy levels and performance abilities.
The Best Pre-Workout for Women - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Pre-Workout for Women: Pre-Kaged Sport
- Best Pre-Workout for Women for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Women: Xwerks Ignite
- Best Personalized Pre-Workout for Women: Gainful Pre-Workout
- Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout for Women: Pre-Kaged Stim Free
- Best Natural Pre-Workout for Women: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
- Best Gluten-Free Pre-Workout for Women: Gainful Pre-Workout
- Best Budget Pre-Workout for Women: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
- Best Pre-Workout for Women's Muscle Gain: Bulk Supplements Vital Stack
- Best Fat-Burning Pre-Workout for Women: Jacked Factory Shred Pre-Workout
- Best Pre-Workout for Women Runners: 6AM RUN Sprint Pre-Workout Powder
We have all been in a situation where we have plans to hit a workout but then fatigue and lack of desire hit us. How are you supposed to get into a workout when you feel a heavy pull back to the couch? That’s why the best pre-workouts for women can give you a boost, and maybe some jitters if you aren't careful, that will help you to feel unstoppable and knock out your fitness goals day after day. Diet restrictions, budget, and caffeine sensitivity are all factors that might contribute to your pre-workout supplement decision as a woman.
We researched the best pre-workouts for women and compiled a list of our 10 favorites. Keep reading to see which is right for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming nutritional supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third-party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers. More importantly, fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall Pre-Workout for Women - Pre-Kaged Sport
SPECS
- Active ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, L-tyrosine, caffeine
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Best for: Anyone looking to enhance athletic performance with the perfect balance of energy, endurance, focus, and hydration
If you know Kaged, you know their reputation for the highest quality ingredients that are efficaciously dosed based on reliable clinical research and third party testing. That's why Pre-Kaged Sport has made the top of our list as best-overall. If you are going to be drinking something daily, or at least multiple times per week, you want it to taste good! This product provides you with five flavor options: blue raspberry, watermelon, fruit punch, mango lime, and glacier grape.
When you look over reviews about the taste of pre-workouts you will often see people complain about it being gritty, not mixing into water well, being too sour, or having too much of a chemical taste. Pre-Kaged elite does not have any of those complaints. This pre-workout tastes great, though it is quite sweet so if you prefer something less sweet you can dilute it more to accommodate your taste buds. With 188 mg of caffeine per serving, you will feel fired up and ready for your workout.
What We Like
- Clean energy
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Cellular hydration
- Health-focused product
What We Don't Like
- May be too sweet for some
- May not be a good fit for sensitive stomachs
- May not feel a noticeable boost
Best Pre-Workout for Women for Weight Loss - Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, acetyl L-carnitine HCI, choline bitartrate
- Best for: Women who are wanting to cut weight
Many of us work out because we want to look good and sometimes no matter how hard we work; we need a bit of assistance to meet our goals when it comes to physique. PreSeries LEAN is a great pre-workout for women for weight loss. If you are hitting the gym with the goal of cutting weight, this can provide just the boost you need.
You will not find any unnecessary fillers or harmful additives when you scoop this pre-workout into your shaker cup. What you will find is a strong fat-burning and thyroid-support complex which includes things like zinc, and chromium picolinate. You will find this pre-workout most effective if you are pairing it with workouts meant to specifically target stubborn body fat.
What We Like
- Vegan
- Helps support fat loss
- Keto-friendly
- Provides a noticeable boost
What We Don't Like
- Taste and consistency are not the best
- Does not mix well
BUY: Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout
Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Women - Xwerks Ignite
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Caffeine, Beta-Alanine, B12, L-Tyrosine, L-Citrulline Malate
- Best for: CrossFitters, endurance athletes
Finding the best tasting pre-workout that will get you pumped up to work hard without making you feel heart palpitations or lightheaded is not as easy as it should be. It also is not easy to find a formula that is made up of more useful ingredients than fillers. Xwerks Ignite is made up of ingredients that are clinically proven to optimize your performance and not make you feel dizzy or anxious. Although the caffeine content of this product is not over the top, the smart combination of other stimulants makes it just as effective.
You probably want a pre-workout that leaves the chemicals in the lab and adds only ingredients that will stimulate your workout, giving you long-lasting energy to totally dominate a lift or cardio session without a huge crash at the end. This pre-workout formula was created with all of those things in mind, with a true focus on encouraging an increase in performance metrics. Because of all this and because you have your pick of four delicious flavors of green apple, orang, blue raspberry, and watermelon, that's why Xwerks Ignite makes our list for best tasting pre-workout for women.
What We Like
- Increase in energy without any jitters
- Easy on the stomach
- Increase in muscular endurance
- Sharp focus increase
What We Don't Like
- Less affordable than other
- Lower caffeine content
Best Personalized Pre-Workout for Women - Gainful Pre-Workout
SPECS
- Price (scale of $-$$$): $$$
- Flavor options (scale of 1-3): 2
- Type: Stimulant or non-stimulant pre-workout
- Serving size: 14g
- Calories per serving: 5
- Artificial sweeteners: None
- Caffeine per serving: 150mg, or non-stim
Ever feel like the pre-workout options out there are made for someone you’re not… and who you have no interest in becoming? The customized supplement company Gainful wants to make that a thing of the past. After you take an in-depth quiz about your personal biology, lifestyle, experience level, and goals, their system generates personalized pre-workout, protein, and hydration supplements based on your answers.
The pre-workout that results is very simple and straightforward, with science-backed dosages of just four rock-solid ingredients: L-citrulline, branched-chain amino acids, L-theanine, and beta-alanine. Optionally, you can add (or subtract) 3 grams of creatine monohydrate or 150 milligrams of natural caffeine, which is a great "sweet spot" dose for a wide range of body types. Gainful’s pre-workout comes in just two flavors, strawberry lemonade or watermelon.
What We Like
- Science-backed formulation and dosages
- 150mg of caffeine a good "middle of the road" dose
- Can take in or out creatine or caffeine with a simple button-click
What We Don't Like
- Only 2 flavors
- Can't dial up or down caffeine; it’s 150mg or nothing
- Can only customized caffeine or creatine content
Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout for Women - Pre-Kaged Stim-Free
SPECS
- Active ingredients: L-citrulline, creatine HCl, beta-alanine, and BetaPower, L-tyrosine, and taurine
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Best for: Caffeine-sensitive individuals who weight train
Not all of us are early risers. Some of you may be rising early but it is to go to work or parent your kids or other duties and the workouts aren't completed until the evening. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to evening workouts is finding the boost to get it done after a long day without sacrificing your sleep due to intaking stimulants too close to bedtime. Pre-Kaged Stim-Free just might be the pre-workout for you are someone who works out later. You might be surprised to learn that there are pre-workouts that can increase your focus and muscle pump without overstimulating you. This product uses L-citrulline to encourage a blood rush to your muscles that allows you to get a great pump without keeping you up all night.
If you are someone who wants to physically feel the pre-workout set in, you won't be disappointed. Although this product is caffeine free, it still contains beta-alanine which gives most people a tingly or itchy sensation. Don't worry, you will still feel the push to get going once taking it otherwise you will be sitting around with your skin crawling.
What We Like
- Increased mental focus
- Banned substance free
- Triggers great pump
- Caffeine-free
What We Don't Like
- May cause indigestion
- Complaints about taste
Best Natural Pre-Workout for Women - Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, L-tyrosine, elevATP
- Best for: Caffeine and artificial ingredient conscience athletes and bodybuilders
If you are a woman who places a lot of importance on what you are putting into your body, you are probably interested in finding a natural pre-workout supplement to boost your workouts. Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-FREE is an all-natural and stimulant-free pre-workout. You will not find any caffeine, gluten, GMO, artificial sweeteners, artificial coloring, or artificial preservatives in this pre-workout. This product uses the ideal balance and effective dosage of citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine.
Even without caffeine, this pre-workout will still give you the pre-workout tingles and energy that you need to nail your next gym session. This is a great option if you have chosen to eliminate caffeine from your diet or have never been someone interested in using it. Transparent Labs takes pride in having 100% formula transparency.
What We Like
- No artificial coloring, preservatives, or sweeteners
- Subscribe & save option
- Caffeine free
- All natural
What We Don't Like
- May not work for sensitive stomachs
- May not be a good fit for experienced pre-workout users
BUY: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Best Gluten-Free Pre-Workout for Women - Gainful Pre-Workout
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Caffeine, L-theanine, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, creatine, leucine
- Best for: Gluten-intolerant or sensitive individuals
While most pre-workouts may not list ingredients that contain gluten, if you have an extreme gluten sensitivity it is important to be reassured that any products you are consuming are completely gluten-free. Gainful's Personalized Pre-Workout is completely gluten-free and full of nutrients that are meant to increase your muscle strength. These same nutrients are useful when it comes to giving you the go power to go longer without fatiguing and recover quicker. You might nail a leg day or hard cardio session on the stair master and immediately start to dread the delayed onset of muscle soreness, Gainful's Personalized Pre-Workout helps reduce the onset and intensity of muscle soreness.
One unique thing about Gainful's Personalized Pre-Workout is that before ordering, you take a quiz and your pre-workout is made to best fit your needs. Gluten-free is guaranteed if you specify that as a dietary restriction. You are also asked several questions about your fitness and body composition goals, eating habits, and sleep routine. After you have your customized gluten-free pre-workout specially created for you, you will also have access to a 1:1 session with a registered dietician where you can get your questions answered for free. They can help you to work, set lifestyle change goals, and understand more about your nutrition needs based on your fitness routine.
What We Like
- Maximizes recovery time
- Subscription includes free, 1-on-1 access to a registered dietitian
- Maximized endurance
- Gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Only 2 flavors
- Only 14 services per container
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Women - Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
SPECS
- Active ingredients: L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, beta-alanine, caffeine, L theanine
- Best for: Women on a budget who want to enhance body composition
Get all the bang for less of your buck—Nitrosurge costs just slightly under $1 per serving but does not slack at all when it comes to effects. Using Nitrosurge as your budget pre-workout of choice is a sure-fire way to enhance your body composition, this formula is scientifically produced using the most up-to-date research regarding strength and performance so that it is sure to meet all the needs of people who want to perform at a high level. The composition of stimulates used produces a very strong pre-workout supplement that will encourage explosive workouts.
The powerful combination of L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, beta-alanine, caffeine, and L-theanine are sure to make you laser-focused on your fitness goals and feel more powerful with every rep. You should start this supplement initially by consuming only one scoop to see how your body responds. The ingredient beta-alanine is well known for giving an itchy, or tingly, sensation. While this is perfectly normal, and often desired, some people feel very uncomfortable with the experience, known as paresthesia. If one scoop sits well with you then feel free to bump up to two the next time.
What We Like
- Creatine-free
- Manufactured in the USA
- Money-back guarantee
- Increased focus
- Vegan
What We Don't Like
- Double scoop for full effect
- Lower caffeine content in single scoop
BUY: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout
Best Pre-Workout for Women's Muscle Gain - Bulk Supplements Pre-Workout Vital Stack
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Creatine monohydrate and whey protein isolate
- Best for: Athletic people of all skill sets
Some people don't want the tingles, racing heart, or pump that many pre-workouts are known to give you. The best overall pre-workout for women who desire muscle gain will not give you any of those side effects. The Bulk Supplements pre-workout vital stack is simply meant to provide your body with the fuel and nutrients needed to prepare your muscles to work hard and grow stronger.
The straightforward combination of creatine monohydrate and whey protein isolate will provide your muscles with fast-acting energy and your brain with the ability to clearly focus on the workout goals. Bear in mind that this stack is not meant to taste good on its own, rather they are more raw supplements that you can mix into smoothies or other pre-workout supplements that are a part of your routine. The creatine in this stack will encourage energy production during exercise and the whey protein isolate will help you to build muscle mass.
What We Like
- Fast-acting energy
- Helps build lean muscle mass
- Optimizes athletic performance
- Minimizes recovery time
What We Don't Like
- Does not include a traditional pre-workout powder
- Not intended to taste good
BUY: Bulk Supplements Pre-Workout Vital Stack
Best Fat Burning Pre-Workout for Women - Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Shred Pre-Workout Fat Burner
SPECS
- Active ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, acetyl-l-carnitine, caffeine anhydrous, L theanine, theobromine
- Best for: Those looking to burn fat and lean out
If you are looking to crush workouts because you have some physical goals that you are trying to accomplish, you might be interested in taking a fat-burning pre-workout supplement. Most fat-burning pre-workout supplements have thermogenic properties. This means that they might make you feel like you are getting warm once it starts to kick in. Using a pre-workout that is also thermogenic may help to alter your body composition by revving up the fat-burning ability of your body. The Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Shred pre-workout fat burner is designed with the goal of physique improvement in mind. This pre-workout will not only give you a great surge of energy and the pump you need to get through a tough lift, but it is also created to burn fat before your hard-earned lean muscle mass.
After taking this pre-workout you will experience increased nitric oxide and blood flow as well as more stamina and better ability to focus. We all know that in order to get the results we are aiming for; we need to be able to work hard for extended periods of time without losing focus or energy. You will quite literally “feel the burn” after taking this product. Expect to feel extra sweaty during your workouts as your body will be working hard to burn extra calories in an attempt to help you get shredded. Thermogenic supplements are not for everyone as some people do not like the feeling of sweaty palms or heart fluttering but if you are someone who can handle the side effects and wants to lean out, this is a great choice for you.
What We Like
- Obvious energy boost
- Thermogenic properties for increased calorie burn
- Quick onset
- Great tasting flavors
What We Don't Like
- May cause sweaty, tingly hands
- May cause jitters
BUY: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Shred Pre-Workout Fat Burner
Best Pre-Workout for Women Runners - 6AM RUN Sprint Pre-Workout Powder
SPECS
- Active ingredients: L-citrulline-malate, creatine monohydrate, L-tyrosine, caffeine,
- Best for: Runners looking to improve performance
Runners need all the energy they can get. If you are a woman waking up to run at 6 AM then you are likely in search of the best overall pre-workout for women. 6AM RUN Sprint Pre-Workout Powder has your pre-workout needs covered. This pre-workout will increase your energy levels, focus ability, power output, and stamina during early morning endurance runs.
As a runner, you may be concerned with the impact that a pre-workout could have on your gut. This pre-workout is reported to not induce any bloating or cramping and also does not result in a crash as it wears off so you can keep going even after you take your running shoes off.
What We Like
- No crashing
- Immediate high energy
- No bloating
What We Don't Like
- May not mix well
- Limited flavor options
BUY: 6AM RUN Sprint Pre-Workout Powder
How to Choose a Pre-Workout for Women
There are many things you should consider when choosing a pre-workout as a woman. One thing you will want to consider if you are trying to get leaner or add more muscle to your body. If you are trying to be cautious of your weight, you might want to avoid products that contain creatinine as it can cause unwanted weight gain or bulk for women. You also want to consider your personal caffeine tolerance. If you are someone who often feels jittery or anxious when consuming large doses of caffeine, then you will want to be sure to note how much caffeine your chosen supplement has and explore whether you are comfortable feeling the tingling or itchy sensations things like beta-alanine may induce if you are super sensitive to caffeine.
You should also consider whether you need a thermogenic product, if weight loss or fat-burning is not high on your priority list then this is unlikely. Many women just want a product that will help them stay energized and focused during their workout, reviewing the effects of the different ingredients of pre-workouts and your list of priorities for workouts will be useful in helping you choose.
FAQs About Pre-Workout Supplements for Women
Who should use pre-workout?
If you want increased endurance, focus, and strength during your workouts then pre-workout is a good fit for you. You should consider using a pre-workout if you struggle to get out the door for your workouts.
Do I need a pre-workout that's made specifically for women?
Using a pre-workout specifically for women is not necessary. Most pre-workouts have the same general list of ingredients, though you might be more likely to find fat-burning ingredients or BCAAs in a pre-workout made for women, most pre-workouts can be effective for men and women alike.
Should women take a pre-workout every day?
Most pre-workouts are suitable for everyday consumption. However, taking a pre-workout every day can make you build a tolerance to the ingredients that make you feel ready to go so choosing to take your pre-workout only on harder workout days is recommended.
Does a pre-workout have side effects?
Yes, most do. Pre-workouts use a variety of ingredients that can have varying effects from one person to another. You may experience feelings of anxiousness, tingly skin, heart palpitations, or increased sweats. Be sure to review the side effect label of your chosen product and consult a doctor if you have any side effects or medical conditions that concern you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.