Whether you’re an avid runner, swimmer, cyclist, or just someone who regularly trains cardio, a solid pre-workout supplement can take your performance to the NEXT LEVEL. (And no, pre-workouts aren’t just made for bodybuilders and powerlifters.)
Ready to maximize your training with boundless energy, immense focus, and endurance like never before?
In this guide, you’ll find the best pre-workout supplements for cardio, how to choose the right one for you, and why these sports supplements can help you to reach your fitness goals faster.
If you just want to know what our top pick is, that distinction goes to Lean Pre-Workout by Transparent Labs.
Lean Pre-Workout is well-suited for cardio because it features a manageable amount of caffeine (210 mg) while offering ingredients like BCAAs and citrulline malate for endurance support.
Lean Pre-Workout is a great choice for those seeking all-around nutrition support and a little extra fat-burning help. It's a well-rounded pre-workout that can be good choice for lots of different use cases.
Discount Codes:
LV10 = 10% off your entire order
Related: Best Pre-Workout for Running
Table of Contents
- 1 The 9 Best Pre-Workout For Cardio
- 1.1 Lean Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
- 1.2 Pre-Kaged – Kaged
- 1.3 Bulk Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
- 1.4 Nitro Surge – Jacked Factory
- 1.5 Pre-Workout – Pre Lab Pro
- 1.6 Wrecked Pre-Workout – Huge Supplements
- 1.7 Pre-Kaged Sport – Kaged
- 1.8 Superhuman Burn – Alpha Lion
- 1.9 Formula XII Intra Workout – Huge Supplements
- 2 Choosing The Best Pre-Workout Supplement For You
- 3 What Are the Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements for Cardio Exercise?
- 4 Conclusion
The 9 Best Pre-Workout For Cardio
- Lean Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
- Pre-Kaged – Kaged
- Bulk Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
- Nitro Surge – Jacked Factory
- Pre-Workout – Pre Lab Pro
- Wrecked Pre-Workout – Huge Supplements
- Pre-Kaged Sport – Kaged
- Superhuman Burn – Alpha Lion
- Formula XII Intra Workout – Huge Supplements
Lean Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
Lean Pre-Workout is a great choice for those seeking all-around nutrition support and a little extra fat-burning help. It's a well-rounded pre-workout that can be good choice for lots of different use cases.
Discount Codes:
LV10 = 10% off your entire order
Lean Pre-Workout is a superb choice for weight loss – boosting the number of calories you burn while you exercise, and it contains a lower dose of caffeine which is great if you are sensitive to stimulants.
This product is extraordinarily well dosed with all the ingredients you could want in a pre-workout, 3rd-party tested, and contains no artificial ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6000mg
- BCAA 2:1:1 – 2500mg
- Beta-Alanine – 2000mg
- Betaine Anhydrous – 1500mg
- Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl – 630mg
- Choline Birtartrate – 500mg
- L-Theanine – 360mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous – 180mg
- Theobromine – 50mg
- Infinergy – 40mg
- BioPerine – 5mg
- Iodine – 225mcg
- Zinc 30mg
- Selenium – 50mcg
- Copper – 1mg
- Chromium – 200mcg
Pre-Kaged – Kaged
Pre-Kaged is one of the best "all-around" pre-workouts on the market today. When it comes to delivering proven ingredients at effective dosages, Kaged is a brand that delivers time and time again.
Pre-Kaged supplies pump, energy, and focus without any banned or shady ingredients, making it a great choice for tested athletes or anyone that cares what they put into their body.
Our top pick for the best pre-workout for cardio goes to Pre-Kaged. This award-winning sports supplement truly doesn’t leave much room for competition!
It contains high doses of the finest quality premium ingredients that support energy, endurance, concentration, muscle building (with an impressive 6.5g of BCAAs), and pump. And, this natural pre-workout is also free from harmful artificial substances like flavors and colors.
Plus, it’s 100% vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and tastes delicious!
Key Ingredients:
- L-Citrulline – 6.5g
- L-Leucine – 4.75g
- L-Isoleucine – 875mg
- L-Valine – 875mg
- BetaPower (Betaine Anhydrous) – 2.5g
- CarnoSyn (Beta-Alanine) – 1.6g
- Patented Creatine HCl – 1.5g
- Coconut Water Powder – 500mg
- SPECTRA Total ORAC Blend – 100mg
- Taurine – 2g
- N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – 1g
- Organic Caffeine – 274mg
- Sodium – 50mg
- Vitamin B12 – 500mcg
- Vitamin B6 – 25mg
- Niacin – 30mg
Bulk Pre-Workout – Transparent Labs
With just over 200 mg of caffeine, BCAAs, Vitamin D3, and Zinc, BULK is a great choice if you're looking for a normal amount of caffeine + extra nutritional support.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off Transparent Labs
Wishing you could gain muscle while training cardio? (We know, it’s not easy.)
Well, Bulk Pre-Workout is an excellent option to help support muscle growth in addition to the usual perks of taking pre-workouts.
This is thanks to the abundance of amino acids in this formula, including BCAAs, Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine, Taurine, and L-Tyrosine, aiding in muscle building and preventing muscle loss.
Not only is Bulk great for cardio, but it’s also included on our list of the best overall pre-workouts.
Key Ingredients:
- Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6000mg
- Beta-Alanine – 4000mg
- BCAA 2:1:1 – 4000mg
- Betaine Anhydrous – 2500mg
- Taurine – 1300mg
- L-Tyrosine – 1000mg
- L-Theanine – 360mg
- AlphaSize Alpha GPC – 300mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous – 180mg
- Theobromine – 50mg
- Infinergy – 30mg
- AstraGin – 25mg
- Vitamin D3 – 75mcg
- Vitamin B6 – 5mg
- Vitamin B12 – 100mcg
- Zinc – 30mg
- Sodium – 150mg
- Potassium – 100mg
- Boron – 3mg
Nitro Surge – Jacked Factory
Nitrosurge is a great choice for beginners who are looking for their first pre workout. With 180 mg of caffeine, Nitrosurge packs a nice punch without being overwhelming.
It also doesn't contain any shady or illicit ingredients, making it a good choice for beginners.
If you’re on the hunt for the best pre-workout for cardio that doesn’t break the bank, Nitro Surge offers excellent value.
This product is the perfect option for athletes who want a clean, straightforward, and effective pre-workout with minimal ingredients. You will be getting a solid dose of beta-alanine, caffeine, theanine, and other beneficial ingredients to boost your energy, endurance, and focus during training.
Also, you are spoilt for choice with 13 different tasty flavors!
Key Ingredients:
L-Citrulline – 3g
Beta-Alanine – 1.6g
Betaine Anhydrous – 1.25g
Caffeine Anhydrous – 180mg
L-Theanine – 90mg
Theobromine – 50mg
AstraGin – 25mg
Pre-Workout – Pre Lab Pro
Pre Lab Pro is a solid pick for those seeking a pre-workout with a low amount of caffeine to get them going, but nothing crazy that'll make them jittery or keep them up all night.
It also has no beta-alanine, so won't cause any tingling or itchiness.
Last, it has no sketchy stimulants or artificial sweeteners, making it super clean and transparent.
- Low caffeine
- Interesting ingredients
- Multi-tub discounts
Ever get a tingly feeling after taking pre-workout? That’s due to Beta-Alanine. And if you’re not a fan, here is the best pre-workout without Beta-Alanine!
This vegan-friendly supplement contains a sensible dose of caffeine (great for those with a low tolerance), and an awesome combination of cutting-edge ingredients, that have been shown to have a positive effect on athletic performance.
Key Ingredients:
- Natural Caffeine – 80mg
- L-Theanine – 160mg
- L-Tyrosine – 400mg
- L-Citrulline – 2200mg
- Red Beet Powder – 1500mg
- Vitamin D3 – 12.5mcg
- Riboflavin – 500mcg
- Vitamin B6 – 750mcg
- Folate – 167mcg
- Vitamin B12 – 2mcg
- Potassium – 49.5mg
- Iron – 2.5mg
- Salt – 0.5g
Wrecked Pre-Workout – Huge Supplements
Wrecked v2 released April 11, 2022.
For those looking to get a taste of what "high stim" pre workouts are like, then Wrecked serves as a reasonable introduction.
Not really for beginners - for the curious.
Are you someone who enjoys high-stim, heavy pre-workouts to destroy your cardio workout like there’s no tomorrow?
Wrecked Pre-Workout is by far the best high-stim pre-workout out there for cardio junkies, with a massive dose of caffeine (350mg) and beta-alanine (3,500mg), as well as a complete range of ingredients to boost energy, focus, and blood flow.
Key Ingredients:
- L-Citrulline – 8000mg
- Hydromax – 4000mg
- Beta-Alanine – 3500mg
- Betaine Anhydrous – 3000mg
- Malic Acid – 3000mg
- Agmatine Sulfate – 1500mg
- L-Tyrosine – 1500mg
- Alpha GPC – 600mg
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder – 600mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous – 250mg
- N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine – 250mg
- Theobromine – 150mg
- Di-Caffeine Malate – 100mg
- Salt – 196.5mg
- S7 (Green Coffee Bean Extract, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric Extract, Tart Cherry, Blueberry, Brocolli, Kale) – 75mg
- Rauwolscine – 1mg
Pre-Kaged Sport – Kaged
Pre-Kaged Sport is Kaged's lower-priced, athlete-focused pre-workout supplement. It's perfect for anyone looking for an energy boost that wants to avoid any banned or illegal substances.
This is safe for tested athletes to take in competition.
Pre-Kaged Sport is an outstanding all-rounder. It contains pretty much every ingredient athletes look for in a sports supplement – caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, taurine, betaine, tyrosine, B-vitamins, and electrolytes, for next-level performance.
This product comes in fun flavors including Glacier Grape, Mango Lime, and Fruit Punch – and they’re all equally tasty!
Key Ingredients:
- L-Citrulline – 3.5g
- Beta-Alanine – 1.6g
- Betaine Anhydrous – 1.25g
- Taurine – 2g
- Coconut Water Powder – 500mg
- L-Tyrosine – 500mg
- Caffeine – 188mg
- Vitamin B6 – 50mcg
- Vitamin B12 – 42mcg
- Magnesium – 20mg
- Sodium – 50mg
Superhuman Burn – Alpha Lion
SuperHuman Burn is a 2 in 1 pre-workout and fat burner. It includes clinical doses of proven fat burning ingredients for increasing energy expenditure along with tried and true pre-workout ingredients.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutrition Cartel
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Supps Central
- Multiple fat-burning ingredients
- 300 mg of caffeine
- 5 delicious flavors available
Superhuman Burn is the very best pre-workout for fat loss.
It provides a huge boost in energy and focus and a fantastic boost in thermogenesis, which is essential to burn fat.
If you’re upping your cardio to lose weight, why not choose a supplement that will help to further maximize your progress?
Key Ingredients:
- L-Citrulline – 2,000 mg
- Beta-Alanine – 1,800 mg
- Taurine – 500 mg
- Caffeine Anhydrous – 112.5 mg
- L-Theanine – 112.5 mg
- Infinergy – 50 mg
- MitoBurn – 250 mg
- Bitter Orange Extract – 83 mg
- Cocoabuterol – 50 mg
- CaloriBurn Grains of Paradise – 20 mg
- Choline Bitartrate – 500 mg
- Acetyl L-Carnitine – 500 mg
- L-Tyrosine – 500 mg
Formula XII Intra Workout – Huge Supplements
With several high quality carbohydrate ingredients, Formula XII is great for fueling long workouts or training while fasted.
Last but not least, we have the ultimate pre-workout for fasted cardio.
Carbs are by far the best source of fuel for cardio exercise (and having energy in general).
With 10g of Cluster Dextrin, plus other top-class ingredients, you are guaranteed to have the power you need to push through your training, even if you didn’t have time to eat beforehand.
In addition, this supplement is stim-free, so you’ll still feel all the benefits without the caffeine jitters!
Key Ingredients:
- Cluster Dextrin – 10g
- Creatine Monohydrate – 5g
- Organic ModCarb – 5g
- Beta-Alanine – 3.2g
- Betaine Anhydrous – 3g
- L-Ornithine HCL – 2g
- D-Ribose – 1g
- Potassium Citrate – 150mg
- Grape Seed Extract – 125mg
- Alpha Lipoic Acid – 100mg
- Magnesium Citrate – 40mg
- Bioperine – 5mg
Choosing The Best Pre-Workout Supplement For You
Look for a fully disclosed ingredient label
When comparing different products, you’ll notice that many pre-workout supplements contain vague propriety blends without listing the doses of the exact ingredients – this is a huge red flag.
Always go for products that are 100% transparent by fully disclosing the ingredients they use.
You can verify the brand’s claims by looking for a ‘3rd-party tested certificate’ on the label, like Informed Choice, Informed-Sport, GMP, or NSF.
Decide how much caffeine you want
Most pre-workout supplements contain a WHOLE LOT of caffeine.
For a better idea, the FDA considers one small cup to have 100mg of caffeine. Some pre-workout powders can have anywhere up to 350mg of caffeine – which can be rather intense for pre-workout newbies!
If you tend to have a sensitivity to caffeine, choose a supplement with a low caffeine content, or opt for a stim-free pre-workout to avoid any chance of getting the jitters!
Check for ingredients that can improve your cardio training
The best pre-workout supplements will contain the following beneficial ingredients to ensure that you get the absolute most out of your cardio session:
- Caffeine – This science-backed, holy grail-of-an-ingredient is insanely effective at improving power output, endurance, focus, strength, and perceived exertion when it comes to aerobic performance.In other words, it’s going to help you go faster and push further.
- Taurine – Taurine is known to improve mental clarity, reduce muscle fatigue, as well as enhance recovery and reduce muscle cramps thanks to its ability to draw water into the body cells.
- Beta-Alanine – Studies show that this beneficial amino acid has the potential to improve physical performance by lowering blood lactate accumulation (the culprit for sore muscles), thus decreasing muscle fatigue, which is especially helpful for long-distance runners.
- L-Citrulline – L-Citrulline is a common pre-workout ingredient that aids in increasing blood flow (and oxygen uptake) to the muscles, thereby boosting endurance, muscle building, and cognitive function. It also supports the conversion of glucose into energy.
- Dextrose (or ModCarb)- You won’t easily find simple carbohydrates like dextrose in a pre-workout formula (we got lucky with Formula XII Intra Workout by Huge Supplements), but it can be insanely beneficial for cardio training.Carbs provide your muscles with instant useable energy while simultaneously slowing the absorption of other ingredients for a more sustained effect overall.
- Electrolytes – Essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium are excellent for maintaining optimal hydration levels. These electrolytes have been proven to provide benefits during intense exercise, compared to water alone.
Go with a trustworthy brand
Choosing a pre-workout supplement from a reliable brand that actually lives up to its claims is crucial.
You’ll want to make sure the brand has the following:
- An official website with contact details
- A number of positive reviews
- Multiple retailers distributing their products
- Recommended by professionals in the fitness and health industries.
What Are the Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements for Cardio Exercise?
Increasing energy levels
The biggest benefit of taking a pre-workout supplement for cardio (or any type of exercise) is the massive energy boost!
Thanks to caffeine and the right blend of common pre-workout ingredients, you will have the fuel and motivation needed to absolutely smash your cardio workout.
Extensive research backs the effectiveness of pre-workout supplements in increasing the energy levels of athletes, having an incredibly positive effect on exercise performance.
A 3-week study involving 24 professional athletes using a pre-workout supplement (containing caffeine, citrulline malate, and creatine) found that their maximum oxygen consumption, lean muscle mass, and running speed at high intensity all improved significantly when combined with HIIT cardio.
Another study reported that athletes taking a supplement containing caffeine, creatine, B-vitamins, and other nutrients showed reduced fatigue and improved time-to-fatigue during endurance exercise.
And if caffeine doesn’t sit well with you – there are plenty of fantastic stimulant-free pre-workout options available, with ingredients like L-Tyrosine and Beta-Alanine that can still improve your athletic performance!
Improving endurance and stamina
Whether you’re training to increase your race time, improve your body composition, or tone and strengthen your muscles, endurance plays a key role in making progress.
Results from a large study involving athletes participating in aerobic exercise suggest that the ingredients commonly found in sports supplements (such as pre-workouts) greatly improved endurance and athletic performance. In addition, the participants were able to spare muscle glycogen and enhance fat burning (due to increased metabolism).
Further research found that pre-workout supplements decreased race times on average by 3%, or by 2 minutes an hour (it doesn’t sound like much – but competitive athletes will surely understand the significance!). Some athletes were even able to improve their race times by 17%!
Conclusion
While pre-workouts tend to be targeted at weight lifters looking to make muscle gains, these products are more than capable of improving performance, endurance, and energy when it comes to cardio training!
Out of all the phenomenal pre-workout supplements on this list, our top pick goes to:
- Pre-Kaged by Kaged
And if you’re looking for an excellent stimulant-free option, you can’t go wrong with:
- Formula XII Intra Workout by Huge Supplements
The bottom line? The best supplement for you really comes down to personal preference, but every brand on this list goes above and beyond to provide everything you could wish for in a pre-workout for cardio!
