Pre-Workout Without Beta Alanine – My #1 Itch Free Pick
After digging around (and I mean lots of digging around) it turns out virtuallyany pre-workout on the market is laced with beta alanine, like WTH? Unfortunately, that’s the bitter reality.
Here’s the brighter side; there are still a few exceptions.
With that in mind, we’ll go through some of the cool pre-workouts that you can take without ever having to worry about beta alanine.
Having tried a fair number of them, I came out with a few worthy, all-rounded pre-workouts that get the job done. And for the price, they are a real bargain.
Not too fast, however; for the sake of any total nerds passing by, let’s get a glimpse at important infoon beta alanine; its ins, and outs.
My Top 3 Favorite Beta Alanine Free Picks
Product Name | Availability | Price Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
4-Gauge Pre-Workout | $$ | |
N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Supplement | $$$ | |
The SUPERPUMP MAX | $$ |
What Is Beta-Alanine?
Well, let’s start with the basics. For most people, beta-alanine is associated with that itchy sensation and several other side effects. But is that all?
If you haven’t already come across the term, this is a non-essential amino acid present in a wide variety of foods. However, our bodies also produce it naturally (in minute amounts), so we don’t necessarily have to get it through food.
One thing that makes this amino acid stand out is that it doesn’t help the body with the creation of protein molecules as most others do.
So, what does beta-alanine actually do? Well, it helps with the production of carnosine, stored and usually used in the skeletal muscles.
Here’s the dark side
Beta alanine has two unpleasant sides;
Paresthesia
One of these is paresthesia, itchiness that occurs on your skin only moments after ingesting this amino acid. While it is completely harmless, it can last for a grueling 20 minutes straight (trying to concentrate with a several dozen-pound weight above you and a nasty itch chipping away at your focus can prove to be a hellish nightmare.)
Scientists are yet to pin down the root cause of this frustrating tingle.
However, it’s believed that beta alanine triggers the sensory neurons by activating a G-protein-coupled receptor, which transmits signals through the body’s nervous system, reaching as far out as the skin.
Flushing
The first side effect is bad enough, but this one gets even worse. You not only feel that clinging itchy sensation, but your face gets slightly puffy, and in some cases, a smidge red too!
If that’s the last thing you want to see in the mirror when working out, then prepare for a tough time in the gym after a sip of those pre-workouts stuffed with beta alanine.
Is Beta Alanine Necessary After All?
Not really, like at all. You can still get the best health and fitness benefits out of your workout even without having beta alanine as part of your pre-workout.
That being said, beta alanine has been associated with several benefits. But these have proven to be insignificant or turn out to be unsubstantiated altogether.
This leaves only one conclusion, you don’t need it as much as you think you do. If you are about to grind out hour-long cardio or weight lifting session, then the last thing you want is any distraction.
And trust me, that tingling feeling is going to have you begging your trainer to take the weights so you may scratch your skin off. Even if this amino acid had a bucket list of cool benefits, this Achilles heel alone would potentially offset them all.
Top 10 Pre-Workouts without Beta Alanine
Myths debunked, and facts set straight, I know those beta alanine-laden pre-workouts don’t sound so cool anymore. But that isn’t to say any chances you had with anypre-workout go out the window.
If you’re still keen on making the most out of a good pre-workout, then here are options that don’t contain any beta alanine, and are ideal foryour fitness goals.
Let’s dive right in and check them out.
4-Gauge Pre-Workout - This is the One I Personally Use
If focus is what you want more than anything during your workout, and you should, then go with the 4-gauge pre-workout. you won’t believe how easily you can get hooked.
And that’s not the only thing that will blow you away, the pump is just as insane, with high vascularity and extreme blood flow that this pre-workout brings to life inside you.
This isn’t some hear-say stuff, having used it myself, I can attest to its incredible performance. More so when it comes to after-effects, you don’t have to worry about any itching, tingling, or funny facial changes.
That’s not all; you also can’t beat the quality of the ingredients, which go a long way to bring out the best in you, keep you going strong, and enhance muscle growth in the long run.
And of course, it comes packaged and branded in a unique design. It looks just as good as it actually is.
You can see what I had to say in my full review of 4 Gauge's pre workout here.
N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Supplement
The N.O.XT has a long list of cool benefits that earns it a spot on this list. I tried it out myself, and I have to say, I wasn’t any bit disappointed.
And with such ingredients as Inositol-stabilized Arginine silicate, Bioperine, L-Glutathione, and L-Citrulline on board, you can bet it’s a high-quality pre-workout that will give you the pump you need for those long, grueling sessions.
The energy and vascularityyou get with this one are hands down some of the best, and no, it doesn’t contain any artificial fillers, colors, or preservatives. Talk about a nice, hard-hitting natural boost stuffed full of potent ingredients!
Of course, you will be tapping on nitric oxide’s benefits when it comes to relaxing and expanding your blood vessels when training. This in turn fires up nutrient delivery to your working muscles for an optimal anabolic condition, which is favorable for building muscles.
Despite the outstanding endurance, the pump, and all the awesome sides to this pre-workout, you won’t have to worry about any nasty side effects getting in your way to an effective workout.
The SUPERPUMP MAX
From enhancing endurance to blocking muscle fatigue and soreness, the Superpump Max checks all the boxes you need it to for a productive workout and desirable results.
Another bit that makes this the pre-workout to die for is its promotion of nitric oxide levels in the body, as well as enhancing vasodilation for lasting performance when grinding out those punishing reps.
It gets even better, with a laundry list of top-notch ingredients having been included in the making of this product to give you the best results possible. From magnesium, potassium, calcium, to sodium, all these minerals are essential in maintaining optimal muscle function and keep dehydration in check when working out.
Since Superpump Max is equipped with these great minerals and the best forms of other ingredients, it has all you need to blast right past your limits.
The price point will be hard to miss as well; considering all the bells and whistles that this pre-workout comes with, you would expect it to cost more than double the price. The affordability, of course, makes it perfect for both avid fitness junkies and those who are looking to test out a few pre-workout options.
5% NUTRITION FULL AS F*CK 30 SERVINGS
Judging by the name, this sounds like a badass pre-workout, but does it live up to the hype? Well, to be honest, it does.
With such fantastic benefits as the insane muscle pumps, top-of-the-line natural energy, laser-focus, and skin-tearing veins, you won’t want to miss a dose of this pre-workout once you try it out.
The lack of any stimulants further makes it just the right choice foryour sessions. But the best part by far is just how this product drives more nutrients to your muscles when they need them the most.
How does it taste? I knew this was coming! The other cool thing about this product is that it tastes way better than your average pre-workout.
And yes, you have several flavors to choose from, including passion fruit, green apple, pomegranate, or even wildberry. Go ahead and excite your taste buds before stimulating your muscles.
A quick glance at the ingredients reveals why this pre-workout doesn’t fall short of what it promises, as it comes chocked-full of such cool ingredients like L-Citrulline, Dan-Shen Extract, Agmatine Sulfate, Vitamin C, Beetroot powder, L-Taurine, and a whole lot more.
APOLLON HOOLIGAN BARE KNUCKLE 40 SERVINGS
There’s a good reason this Appolonis called the Bare Knuckle — it packs the punch! Apollon goes all out (despite being a non-stim)to offer you the pumps, focus, and a laundry list of other benefits too.
Speaking of which, this product stands shoulder-high above the competition with a bucket list of great benefits, which include the following;
- Helps increase blood flow to the right spots
- Doesn’t come with any fillers whatsoever
- It’s great for power output and enduring strength
- Comes packed full of nootropics for that laser-sharp focus
What’s more, this pre-workout boasts a precise mix of cool ingredients that give you the edge to push right past your limits. Besides, you can also stack this pre-workout with some other stimulant-based products if you want to, no worries.
Not to mention, with a single purchase, you get up to 40 servings to burn through before stepping back on the market for replenishment.
IFORCE NUTRITION HEMAVOL 32 SERVINGS
If you are looking for a pre-workout with a difference, then go with the IFORCE HEMAVOL. This art cellular expansion pre-workout has just about everything you would ask for in a supplement.
Thanks to its revolutionized formula, it helps increase muscle volume and boosts your body for impressive strength and muscle mass.
Above that, it also brings onboard skin tearing pumps to help you maximize your training achievement beyond imagination.
Another bit you can’t afford to miss is the Hemodynamic Matrix, designed to promote NOS enzyme action as well as support plasma concentration, which are essential components for nitric oxide production.
Why is this important? Well, because it helps enhance the creation of cell volumizing pumps by helping intracellular glycogen, plasma, and water to penetrate the muscle cells.
It also packs in Nitric Oxide Vasodilation, which is pivotal in supporting enzyme activity and optimizing endurance for longer sessions in the gym among other benefits.
To break things down a bit, here’s a rundown of its primary benefits;
- Promoting peak vasodilation
- Potent nutrient delivery to muscle tissue
- Enhancing endurance
- Boosting power for better performance
- Better cellular volumization
- Instant strength boost
Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer Acai Berry (19oz, 30 Servings)
With up to 30 servings, the Vega Sport Pre-workout comes with a laundry list of awesome ingredients that are sure to take your workout experience to a whole new level. But of course, without any nasty side effects to watch out for.
These include coconut oil powder, devil’s claw root, ginseng, green tea leaf, and many more, all of which are going to give you an outstanding boost to crush the full course of your session and still come out strong.
The speed at which this pre-workout kicks in is what makes it a favorite for many fitness lovers, giving you an almost instant boost in energy for better aerobic capability as well as sharp mental focus.
You won’t have to worry about endurance though, this boost is going to last you through the session, and you’ll, most probably, still have some gas left in the tank.
Perhaps the one thing you’ll love the most about this pre-workout is its vegan nature, not forgetting that it’s also free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy + Focus Vegan Clean Pre Workout Powder
Here’s another vegan and gluten-free pre-workout that will get you fired up for just about any session in the gym. Packing plenty of impressive ingredients, it has virtually everything you need to pull off those challenging moves without running out of energy.
And the ingredients aren’t the only cool thing about this powder, it also helps achieve the much-needed focus when working out. Thanks to the clean organic coffee berry in this supplement, it sharpens your mental focus like you’ve never experienced before, helping you stay on top of your game.
Its unique nitric oxide blend made of organic vegetables like kale, beets, and spinach comes in handy to give you a burst of raw, clean energy, enough to take even the most demanding workouts for a laugh.
Other additions such as Vitamin B12 in the ingredients are not to be overlooked, as it helps with the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, optimizes energy production, and reduces fatigue.
Related Reading: My Review of Kachava's Meal Replacement
Organic Muscle Pre-Workout Powder
The name pretty much says it all, this is as organic as it gets. And a closer look at the ingredient reveals why, as this pre-workout is stuffed with organic beetroot, pomegranate, goji berry, ginseng, and a long list of other organic ingredients.
Hence, this powder gives you a purely natural energy boost to get you fired up for a long and challenging workout ahead.
The vascularity you get with this powder is on another level, it gives you an insane pump, and it’s great at boosting metabolism and supporting muscle growth for a lean muscle build, I mean, exercising alone increases metabolism, add this powder to the mix and you will be burning more calories than ever before and getting your muscles stronger and more visible.
With each serving, you ingest nootropics along with other essential nutrients, minerals, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. All of these help with the nourishment of the entire body, helping you feel as great as you look in the long term.
All said, perhaps the best part is that you won’t have any jitters, itchy skin, or other unpleasant side effects to bear with as would otherwise be the case with a pre-workout loaded with beta alanine.
Prolific
It might be the last pre-workout on this list, but don’t mistake it for being any bit the least. Although it’s not as cool as the first one, it still has what it takes to give you the edge you need.
Prolific is designed to give you a full range of benefits, including focus, energy boost, pump, and of course, enhance your overall performance in the gym.
Of course, like the other pre-workouts I have shared in this list, you can expect a worry-free workout after taking a dose of your prolific…No itching, no tingly feeling, no flushing, no fuzzy focus.
It’s also super easy to mix, and it makes a mark once you get a taste of its deliciousness. Prolific is nothing like stimulant-based pre-workouts out there, which give you just the stimulant.
It brings out the best in you by enhancing your actual performance and giving you the pump you need to take on everything your workout throws at you.
The Takeaway
If you’ve had it with stimulant-based pre-workouts, or those laced with beta alanine that leaves you feeling like scratching your skin off, then you have every reason to ditch them altogether.
With any of the beta alanine-free pre-workouts that I have shared here, you will hit the gym with confidence, unleash the beast within, and just lift away without any of those pesky side effects getting in the way.
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- Kachava Vs. Huel
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