What is the Forbidden Pre Workout TikTok Trend? (2026)

Using the forbidden pre-workout is the practice of reading texts from an ex to get motivated in the gym. The term “forbidden pre-workout” is a TikTok trend about the power of using heartbreak, despair, and emotional turmoil instead of traditional pre-workout supplements.

This trend started gaining popularity on TikTok in May 2022, but has been spotted as early as December 2021.

Examples of “Forbidden Pre-Workout” Videos

Here are some examples of the forbidden pre-workout trend on TikTok.

Using the forbidden pre-workout for…bicep curls?

@barstoolsports
Bro about to be as big as the hulk with that workout method @GymHardoss (via:yvng_vera/ig)
♬ original sound – Barstool Sports

The forbidden pre-workout helping out with deadlifts:

Using the forbidden pre-workout before the bench press:

@larryv71
Did you ever try this pre ? 🤔 #AskLarryV #preworkworkout #IronBullStrength
♬ original sound – Barstool Sports

Looks like the forbidden pre-workout works for squats too.

https://www.tiktok.com/@ryan_dengler/video/7106155781447241006

Please use the forbidden pre-workout responsibly.

@syrianpsycho
the tasteful thickness of it… 🪓 #fyp #based #sigma #americanpsycho #trending
♬ for my bros by glo up – glo!

Should the forbidden pre workout be used on bicep curls? This is a controversial question.

@jason_argila
#gymtok #joke
♬ House of Memories with guitar christianrlocke – Christian

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.