Cira Pre-Game Pre Workout Review

Pre-Game Pre Workout is a pre workout supplement manufactured by Cira Nutrition. Cira Nutrition is a new supplement brand implicitly targeted toward women.

Cira Nutrition was kind enough to send me a sample to review.

The verdict?

It’s a fine entry into the category of beginner pre workouts. There were a lot of corners they could have cut in the formula, but chose not to, and I commend them for that.

If you’re looking for a high quality pre workout that is beginner-friendly and available in fun flavors, Pre-Game Pre Workout is a solid pick.

For more detail, see the full review below.

My Girlfriend’s Experience with Cira Pre-Game Pre Workout

I asked my girlfriend to try out Cira’s new pre workout so she could compare it to Alani Nu Pre Workout. She felt both were similar in terms of effects, but preferred the “sour watermelon” flavor of Alani Nu to Cira’s “peach bellini.”

Overall

Overall, she enjoyed the effects of Pre-Game but preferred Alani Nu’s flavor and mixability. That’s really all she had to say about it. In terms of negative side effects, Pre-Game scored well and didn’t make her feel weird or jittery.

Flavor

The Pre-Game pre workout peach flavor was described as “artificial tasting.” I tried it too and would agree. It’s not bad, but it has a bit of an artificial after taste, which can be expected with pre workouts. I would probably rate this a 7/10.

Mixability

The mixability is pretty good, but there is a bit of unmixed powder at the bottom of the shaker bottle. I personally don’t care much about that, but if you do, you may need to add a bit of extra water or a few additional shakes.

Effects

Pre-Game pre workout fared well in terms of effects, delivering solid energy and workout motivation. Compared to Alani Nu, both were similar in terms of how they felt, according to my girlfriend. She enjoyed both.

Pre-Game didn’t cause jitters or a crash. My girlfriend also reported feeling minimal itchiness, though I felt a little. Overall, the 1.6 grams of beta alanine should not cause excessive or long lasting “tingles.”

If you’re absolutely adverse to feeling any tingling for any length of time, I recommend checking out my list of the best pre workout supplements without beta alanine.

For me, this wasn’t a kick ass, high energy pre workout, but it was a solid pick me up. Given there is just 200 mg of caffeine per serving, this was expected.

Pre-Game Pre Workout Ingredient Label

Below you’ll find the ingredient label for Pre-Game and a full ingredient breakdown. I think Cira did a great job with the formulation here. Even though a few of the ingredients, like L-Tyrosine, are below “clinical” dosages, I was still impressed to see L-Tyrosine used instead of the N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, which is not absorbed as well.

L-Citrulline – 6,000 mg

L-Citrulline is one of the most common pre workout ingredients. It has extensive evidence supporting its effects on increasing nitric oxide production, power output, and endurance.

Although most research uses a variation known as L-Citrulline Malate (2:1), anecdotal evidence supports that L-Citrulline delivers much of the same benefit.

When included as pure L-Citrulline, we like to see 4 grams as the dosage. Pre-Game exceeds this, packing 6 grams of pure L-citrulline in each serving.

Beta Alanine – 1,600 mg

Beta alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and can act as an a lactic acid buffer.

However, beta alanine requires regular intake in order to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily supplementation of beta alanine is recommended, with a loading period of three to five weeks needed to be effective.

3 to 4 grams is the recommended daily dosage for beta alanine. Pre-Game only delivers half of the usual dose, but for some this may be a plus. Many people do not like the tingling sensation that can be caused by full doses of beta alanine, whereas a half dose is less likely to cause these effects.

Betaine Anhydrous – 1,250 mg

Betaine is included to help increase your power output. However, research is pretty inconsistent around this claim.

Betaine often finds itself included in pump formulas because it theoretically could indirectly “…enhance vasodilation and cellular swelling during resistance training.”

1.25 grams is on the lower side of the amounts we typically see in pre workout supplements. (More info: Examine)

L-Tyrosine – 500 mg

L-Tyrosine helps “smooth out” some of the harsher effects of stimulants and increase focus. Some limited research also shows it can act as a cognitive booster in stressful environments.

500 mg is a somewhat light dosage – I wish it were a bit higher, at least 1 gram. It falls a bit short of the range recommend for use in an exercise setting (source). 

Caffeine Anhydrous – 200 mg

This is the standard form of caffeine. You know what it is. It delivers all of the expected benefits: mental focus, energy, motivation, a will to live, etc.

200 mg is a pretty standard dosage of caffeine anhydrous, about the same as many energy drinks.

L-Theanine – 100 mg

L-Theanine is a somewhat sedative amino acid, noted for promoting relaxation and taking the edge off of caffeine.

100 mg of L-Theanine maintains a 2:1 ratio of caffeine to L-Theanine, which is often used to improve focus vs. caffeine alone.

Theobromine – 50 mg

Theobromine is a stimulant that is sort of a “caffeine light” ingredient.

50 mg is a relatively light dosage for this (mild) ingredient.

Astragin – 25 mg

AstraGin helps facilitate the absorption of nutrients. In other words, it helps your body make the most of all of the ingredients included in the pre workout.

25 mg is a standard dosage for this ingredient.

About Kyle Risley

Kyle Risley founded Lift Vault in 2016 to make finding great powerlifting programs easier. Since then, the site has grown to include hundreds of programs for strength, bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, and more. He currently lives in Massachusetts and continues to compete in powerlifting.