Flux Pre-Workout Review

Kaymas Nutrition is a newcomer, and here they are with Flux Pre Workout. This eria-driven energy pre-workout is intended to keep you pushing through your workouts with euphoric, clean energy, intense focus, and powerful pumps … or so they say. 

“They can’t all be winners, and we shouldn’t all be wieners” – Unknown. At a different time, this product would be about average, but unfortunately, it falls short in the inflated economy of prices and products. 

Thank you, Supps Central, for sending this full product for review! 

Where to Buy Flux 

You can buy Flux by Kaymas Nutrition from the following retailer:

• Supps Central
  • LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off

Experience

This was a quick-acting pre-workout, as I felt an initial tingling sensation on my lips similar to niacin where the tingles were microsized rather than completeness like beta-alanine. Within 10 minutes, I felt flushness on my cheeks and over the crown of my head.

A small burst of energy almost immediately gave me good, happy vibes. The energy continued to grow to a level of 6.5, with a small amount of focus at a level of 4/10. The tingly sensation grew up to 60 minutes, around a level of 7 throughout the noted areas and my forehead. My breathing had seemed to improve slightly with the help of alpha yohimbine. 

The energy stayed with me for about two hours in the heightened state, and my heart rate increased with HIIT (high-intensity interval training). There were very mild effects across the board, with little pump and no vascularity noticed. Endurance was slightly increased, and energy lasted several hours, but the focus was less and only a level of 4 at the peak of things. Hours later, I felt good, happy, energetic, and had some alpha yo feelings. 

Side Effects

I didn’t experience any negative side effects while reviewing this product.  

The flavor

“Bomb Pop” was the flavor I was sent for review, which actually tasted like a sour green apple. I really enjoyed the flavor, although it was not the correct taste for the labeled flavor. Since I didn’t get a scooper and the flavor was incorrect, I emailed Kaymas but have not heard back. I found the flavor to be great all around, and I imagine their other offerings should also taste great. The suggested amount of water is 6-12 ounces per scoop, which I typically did around 12 ounces as the flavor was quite strong and great, so I enjoyed sipping it a bit more. 

Dose/Scoop Size

The serving size is 12.6 grams at a full scoop serving, which, based on the label, is as expected. It is a very basic label, with not too many stimulants to be worried about, which is why I dosed one full serving each use. Those sensitive to alpha yo might want to measure this out, and ultimately, I had to since there wasn’t a scooper in my container. 

I can’t comment on the provided scooper, should you get one, but I hope I was the only one to have it missing. I always shake my products when receiving them and ever so often before using them as they sit on the shelf. This can cause aeration in the powder, affecting measurements, which is something to be mindful of. At this price, serving amount and label, it is a bit surprising that there were only 20 servings at the maximum serving size. 

Ingredients

The breakdown below is for the two serving dosages, which is a full scoop serving, although my container was missing a scooper. This product isn’t all that impressive, and the label is part of that reason. 

Kaymas gives us a proprietary blend for the simulant/focus matrix, which is 1463 mg total, yet the caffeine dosage is indicated elsewhere on the label for approximately 400 mg. It is 2024, and these matrix/blends don’t do anything besides misinforming the purchaser, especially since I don’t believe any manufacturer would want to copy this label. 

The l-cirulline is underdosed, and there isn’t much more to this label. On their website, it reads: “Why be a stim junkie?” Yet they give you several stimulants that contribute to the tolerance-building effects. I have reviewed many products that are daily drivers, and compared to this, those other products are higher performers. 

L-Citrulline – 6 g

L-citrulline is one of the most common pre-workout ingredients. Extensive evidence supports its ability to increase nitric oxide production, power output, pumps, blood flow, and endurance. It is typical for this ingredient to contain malic acid mixed in a 2:1 ratio per the clinical studies if disclosed. Malic acid has some benefits similar to beta-alanine, and these ingredients aren’t in a chemical bond. Some products may list malic acid as a separate ingredient. 

You want four to six grams of pure l-citrulline for proper clinical dosage. If the ratio on the label isn’t given but is typically found in a  2:1 ratio, a 6-gram dose would contain close to 3.96 grams. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits. Some critical points are amino acid precursors, enhanced nitric oxide production, improved endurance, reduced muscle fatigue, cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction.

Beta-Alanine – 3.2 g

Beta-alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and act as a lactic acid buffer. Depending on the source of this ingredient, you may feel the paresthesias tingling effect. This feeling is often desirable in the sports community, as it makes you feel the intensity after ingestion. This may be negated by diet and intake of beta-alanine. 

Beta-alanine requires regular intake to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily beta-alanine supplementation of three to four grams is recommended to become effective, with a three to five-week loading period. This is in the standard clinical dose range, although a bit higher. When you consume beta-alanine, it combines with another amino acid called histidine to form carnosine. 

Carnosine is found in high muscle concentrations and is a buffer against lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity. By increasing carnosine levels in muscles, beta-alanine helps reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions, contributing to muscle acidity and fatigue. This allows athletes to perform at a high intensity slightly longer before experiencing fatigue. Typical dietary sources do not abundantly contain it, so it’s challenging to obtain the required amounts solely through diet. However, it is naturally present in small quantities of animal products like meat and fish. 

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine boosts cognitive performance in stressful environments. Pre-workouts include it as a focus ingredient and help to achieve anti-stress effects. The typical dosage range is 500 mg to 2,000 mg for exercise; although the dosage is not indicated, it is in a matrix of 1463 mg, and the caffeine content of 400 is given, which means this is over that amount.

L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to several important neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. It plays a significant role in producing dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, stress response, physical performance, and cognitive function.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 400 mg

Caffeine Anhydrous is the standard form of caffeine, known for increasing energy, alertness, and motivation, reducing the perception of fatigue, and improving concentration and mood. It is a powdered form of caffeine commonly used as a supplement and in various products, including energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and over-the-counter medications. “Anhydrous” means without water, so caffeine anhydrous is essentially dehydrated caffeine, typically a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder. 

The caffeine content varies for each product. 350-450 is the typical dosage for sports supplements, 200-300 is the range for fat burners, and some products may contain other forms or stimulants. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which contribute to heightened alertness. 

Less is more, as your dependency will lead to diminishing returns as you increase your intake. The overall combination of many factors, such as sleep, when you take caffeine, diet, and nutrition, affect how much you will need. Recent attention on caffeine consumption within 90 minutes of waking has been given by Dr. Andrew Hubberman, who said it causes the delay of clearing of adenosine. Ingestion of caffeine upon waking will likely produce a mid-day crash, according to his research, so plan your consumption accordingly.

Eria Jarensis (N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine HCl) – 500 mg

Eria Jarensis is a stimulant frequently seen alongside DMHA in high-stim pre-workouts.

500 mg is a huge dosage for this ingredient; being an exotic stimulant and others found in this product, it isn’t clinically studied but isn’t currently the highest on the market. The most eria jarensis I’ve ever seen in a pre-workout is 500 mg with Flame Pre-Workout (which is fantastic).

Guarana Seed Extract (22% Caffeine)

Paullinia cupana, also known as guarana, is a fruit-bearing tree; the seeds are ground into powder and used in traditional Amazonian medicine. Guarana is supplemented primarily for its stimulant properties. It has a 22% yield of caffeine, meaning 200 mg of guarana seed extract would yield 44 mg of actual caffeine. Guarana Seed Extract caffeine tends to be stronger than caffeine anhydrous.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing plant native to the amazon basin in Brazil. The guarana plant seeds are particularly well-known for their high caffeine content, and guarana seed extract is a popular natural stimulant used in various products such as energy drinks, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Here are some key points about guarana seed extract: caffeine content, energy, alertness, metabolism, weight loss, and antioxidant properties.

Choline Citrate

Choline is a cholinergic compound that is produced within the body. It is used for enhancing cognition and increasing power output. Based on several studies, choline dosages should be between 500 mg. Some key benefits include choline source, cognitive enhancement, acetylcholine precursor, neuroprotective properties, and athletic performance. Combined with other nootropic compounds, choline can enhance cognitive effects. Common combinations include racetams (like piracetam) and other brain-boosting supplements.

Choline citrate is a form of choline, an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions within the body. Choline is often grouped with B vitamins and is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and muscle control. Choline is also a component of cell membranes and synthesizes phospholipids.

Dimethylethanolamine

DMAE is a choline molecule used to treat cognitive decline in elderly patients. It is included in pre-workouts to promote focus and feelings of well-being. Dosing guidance for performance enhancement needs to be better understood.

For reference, Chemix pre-workout contains 400 mg of DMAE, while Dark Energy and Assassin V6 contain 750 mg.

Huperzine-A (1%)

Huperzine A is cholinergic and is a cognitive enhancer. As an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, it helps lengthen the half-life of cholinergic sources. Depending on the extract percentage, it is taken in 50 to 200 mcg dosages.

Huperzine A is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound derived from a Chinese club moss plant (Huperzia serrata). It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is known for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Some additional benefits include cognitive enhancers, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, nootropic, and smart drugs.

Rauwolscine HCl

“Alpha yo” is a “love it or hate it” stimulant. Some individuals are susceptible to alpha yohimbine and avoid any pre-workout with it outright. Common adverse side effects include anxiety, headaches, sweating, frequent urination, and increased blood pressure.

If you are sensitive to the effects of Alpha Yo, I’d suggest starting with a smaller serving size to assess if the results are too strong for you. Dosages can range from 0.5 to 3 mg, with the ladder being very potent.

Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant native to West and Central Africa. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family and has a long history of traditional medicinal use by indigenous peoples in the regions where it grows. The plant is also known by various names, including “African serpentwood” and “kouayang.” 

The plant contains several alkaloids, including reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine. Reserpine, in particular, is a well-known compound found in Rauwolfia vomitoria and has been used to treat high blood pressure and certain mental disorders. The alkaloids in Rauwolfia vomitoria have been investigated for their potential antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, among other effects.