TOP 13 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Women with Reviews 2024
You have a fitness goal and you fully intend to reach it.
There is just one problem.
Dang, girl, you are too tired to workout!
Whether it is getting up before work to fit in some exercise, or coming home after a long day at school or the office, or taking care of kids all day (the most exhausting job IMO), you need a boost!
Can you find the motivation Genie lurking in a bottle of pills? Is there an energy generator in that tub of powder?
Maybe!
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Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy - Pre Workout with Green Tea, BCAA, Amino Acids, Keto Friendly, Green Coffee Extract, Energy Powder - Watermelon, 30 Servings (Packaging May Vary)
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Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre workout |  |
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Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy - Pre Workout with Green Tea, BCAA, Amino Acids, Keto Friendly, Green Coffee Extract, Energy Powder - Watermelon, 30 Servings (Packaging May Vary)
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Red Leaf Pre Workout Energizer Powder, BCAA's, Beta-Alanine, Amino Acids and Green Tea for Immune Support and Preworkout Energy, Natural Cranberry Lime Flavor - 30 Servings
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Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer Powder |  |
Red Leaf Pre Workout Energizer Powder, BCAA's, Beta-Alanine, Amino Acids and Green Tea for Immune Support and Preworkout Energy, Natural Cranberry Lime Flavor - 30 Servings
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Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant Based Energy + Focus Clean Pre Workout Powder, with 85mg Caffeine, Natural No Booster, B12, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Blackberry, 15.3 Oz
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Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre Workout |  |
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant Based Energy + Focus Clean Pre Workout Powder, with 85mg Caffeine, Natural No Booster, B12, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Blackberry, 15.3 Oz
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| Fitmiss Ignite Women’s Pre-Workout & Energy Booster |  |
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Ora Organic Pre Workout Powder for Men and Women Berry Beet Flavor- Vegan Certified Organic, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free- Provides Jitter-Free Energy Boost for Women & Men, 20 Servings
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Ora Organic Pre Workout Energy Powder | |
Ora Organic Pre Workout Powder for Men and Women Berry Beet Flavor- Vegan Certified Organic, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free- Provides Jitter-Free Energy Boost for Women & Men, 20 Servings
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It’s not to say you should always rely on an energy drink to harness the motivation you need to workout every day, but truthfully, sometimes it REALLY helps!
We are going to talk pre-workouts today.
What the are, if or why you should take one, what the best pre workout supplement for women are, are they safe, can they benefit you, and how the best pre-workout drink for women is different from a man’s.
Contents
- Your Guide to Pre-Workouts for Women and How They May Help
- What You Should Pay Attention to Before Choosing Your Pre-workout
- 13 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Women 2024
- Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre workout
- Ora Organic Pre Workout Energy Powder
- Metabolic Nutrition Physique Enhancing Pre Workout
- Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer Powder
- Cellucor C4 Original Pre Workout Powder
- Sheer Strength Labs Premium Pre Workout for Women
- The KICK - All Natural Woman's Pre-workout Powder
- CLEAN + LEAN Ultra Clean All-In-One Workout Catalyst
- Prefine Women’s PreWorkout Supplement for Women
- IdealLean Pre Workout For Women
- Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre Workout
- P2N Peak Performance Nutrition P2N Intensity Pre-Workout
- Fitmiss Ignite Women's Pre-Workout & Energy Booster
Your Guide to Pre-Workouts for Women and How They May Help
What is a “Pre Workout”?
Maybe you have heard this term “pre workout” thrown around, but you are a little fuzzy on what it is. Is it a protein shake? A hydrating drink like Gatorade?
Or is it some exotic gym cocktail filled with who knows what that will make huge muscles?
Keeping it simple:
The basic pre workout is a drink you consume 30 to 45 minutes before you work out. It is designed to give you energy and motivation.
Most contain caffeine and some amino acids, taurine is a popular ingredient.
But…
A pre workout can also contain other stimulating, motivating, muscle building, endurance and even fat loss ingredients.
They can be all natural or made with artificial ingredients. It is these fine details that make one pre workout different from another.
In my list below of the 13 best pre workout fat burner for women, I call out some special ingredients so you can see that not all pre workouts are created equally. Be sure to check out my reviews at the end.
Should I take pre workout and what are the benefits of pre workout for women?
Yes! If you need a boost of:
- Energy
- Motivation
- Stamina
- Fat burning
- Strength
Maybe you do not need to take it every time you work out, but think of the pre workout as a tool, something you use when you are running low.
Exercise is important, and if a pre workout helps make your workout happen, then why not?
Are pre-workouts safe and healthy for women?
There are some misconceptions that surround pre workouts.
It is no wonder.
Most pre workouts are geared toward men and have aggressive marketing, labels with huge jacked up guys on the front, and some even have ingredients you may never have heard of.
If you believe pre workouts are designed to build huge muscles, your confusion is justified.
Despite the marketing, most pre workouts are actually designed to give the energy and motivation needed to complete a workout, something both me and women will benefit from.
Most pre-workouts do not contain large amounts of muscle building substances, There are other supplements for that.
Most pre workouts for women are safe if taken according to the directions on the package.
Pre-workout pitfalls to avoid
As I said, most pre workouts are safe, but there are a few things you should know before you begin slipping away.
- Be Careful about the timing! Most pre workouts contain caffeine, so if you can not sleep after taking caffeine, it is best to avoid it too late in the day. Think of it as coffee, because it will affect you in a similar way.
- Don’t take a pre workout if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Most are safe, but not studies in pregnant women so the effects to the baby are not known. Better safe than sorry in this department.
- Read the label! Some (but not all) pre workouts specifically state that if you are taking an MAOI or similar, do not drink that pre workout. Be careful that your medication is compatible with the pre workout you are taking.
- Start with half a serving or half a scoop. You want to assess how the pre-workout is going to affect you before diving right in. You can always take the second half if you don’t feel much after 45 minutes.
What are the differences between pre-workouts designed for women vs. those designed for men?
It’s no secret that the fitness goals of men and women are sometimes different.
Big and Bulky
Most women do not want to bulk up, and most men who take pre workout drinks do want to gain muscle.
Takeaway: Pre workouts for men tend to focus the ingredients on building muscle.
Common muscle building ingredients found in Pre workouts for men include:
Creatine. If you do not know much about creatine, check out our definitive guide to creatine here.
Creatine aids in muscle growth. I personally believe women can benefit from creatine supplementation without gaining huge muscles.
L-Citrulline – this ingredient is a vasodilator, meaning it makes veins more visible. Sexy? I guess if you are a muscle bound guy it can be, but most women are not after bulging veins.
Beta-Alanine – been shown to increase lean muscle mass.
(Theoretical)Test Boosters – I am not saying they work, or not, but these ingredients are added because there is some belief that they increase testosterone, which aids the male in many ways, including building muscle.
D-aspartic acid, tribulus terrestris, fenugreek, DHEA and ashwagandha.
Fat Loss
On the other hand, a common fitness goal for women is fat loss. This is sometimes also the case for guys, but it is more prevalent for women.
Common ingredients added to pre workouts designed for women to induce fat loss:
- Tyrosine – precursor to dopamine, may decrease appetite and increase motivation.
- Velvet Bean – Contains L-dopa, another precursor to dopamine, may decrease appetite and increase motivation.
- Evodiamine – an extract proven to reduce fat uptake.
- Sceletium tortuosum – known to relieve stress, anxiety and reduce appetite. A triple threat.
- Garcinia cambogia – Commonly thought to be an anti-obesity agent
- Raspberry ketones – Thought to assist in weight loss since it is related to the stimulant synephrine.
- Green Tea Extract – Lowers fasting blood sugar, acts as an antioxidant
What You Should Pay Attention to Before Choosing Your Pre-workout
Caffeine Buzz Factor
The vast majority of Pre workouts have at least some Caffeine. We did find a few that don’t, and I point those out below in my reviews.
The pre workouts I mention below cover quite a wide range of caffeine levels.
- No Caffeine 0 mg
- Low 40 mg to 80 mg per serving
- Moderate 80 mgo 100 g
- High 100 to 175
Just for reference, common Caffeine containing beverages have:
- Green Tea: 25 to 35 mg
- Black Tea: 40-50 mg
- 16 oz of Classic coke: 43 mg
- Red Bull Energy Drink: 80 mg
- Brewed black coffee: 160 mg
- Rock Star Energy Drink: 160 mg
So if you have experience with any of these drinks it will be easier to gauge how the caffeine content of the pre workout you choose might affect you.
Enquiring minds want to know – does this pre-workout have other stimulating ingredients
You should know that many pre workouts also have other stimulating ingredients besides caffeine including:
- Tyrosine – precursor to norepinephrine, a stimulating neurotransmitter.
- Theobromine – similar but milder than caffeine.
- Theacrine – also similar to caffeine. Who knew Caffeine had so many cousins?
- Green Tea EGCG – inhibits the breakdown of norepinephrine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter
- Evodiamine – increases energy and reuptake of serotonin.
- Alma Berry, aka Indian Goose berry – here is an interesting ingredient, found in garden of life’s pre-workout listed below. It is an ayurvedic medicine said to increase energy and get rid of fatigue.
Does the pre-workout have any other Magic going on? – Other Novel ingredients
Whey Protein Isolate:
A few of the pre-workouts I saw include Whey protein or whey isolate, which means if you are looking to increase protein in your diet you can have your pre workout and protein drink in one. How convenient!
Vitamins and antioxidants:
The majority of pre-workouts contain B vitamins as they are involved in the process the body uses to create energy.
Many also contain oxidation fighting antioxidants.
Agmantine:
This substance really gets your blood flowing. It helps increase blood flow which may help performance.
Interestingly it also blocks NDMA receptor, so it could increase the effect of other neurotransmitters in the brain.
Tastes like…
OK, I need to be real with you here.
There is an inverse relationship between how a pre workout drink tastes and how natural it is.
In other words, the more natural, or organic, or vegan, the more likely it is to taste like…. Well, just bad, OK?
Sadly, that turns many off to natural products, and it is a choice you need to make for yourself. How important is taste vs. using a natural product?
I personally prefer the natural product, but I have a high tolerance for yuck.
Especially if the natural product works, and the ones in my list do work, so at least there is that, right?
So, I do not want to keep you waiting any longer.
Without further ado, I present to you my list of the:
13 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Women 2024
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre workout
- Allergen information: soy
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- Energy blend with 100 milligram of caffeine coming from green tea and/or green coffee extracts to supply you with a boost of energy to help you get through the day or a grueling workout
- Mental focus don’t allow the day to get the best of you, the unique formula in essential amino energy helps provide you with the mental focus you need
- Any time formula this unique formula is perfect for any time of the day such as helping you get energized and focused in the morning, helping to stay focused and productive in the afternoon, or even supporting your energy levels and focus in the gym
Review: With only 5 calories and NO sugar, no wonder this pre-workout by Optimum nutrition is so popular.
It contains a good dose of caffeine with a solid blend of amino acids to get your body and mind prepared to give it to you all.
Pros
- 100 mg Caffeine per serving.
- No sugar.
- Bright, fun, “jolly rancher” style fruity flavors available.
Cons
- Sweetened with sucralose.
Takeaway
Good pre workout for women who just need a little caffeine to get their engines revving.
Ora Organic Pre Workout Energy Powder
- The Cleanest Pre-workout, Organic, Vegan and Manufactured in the USA*: Our certified organic pre workout powder is made in California from natural & powerful plant sources. No Beta Alanine, an ingredient that causes your skin to feel tingly.
- Great for Those Sensitive to Caffeine, Jitter Free, No Crash, Natural Boost: Supports endurance, focus, and stress relief for a better workout thanks to a completely organic blend of Ashwagandha, rhodiola, cordyceps mushroom and ginseng. Our carefully formulated Smooth energy boost with minimal comedown thanks to 90mg of caffeine from organic green coffee beans, organic yerba mate and organic matcha.
- Promotes Healthy Blood Flow: Contains nitric oxide boosting beet and pomegranate to support healthy blood flow to key muscle groups. These active ingredients come together in a delicious natural raspberry lemonade flavor!
- Easy Use and Great Versatility: Simply mix 1 scoop of our vegan pre-workout into 1 cup (8oz) of water or add to your favorite smoothie. We want you to love your Ora product, that’s why we offer a 60-day money back guarantee - if you don’t love it, you don’t pay.
- Trusted, Transparent, & Third Party Tested: Unlike other pre workouts claiming to be clean, Renewable Energy is completely free from artificial stimulants, uses ORGANIC sources of caffeine, and is third party tested for purity and safety. Our test results for our products can be found online.
Review: An organic, vegan pre workout with a touch of caffeine, some adaptogenic herbs and no artificial anything. Sweetened with beet root and berries. Mmmmm Yum.
Pros
- 80 mg caffeine per serving.
- Nitric oxide boost from natural Veggie sources.
- Natural sugar sources, no artificial or animal based ingredients.
Cons
- Not everyone loves the taste, best mixed with juice.
Takeaway
The best pre workout drink for women who want a milder, organic vegan pre-workout.
Metabolic Nutrition Physique Enhancing Pre Workout
Review: This stimulant free pre-workout is designed for women who workout at night, or do not like the jittery anxious feel some pre workout drinks give them.
Pros
- Caffeine Free.
- Contains creatine and B vitamins.
- Contain Calcium, magnesium and potassium Gluconate to prolong performance.
Cons
- Contains sucralose and other artificial sweeteners.
Takeaway
Best caffeine free pre workout for women.
Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer Powder
- Caffeine: Red Leaf Pre Workout contains 40 milligrams of pure caffeine per serving for a mild, gentle energizing boost without jitters or an energy crash
- Beta-Alanine: 1.0 grams of beta alanine per serving for improved muscle endurance and stamina. This amino acid activates a natural histamine response in the body, which may result in a tingling, itching feeling. With continued use, this sensation will diminish.
- BCAA's: Red Leaf Preworkout contains 1,000 milligrams branched chain amino acids per serving, which help your muscles recover after exercise
- Red Leaf Pre-Workout is a healthy, clean alternative to over-caffeinated pre workout powders and energy drinks, and is also enjoyed as a replacement for coffee
- Red Leaf is a family-owned company whose products are produced in a GMP Certified Facility in the United States
Review: With just a moderate dose of caffeine and a bunch of other workout enhancing body benefiting ingredients, this Red Leaf Pre-workout may just be your goldilocks pre-workout- not too much, nor too little, but just right!
Pros
- 40 g caffeine.
- Contains Raspberry ketones and green tea, thought to assist weight loss.
- Pleasant citrus flavor.
- Includes BCAAs and antioxidants. Contains NO creatine.
Cons
- Pricy, uses sucralose.
Takeaway
Best pre workout for women without creatine.
Cellucor C4 Original Pre Workout Powder
- BUILD STRENGTH - Formulated with a super creatine compound to support strength and performance. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're striving for a new goal, C4 will help unlock your full potential
- BUILD MUSCLE & STRENGTH - Formulated with a super creatine compound to support strength and performance. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're striving for a new goal, C4 will help unlock your full potential
- INCREASE REP COUNT - C4 pre workout for women and men is formulated with CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, a premium clinically studied beta-alanine, which has been studied to support muscular endurance and fight fatigue and may cause a harmless tingling sensation
- MORE CAFFEINE, PLEASE - Formulated with a patented and clinically studied compound that may help the body prolong its caffeine tolerance buildup. Take 1 serving of sugar free pre workout mixed with 6 fl. oz of water 20-30 minutes before training
- DELICIOUS FLAVORS UNLIKE ANYTHING ON THE MARKET - Cherry Limeade, Fruit Punch, Icy Blue Razz, Orange Burst, Strawberry Margarita, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon, and Pink Lemonade
Review: The original, Rock you to your core, C4 pre-workout will not go unnoticed during your workout.
It contains a hefty dose of Caffeine, plus Velvet Bean aka Mucuna pruriens which have L-dopa, a precursor to Dopamine.
This top rated pre workout for women pre-workout is for the lady who is serious about pumping up her workout and taking fitness to the next level.
Pros
- Contains 160 mg Caffeine.
- Contains 1 g of Creatine Nitrate.
- Contains Tyrosine and Velvet bean containing L-dopa. Both precursors to dopamine.
Cons
- Not for women who are pregnant, nursing a baby or on anti-depressants.
Takeaway
Best pre workout powder for women who want something extreme.
Sheer Strength Labs Premium Pre Workout for Women
Review: A powerful pre workout drink designed specifically for women, this sheer strength labs pre workout contains liberal doses of Caffeine and Velvet bean for L-dopa.
Provides mental focus and motivation needed to power through a workout.
Pros
- 175 mg Caffeine.
- Contains Velvet bean, Taurine, and Theobromine for a butt kicking workout “sesh”.
- Tastes pretty darn good.
Cons
- Be careful not to overdo it or you will be the one getting the whooping instead of giving it.
Takeaway
Best female pre workout for the woman who wants something powerful.
The KICK - All Natural Woman's Pre-workout Powder
Review: The KICK contains a novel blend of vitamins, antioxidants, whey protein and caffeine to give a decent energy and nutrition boost pre-workout.
Pros
- 80 mg of Caffeine.
- 2.6 mg of creatine.
- 2 grams of whey protein isolate for protein.
- Contains Cinnamon, to balance blood sugar and Omega 3 Fish Oil, an antioxidant.
Cons
- Some folks can taste the fish oil.
Takeaway
Best pre workout shake for women with energy giving ingredients plus protein.
CLEAN + LEAN Ultra Clean All-In-One Workout Catalyst
Review: Clean and Lean by fit farm provides a decent dose of fat burning caffeine and other thermogenic ingredients, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids to support healthy weight loss.
The drink is only 5 calories and naturally sweetened with stevia. And the best part? Ingredients are all natural.
Pros
- 100 mg Caffeine per scoop.
- All natural, sweetened with stevia.
- Good source of vitamin C, B vitamins, BCAA,s and other antioxidants.
Cons
- The taste is challenging for some, remember, it is all natural.
Takeaway
The best pre workout fat burner for women, and would you expect anything less from a company called Fat Farm?
Prefine Women’s PreWorkout Supplement for Women
Review: This pre-workout capsule is created with theacrine, citrulline Malate and Sceletium tortuosum extract aka Kanna.
Kana is known to alleviate depression, stress and anxiety, while theacrine is similar to caffeine and found in tea, will give an energy boost. A novel pre workout pill if I ever saw one.
Pros
- Contains theacrine as a stimulant.
- Uses Sceletium tortuosum extract as a stress relieving and mood boosting agent.
- In pill form, super convenient.
Cons
- May be somewhat habit forming.
Takeaway
Best female pre workout for motivation in pill form.
IdealLean Pre Workout For Women
- DELICIOUS - Our pre-workout powder comes in 5 tasty flavors!
- CLEAN ENERGY - Natural caffeine gives you the energy you need without the side effects you hate.
- FOCUS - Our pre-workout drink has ingredients to boost your mood and help you focus on your goals.
- ENDURANCE - Work out longer and harder to see results faster with IdealLean Pre-Workout for Women.
Review: A nice mix of caffeine, vitamins and other fat burning agents make this preworkout ideal.
This supplement is one of the best pre workout for women’s weight loss, with a novel ingredient, evodiamine, is both thermogenic and a stimulant.
Pros
- 150 mg Caffeine.
- Good source of C and B vitamins.
- Contains Evodiamine, an extract proven to reduce fat uptake.
Cons
- Too sweet.
Takeaway
One of the best pre workout for women’s weight loss and great energy!
Garden of Life Sport Organic Pre Workout
- ORGANIC ENERGY POWDER: This energy powder is certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed-Choice for Sport Certified, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free
- FOCUS SUPPLEMENT: We include 85mg of clean organic coffeeberry fuel in our energy powder drink mix to help you sharpen mental focus during your workout.Kosher
- PRE WORKOUT DRINK: Our pre workout powder for men and women gives you a fast burst of energy with a unique nitric oxide blend consisting only of organic veggies including Organic Kale, Spinach and Beets rich in nitrates
- VEGAN ENERGY DRINK: Since Vitamin B12, an important nutrient required for fat and carbohydrate metabolism, is often depleted in athletes and vegans we added 220mcg of whole food vitamin B12 to optimize energy production and reduce fatigue
- PRE WORKOUT POWDER: Drink our Energy + Focus energy powder 20 minutes before workout
Review: This organic Pre workout drink contains natural sources of caffeine and Nitric oxide.
One of the best pre workout for girls who want to keep their pre-workout healthy and all natural with about as much caffeine as a bottle of soda pop.
Pros
- 85 mg Caffeine per serving.
- Includes vitamins B12, C and K1.
- No artificial anything (uses cane sugar as sweetener).
Cons
- Drink is an unappealing color-remember this is all natural.
Takeaway
A mild and healthy pre-workout that will give you just a little boost to power you through your workout.
P2N Peak Performance Nutrition P2N Intensity Pre-Workout
Review: A simple, straightforward budget priced pre workout with the basics – Caffeine and Taurine.
Plus this mix contains creatine, a nice bonus. At just over a half dollar per serving, this is the best pre workout for women on a budget.
Pros
- Focused energy from Caffeine and Taurine.
- Contains B vitamins and electrolytes to stay hydrated and balanced.
- Contains creatine monohydrate.
Cons
- They don’t list Caffeine content, but include it as a blend in their ingredient label, so its hard to say how much you are getting.
Takeaway
Good pre workout for women at a price you will love.
Fitmiss Ignite Women's Pre-Workout & Energy Booster
Review: A great tasting, fat blasting, workout powering drink for the women who is serious about her fitness goals. Plus, the product comes in little pouches, so it is easy to take in on the go.
Pros
- Contains Huperzine, which is thought to improve cognition and possibly accuracy.
- 100 MG of Caffeine and only 5 calories.
- Contains fat burning L-carnatine.
Cons
- Not for women who are pregnant, nursing a baby, or taking anti depressants.
Takeaway
Best pre workout fat burner for women with a fun name, Fitmiss.
Do you want to know what I would choose as the best pre workout supplement for women for me personally?
I really like Ora Organics because
- It’s organic and natural,
- It has a decent amount of caffeine, without being over the top, and
- it has a gang of really cool balancing adaptogens like ginseng, ashwaganda, Maca, rhodiola root and, eleuthero root.
So there you have it. I hope that you find your goldilocks pre workout on this list.
Be sure to leave a message below in the comments, I want to hear about your pre workout drink experiences.
Until next time!
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