Best Pre Workout with Creatine for One Stop Supplementing
I am trying to simplify my supplement routine and I am looking for a high quality pre workout that already includes a full dose of creatine monohydrate. I am in Canada and I am tired of buying separate tubs and mixing them myself. I want a one stop shop for my pre training needs.
I am looking for a product that has at least five grams of creatine per serving along with the energy and pump ingredients. I have seen some brands like Kaged Muscle and JYM that seem to have very complete formulas. Are these better than just mixing your own stack?
Do you prefer an all in one pre workout or do you like to have more control over each individual ingredient? I am looking for convenience without sacrificing the quality of the dosages. If you have a favorite comprehensive pre workout please let me know. I want to make my morning routine as easy as possible!
For a pre-workout with creatine, I have had great results with "Pre-Kaged Sport". It includes 3g of creatine HCl, which is bioavailable and does not cause the same bloat as monohydrate for some people. It also has good energy and pump ingredients. I know it is available in Canada.
That is exactly what I am looking for! I am so tired of mixing multiple powders before my workout. Having it all in one scoop would be a game changer for my morning routine.
@PrinceVegeta, that sounds promising. What is the actual dosage of creatine monohydrate equivalent in Pre-Kaged Sport? I am aiming for around 5g of monohydrate daily, so I need to make sure I am getting enough.
I have been using a product called "Nutrabolics Supernova" recently, which also has creatine monohydrate built in. It is a Canadian brand, which is a plus for OneStopShop. The energy is clean and I do not get jitters.
@AnimalLifter, creatine HCl is generally more potent gram for gram. 3g of creatine HCl is often considered equivalent to about 5g of creatine monohydrate for absorption, so you should be good with the Pre-Kaged Sport serving.
I completely understand the desire for one-stop supplementing. I used to buy separate creatine and pre-workout, but now I use "Legion Pulse" with creatine. It is a bit pricey but worth it for the quality ingredients and convenience.
I agree with @PrinceVegeta. Pre-Kaged Sport is a solid choice. The crisp apple flavour is actually quite good, which is a big deal for me because some pre-workouts taste awful.
These combined products sound great, but how much caffeine do they usually pack? I am sensitive to stimulants and do not want to be overstimulated, especially if I am working out in the evening.
@CaffeineCrusader, it varies widely by brand. Most of the popular ones range from 150mg to 300mg per serving. You always need to check the label for the exact amount. Some brands also offer stimulant-free versions if you are really sensitive.
I am not sure I am sold on the all-in-one concept. I prefer to dose my creatine separately so I can be sure I am getting the precise amount I want, regardless of my pre-workout dose. It also allows for more flexibility.
@OldSchoolLifter, I understand your point, but for someone like OneStopShop who is looking to simplify, the convenience of a combined product outweighs the minimal loss of dosing flexibility. Plus, most good combined pre-workouts do include a clinically effective dose.
Since OneStopShop is in Canada, I would suggest looking at "Beyond Yourself Amino-IQ2". It is made here and has a good amount of creatine along with BCAAs and a solid energy blend. It is often on sale too.
@MapleMuscle, that is a great suggestion! Is Amino-IQ2 readily available at major Canadian retailers like Supplement King or Popeye's Supplements, or is it more of an online specialty product?
No matter what product you choose, always check the label carefully! Some brands will use proprietary blends that hide the exact dosages of ingredients like creatine, and you might not be getting a full 5g serving.
@LabelReader, that is such an important point. Proprietary blends are the worst. It is like they are trying to hide underdosed ingredients. Transparency is key when you are investing in supplements.
I have been using "C4 Ultimate Power" and it has 3g of creatine nitrate, which I believe is also quite effective. It gives me a decent pump and focus without being too intense. Worth checking out for sure.
@IronAddictUK, I have seen C4 Ultimate Power around. How is the taste? I am a bit particular about that. Is it overly sweet or does it have a good flavour profile?
I am with @CaffeineCrusader. I prefer lower stim options. Does anyone have a recommendation for a pre-workout with creatine that is not loaded with caffeine? Sometimes I want the performance boost without the intense buzz.
@ChillWorkout, you might like "Transparent Labs Bulk". It has a good dose of creatine monohydrate and you can choose between a stimmed and non-stimmed version. The non-stimmed version is great for evening workouts.