TOP 15 Best Thermogenic Pre-Workouts & Supplement Reviews 2024
You’re eating clean. You work out 4 or more days per week.
You get 8 hours of sleep a night, stay hydrated and keep partying to a minimum.
You are checking all the right boxes.
So…
Once you have these basics out of the way it’s time to take your game to the next level.
Let’s face it, the basics can get you pretty far, but if you want that extra nudge, that extra edge, a thermogenic fat burning pre-workout might just be your secret weapon to help you meet your fitness goals.
If your goal is to lose fat and get a more defined body a thermogenic fat loss pre-workout is a useful tool.
With that said…
It’s time for blast off! Let’s take a look at the top 15 best fat burning pre-workouts now!
Contents
- TOP 15 Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout Reviews 2024
- Animal Cuts by Universal Nutrition
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen
- AREZ God of the Gym
- PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout
- Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred Pre-Workout
- Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout
- Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion Ripped
- Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder
- Musclewerks D-Fine8 Thermogenic Pre-Workout
- Cellucor Super HD Supplement
- Genius Pre Workout Powder
- Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement
- Vintage Blast Pre Workout
- Beyond Raw LIT Pre Workout Powder
- RAW Synergies Thermogenic Fat Burner
- How do You Decide which is the Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout?
- Thermogenic Pre-Workout FAQs
TOP 15 Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout Reviews 2024
Animal Cuts by Universal Nutrition
- All in One Fat Burning Agent: This next level shredding supplement is backed by real research on ingredients that actually assist in burning fat. Great for both general fitness or competition readiness!
- 17 Fat Burning Ingredients: A comprehensive formula of Tyrosine, Choline, Caffeine, Green Tea Extract to give your metabolism a kick; these are weight loss or diet pills that work fast for women and men
- Grab & Go Convenience: Each dose of Animal Cuts is in its own individual pack that you can throw in your gym bag, work bag, or just leave it in the tin; no messy powder, no spilling, no clumping
- Made to the Highest Quality & Safety Standards: All of our products are produced in our GMP certified US plant, and every batch is 3rd party lab tested for quality, safety and potency; our products work synergistically across our range
- Trusted by Performance Athletes for More than 40 Years: Animal is family-owned and has pushed sports nutrition forward, that’s how we’ve earned the trust of dedicated strength and performance athletes who know that we are all built, not born
Review: Made for Bodybuilders, designed to burn fat, increase energy and mental focus, shed water weight, preserve muscle and support thyroid function.
This product is made up of packets containing 9 pills each. The total number of active ingredients in all 9 capsules is 40 active ingredients.
This supplement is designed to take for limited time (cycle) while cutting.
Pros
- Fat Burning Metabolic Boosters – coffee and tea extracts, Coleus Forskohlii, L-Tyrosine.
- Effective Stimulants – Caffeine, Yerba Mate, Phenylethelalamine, Raspberry Ketones.
- Cortisol inhibitors that prevent muscle catabolism – Ashwaganda, Siberian ginseng.
Cons
- Packets contain 9 pills each.
Takeaway
If you want to see Maximum results in minimal time, try Animal Cuts for your next cutting cycle.
Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen
- WEIGHT LOSS PILLS for WOMEN AND MEN – Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen features potent doses of key ingredients in unique, never-before-seen combinations to deliver the ultimate weight loss and sensory experience
- METABOLISM BOOSTER FOR WEIGHT LOSS – Contains 250mg of caffeine to boost metabolism, enhance focus and increase energy. In short-term studies, research shows that caffeine can help temporarily promote increased calorie burning
- WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENT – Features the key ingredient C. canephora robusta, which resulted in subjects losing an average of 10.95 lbs with a low-calorie diet in 60 days, and 3.7 lbs in 8 weeks with calorie-reduced diet and moderate exercise
- THERMOGENIC FAT BURNER – Hydryoxycut Hardcore Next Gen provides a thermogenic and energy experience with unrivaled intensity. It contains naturally sourced green coffee bean extract has been included to give you a clean energy boost
- DAILY ENERGY PILLS – Take each serving 30 to 60 min before your 2 largest meals. Day 1 and 2: Take 1 capsule, 1x daily. Day 3 and 4: Take 2 capsules, 1x daily. Day 5 and 6: Take 2 capsules with meal 1 and 1 capsules with meal 2. Day 7 plus: take 2 capsules, 2x daily
Review: Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen pre-workout capsule is a popular thermogenic pre-workout because it works.
It is a potent fat burner and energizer in capsule form. It contains a generous dose of caffeine, anxiety-reducing Scutellaria so you can work out without the jittery feeling some thermogenic formulas give you, and metabolism boosting Salvia and green coffee bean extract.
Pros
- High caffeine content – green coffee extract, 400 mg caffeine, Guayusa.
- Metabolism boosting agents – Coleus Forskohlii and Salvia Officinalis, green coffee bean extract.
- Anxiety reducing Scutellaria and fat burning Yohimbine.
Cons
- High in caffeine, can lead to jitters and sleeplessness.
Takeaway
A powerful fat shedding formula with science backed green coffee bean extract in easy to take capsule form.
AREZ God of the Gym
Review: This low stimulant version of AREZ God of the Gym contains fat burning caffeine, Theobromine, and Hordenine.
The makers of AREZ combine these fat burners with calming skullcap, and focus enhancing Huperzine so you can keep your mind in the game.
The product is designed to prevent the crash and burn some thermogenic formulas give, thanks to the inclusion of L-dopa containing velvet bean to ease your ride back down.
The formula is rounded out by the addition of Rhodiola Rosea and adaptogen that prevents tolerance to the other powerful ingredients.
Pros
- Fat burning ingredients – caffeine, Theobromine, Hordenine.
- Mind enhancing calm and focus – Skullcap and Huperzine.
- Crash and burn prevention thanks to velvet bean.
Cons
- High price per serving.
Takeaway
Train like a God, master your fat burning and master your mind with one of the best thermogenic pre-workout 2024.
PEScience Prolific Pre-Workout
- INCREDIBLE VALUE - Each container of Prolific contains 40 scoops, providing 20 to 40 workouts, which is nearly twice the industry standard in serving size
- ENERGY - Featuring 2 forms of caffeine and multiple energy optimizers for smooth, jitter free zero crash, Prolific will guide you through even the most intense workouts.
- FOCUS - With cognitive boosting or "nootropic" ingredients like citicoline, Prolific unleashes the ultimate mind muscle connection that you need to dial things up to max.
- PUMP - NITRIC OXIDE - Prolific contains 6000mg of PURE L-Citrulline (NOT MALATE!) in every two scoop dose. L-Citrulline is renowned for its ability to increase nitric oxide, and has been shown in clinical studies to incease endurance, lean body mass, and strength training.
- AMAZING TASTE | MIXABILITY | Available in several incredible flavors.
Review: PEScience Prolific includes a special form of caffeine in their thermogenic pre-workout formula.
This Di Caffeine Malate is both milder and longer-lasting than Caffeine Androgynous, and prevents the crash associated with caffeinated drinks.
They pair this with Theanine, anxiety-reducing amino acid and also throw in Rhodiola Rosea to prevent tolerance so the last scoop feels as great as the first.
Pros
- Includes patented Di caffeine Maleate for longer burning milder energy.
- Theanine promotes fat loss and calm.
- Rhodiola Rosea prevents tolerance from building.
Cons
- Mango flavor is not great.
Takeaway
For focus, fat burn & energy without building tolerance, try PE Science Prolific, it’s the best thermogenic pre-workout of 2024.
Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred Pre-Workout
- Science Based Formula - Try the ENGN Shred pre-workout energy and fat burner support powder with exclusive ingredients including Beta alanine Agmatine Huperzine A L-Carnitine Yohimbe CLA and much more
- Achieve More - Maximize your workouts with enhanced natural energy endurance and intense focus thanks to specially engineered blends featuring Betaine and more to amplify your performance
- Clean Complex - We’re proud to use some of the best energizing preworkout ingredients for peak performance including Forskolin and EGCG Green tea extracts to amplify your energy without the crash
- Enhanced Power and Pumps - Our tasty pre workout fat burner support and energy powder works as a sustainable energy source for better muscle endurance metabolism support and nitric oxide production
- Why Evlution Nutrition - EVL is a leading name in effective bodybuilding supplements because we take our quality seriously and only use the finest lab tested performance maximizing ingredients
Review: ENGN Shred contains a good balance of fat burning thermogenic ingredients, with energy enhancers and focus promoters to make a powerful pre-workout drink that will drive your progress.
Gives you mad energy and decreases your appetite, but watch out and don’t take it anywhere near bedtime.
Pros
- Fat burning Coleus Forskohlii, caffeine, Yohimbe bark extract and Capsimax Capsaicin.
- Huperzine for mental focus.
- CLA and L-Carnitine promote use of stored fat for energy to fuel your lifts.
Cons
- Product easily absorbs moisture from the air and becomes gooey. Must be stored in very dry place.
Takeaway
Great energy, fat burning and endurance at a reasonable price. A good thermogenic pre-workout for the money.
Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout
- UNLEASH EXTREME ENERGY - HYDE Extreme, an ultra-high energy pre-workout, packs a potent punch with 420mg of caffeine. Crafted for experienced gym goers, it stands out among the best pre-workout supplements, delivering an explosive energy boost and intense workout fuel for those who go hard at the gym.
- FOCUSED INTENSITY - Elevate your workout with HYDE Extreme's advanced pre-workout formula, specifically designed for enhanced performance and focus. Experience a true one-scoop solution that not only boosts energy but also provides a pump and focus pre-workout experience, setting new standards in performance enhancement.
- INTENSE PUMPS AND ENDURANCE - HYDE Extreme isn't just about energy – it's a powerhouse for intense pumps and enhanced endurance. As a nitric oxide pre-workout, it ensures you push your limits with every rep, making it a top choice for athletes seeking an advanced and endurance-boosting solution.
- PROVEN EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 8 YEARS - Join men and women worldwide in choosing HYDE Extreme, the top pre-workout for eight years running. Don't settle for just any energy pre-workout – make a statement with HYDE Extreme, the ultimate energy drink powder that leaves no doubt in its extreme energy, focus, and performance enhancement.
- COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND REPUTATION – We prioritize quality in every aspect of our products, from sourcing each ingredient to selecting and qualifying manufacturing facilities, ensuring reliable, top-notch products every time. Crafted without FD&C dyes, our formulas are proudly made in the USA at carefully chosen facilities that adhere to FDA practices, with independent labs verifying safety, potency, and purity.
Review: Mr. Hyde thermogenic pre-workout will turn you into a monster. It packs a whopping 420 mg caffeine, including 70 mg of slow release di-caffeine for sustained energy.
Pair that with proven fat burning ingredients and a good balance of anxiety-reducing agents and you have yourself a pre-workout that will give you energy, shed fat and help you keep your cool all in one drink.
Pros
- Energy Matrix – 420 mg total caffeine.
- Fat Burning – Yohimbe Bark extract.
- Anxiety reducing focus promoting Matrix – GABA, L-Theanine, Teacrine and Tyrosine.
Cons
- Actually too powerful, half a serving will do ya’.
Takeaway
Focus and fat burning pre-workout that will turn you into a beast.
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion Ripped
- PRE WORKOUT plus WEIGHT LOSS – Six Star Pre Workout Explosion Ripped is a new, hybrid formula that super-charges both your workout and your weight loss
- 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
- PREWORKOUT ENERGY – Each scoop features a precise amount of caffeine (135mg per scoop) as part of the Pre-Workout Explosion Blend. This powerful dose boosts energy for intense workouts. It also enhances focus, metabolism and thermogenesis
- METABOLISM BOOSTER for WEIGHT LOSS – Pre Workout Explosion Ripped features the key ingredient C. canephora robusta, which has been shown in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to help subjects lose weight
- MUSCLE PUMPS – Hardcore muscle pumps are a result of the potent ingredients taurine, L-citrulline, L-citrulline malate and L-arginine hydrochloride
Review: Six Star thermogenic pre-workout is probably the best bang for your buck, at several servings per dollar.
The ingredients are simple yet effective, with a moderate amount of energy and proven fat burning ingredients like Green Coffee bean extract and mood-enhancing substances like L-tyrosine.
Pros
- Fat loss ingredients L-tyrosine and Green Coffee bean extract.
- Energy comes from a modest dose of caffeine.
- Great taste and great price.
Cons
- Not enough caffeine for those with a tolerance.
Takeaway
Best thermogenic pre-workout powder for those new to pre-workout drinks.
Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder
Review: This formula has some powerful energizing, thermogenic and mood-enhancing ingredients not found in other thermogenic pre-workout drinks.
The ingredient that really stands out is the inclusion of Sceletium Tortuosum, also known as Kanna, which lifts your mood and lower anxiety.
The formula has 300 mg of caffeine to power you through your workout and the Kanna, combined with velvet bean, are sure to balance out and reduce any jitters from the stimulants.
Pros
- 300 mg of caffeine for energy, plus tyrosine for fat burning.
- Sceletium Tortuosum for mood-enhancing, anxiety-reducing and reaction time increasing effects.
- Velvet bean and Teacrine also enhance focus and keep your head in the game.
Cons
- Really strong, start with a half dose.
- Can turn into a brick if exposed to moisture.
Takeaway
A potent blend of fat burning, mood enhancing and focus promoting ingredients have athletes returning to this pre-workout time and time again.
Musclewerks D-Fine8 Thermogenic Pre-Workout
Review: Musclewerks D-Fine8 thermogenic pre-workout contains some fat burning compounds you won’t find in other pre-workout supplements, like Nandina Domestica, 6-paradol, Citrus Aurantium.
Musclewerks pairs these novel fat metabolizing ingredients with focus and mood enhancers, energy agents and even dandelion root to shed extra water weight.
Pros
- 60 servings per container.
- Fat burning ingredients – Nandina Domestica, 6-paradol, Citrus Aurantium, caffeine.
- Energy givers – 150 mg of caffeine per serving, including a dose of slow-release caffeine.
- Focus and mood enhancers Tyrosine, Cocoa extract and Green tea extract.
Cons
- Pricy, but high servings if only one scoop is used.
Takeaway
Novel and effective fat burners with added energy and mood benefits, one of the best thermogenic supplements available today.
Cellucor Super HD Supplement
Review: Cellucor Super HD contains an impressive range of fat burners, is available in easy to take capsule form, and has a huge 120 servings per bottle, way more than most pre-workout drinks which average only 30 servings per container.
Pros
- Fat Burning blend – Capsaicin, Tyrosine, Yohimbine and caffeine.
- Mild Energy from 160 mg of caffeine.
- Dandelion root to shed excess water weight during a cut.
Cons
- May cause anxiety in sensitive individuals.
Takeaway
An easy, convenient fat burner, the best thermogenic pre-workout of 2024 in capsule form.
Genius Pre Workout Powder
- Mind-to-Muscle Pre-Workout: Genius Pre by The Genius Brand is a stimulant-free, nootropics-based pre- workout. Get your muscles into pump mode, support your endurance, and reduce muscle soreness after exercise with clean, scientifically-backed ingredients.* It also doubles as a productivity booster, helping you perform better both mentally and physically.* 20 scoops per container. Sour Apple flavor.
- Made for Pushing Your Limits: Made with the highest quality ingredients and manufactured in the USA with strict quality control standards. Genius Pre is packed with efficacious doses of AlphaSize, L-Citrulline Malate, and CarnoSyn Beta Alanine to boost nitric oxide, increase blood flow, and bolster the mind-muscle connection to help you train longer and harder.*
- Stimulant- and Artificial Sweetener-Free: Perform better without the crash, jitters, or disrupted sleep typical of mass-market pre-workouts.* Genius Pre is free of caffeine and other stimulants, using a synergistic matrix of nootropics and ergogenic ingredients to naturally boost energy levels.* No artificial colors, dyes, flavors, or sweeteners. 100% transparent label and vegan formula.
- How to Use: Mix 1 scoop in 14 oz of water and drink 15-30 minutes before a workout or engaging in cognitively demanding work. Since it contains no caffeine or other stimulants, it can be used for daytime or nighttime workouts.
- Supplement Smarter: Genius Brand supplements are a rejection of backwards industry dogma that misled generations of health and wellness enthusiasts. For us, innovation and science-backed ingredients come first. Whether you’re a pro athlete, stay-at-home parent, retiree, or anything in between, our products can be of benefit to you. We’re all humans, and we are in this together.
Review: Get your mind in the game with Genius Pre thermogenic fat burning pre-workout drink. This formula contains a golden mix of nootropics to get you mentally energized and focused so you work harder and enjoy doing it.
The Genius pre-workout formula also contains fat burning ingredients like Astragalus, Theobromine, and HICA which is shown to increase lean muscle mass.
Pros
- Contains Theobromine, Panax ginseng, Astragalus and Tyrosine for great fat burning benefits.
- Natural organic stevia sweetener.
- Stimulant free – no jitters here.
Cons
- Only 20 servings per container.
Takeaway
Jitter free, effective thermogenic pre that gives great focus without stims!
Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement
Review: Legion contains a sizeable serving of caffeine at 350 mg, but it is paired with calm inducing L-theanine to ward off the jitters and produce a cool clean thermogenic energy.
This formula is simple, low in calories, Nitric oxide boosting and burns fat.
Pros
- Just 10 calories per serving.
- 350 mg of caffeine paired with calming L-Theanine.
- Contains Alphasize GPC for focus.
Cons
- Only 21 servings per container.
Takeaway
Pure and simple, without added sugar and a hefty dose of caffeine to get you revved up.
Vintage Blast Pre Workout
- Dual-Stage Drive Without The Crash: Elevate your workout intensity and consistency by experiencing the innovation of our two-stage caffeine-release preworkout. Timed caffeine release propels your workout drive and promotes continuous energy while ensuring a crash-free come down.
- Triple-Action Amino Power: Packed with L-Citrulline Malate for improved endurance, Beta-Alanine for reduced fatigue, and D-Aspartic Acid for faster recovery. Get the premium fusion of these amino acids for a powerhouse pre workout boost!
- A Preworkout Above The Rest: Say goodbye to the jitters, unsavory chemical tastes, and digestive discomfort. Enjoy a consistent performance boost, seamless mixability and a taste that’ll have you looking forward to your next workout session
- Formulated For All Fitness Levels: Meticulously designed to cater to the unique metabolic and muscular needs of both men and women, ensuring optimum results regardless of your fitness stage.
- About Old School Labs: All our products are formulated in Southern California and made in the USA. Proudly supporting your fitness journey and helping you Keep it Old School!
Review: Vintage Blast contains caffeine and microencapsulated slow-release caffeine for a two-stage energy boost that prolongs and smooth out the energy boost to fight dependence, jitters and tolerance.
Vintage also has tried and true pump boosting Nitric oxide ingredients and mind focus components like Tyrosine and B vitamins.
Pros
- Two-stage delivery – sustained release ingredients to fight dependency and tolerance.
- Made in the USA.
- Nitric oxide booster beta-alanine and citrulline.
- Zero calories.
Cons
- Strong stevia taste.
Takeaway
Clean sustained energy that lets you down easy.
Beyond Raw LIT Pre Workout Powder
- ENERGY AND FOCUS: LIT’s Energy & Mental Intensity blend includes CarnoSyn beta-alanine, micronized creatine, 250mg caffeine anhydrous, and elevATP for real results
- PUMP AND N.O. SUPPORT: Power muscle pumps and support enhanced blood flow with nitric oxide support from L-citrulline and Nitrosigine*.
- FUELED BY FLAVOR: Enjoy mouth-watering pre-workout flavors—including BEYOND RAW LIT gummy worm, orange mango, and favorites from JOLLY RANCHER—that make you look forward to your training routine.
- GYM RAT APPROVED: Great for bodybuilders, weightlifters, gym-goers, and more, LIT gives you all the benefits of enhanced performance with high-quality ingredients in a gluten-free, sugar-free formula
- LIVE WELL: For nearly 90 years, GNC has been leading the way in global health and wellness, and we’re committed to meeting the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy while applying the most up-to-date advances in nutritional science
Review: Light your workout on fire and ignite fat burning with Beyond Raw LIT pre-workout. LIT contains key muscle building, fat burning and pump expanding ingredients to help you power through your workout with endurance and focus.
Pros
- 250 mg of fat-burning caffeine.
- 5 grams of lean muscle promoting Creatine.
- Sugar-free, just 10 calories per serving.
- 30 servings per container.
Cons
- Sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Takeaway
No sugar, low calorie, high number of serving’s, thermogenic fat burning pre-workout.
RAW Synergies Thermogenic Fat Burner
- Healthy 2-in-1 Pre Workout Powder and Weight Loss Supplement for Women & Men; Finally, an option without artificial sweeteners, dyes or dangerous stimulants; Trademarked ingredients ensure claims and fast results
- Mental Clarity, Concentration and Alertness Instead Of Crazy Stimulants; This is a preworkout for formulated by a Doctor of Pharmacy made for results and safety, ThermoPRE is a supplement that works but is still safe
- Sustained Energy and Increased Fat Burning; Clinically proven capsimax is a thermogenic metabolism booster that burns fat for energy, Teacrine is often referred to as the best non-habit forming energy ingredient on the market. As a dietary supplement mix 1-2 scoops of thermo pre in 8-16 ounces of water & consume 30-60 minutes prior to training.For those sensitive to caffeine, begin with one-half scoop
- Best Preworkout for Cardio and Running; This all natural pre workout drink isn’t just for lifting weights, KSM-66 Ashwagandha helps elevate better sports performance including endurance and response to fatigue
- The Spark Needed to Earn the Ideal Beach Body; You’ve probably realized at this point, there’s no magic product but Thermo Pre was meant to deliver in a way no other fat burner can. Focused on health and wellness, this non-stop energy is backed by science
Review: This 2 in 1 fat burning and energy enhancing pre-workout does it all. It will give you the mental clarity to stay in the game, the fat loss aids to help you achieve your weight loss goals, and energy enhancing Teacrine, yerba mate and naturally sourced caffeine so you can go the distance.
Pros
- Fat burning MCT oil, Carnitine, Capsicum and Bioperine.
- Mental focus enhancing Citicoline.
- Teacrine and 250 natural organic caffeine.
Cons
- The flavor needs some work.
Takeaway
The best fat burning thermogenic pre-workout for women.
How do You Decide which is the Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout?
To help you decide I have compiled a list of the best thermogenic fat burning ingredients, how and why they work, and made a list of 15 of the best thermogenic pre-workouts for you to check out.
What is Thermogenic Pre-Workout?
A Thermogenic pre-workout is a supplement you take before you exercise that has the effect of burning fat.
These pre-workouts also often contain ingredients that:
- Give you more energy
- Improve your mood
- Enhance your focus
- Help shed water weight
- Accelerate your metabolism
Why These Ingredients are in Your Thermogenic Pre-Workout
Here is a list of some ingredients you might find in a Thermogenic pre-workout with a short blurb about what they may do:
Creatine
Creatine is a popular supplement that can increase power output, lean body mass, and even help ward off the effects of too little sleep, although it is NOT a stimulant.
Creatine is well studied and it can increase muscle volume and has a host of other benefits, which is why it is so popular. See our complete guide to creatine here.
Huperzine – Club Moss
Huperzine preserves acetylcholine, a learning neurotransmitter. So why is it in some thermogenic formulas?
It increases focus and improves memory.
Also, it is neuroprotective and may be included to balance the negative effects of other ingredients in the thermogenic formula.
Scutellaria – Chinese Skullcap Baicalin
This supplement may increase fat burning and also reduce anxiety, helping to balance the effect of other ingredients that are thermogenic, but cause anxiety.
Coleus Forskohlii
An herb that may help shed fat by increasing cAMP and raising testosterone.
Interestingly it also increases bone density and the effects may be more effective in men than women.
Ursolic Acid – Holy Basil
A common compound found in apple peels, grape skins and cranberry juice, among other plant sources.
Claimed to lower fat and increase lean muscle. May increase IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor)
Hordenine
Being studied for use as a stimulant and fat burner. May be a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, but more science is needed to back up these claims.
Synephrine
Similar to but weaker than ephedrine, a known fat burner. One study showed a temporary increase of metabolism by 65 calories after ingestion.
Yohimbine
This ingredient really works to burn fat, but it also comes with some undesirable side effects like unease and making one feel “antsy” because it increases adrenaline.
It is also a stimulant and if you eat before or while taking it, you may lose the effect. This ingredient is often paired with skullcap, probably to reduce anxiety.
Capsaicin
Found in hot chili peppers and basically all peppers to a degree, capsaicin may be listed as “Cayenne” in supplements.
It is a known and tested fat loss supplement. Capsaicin has been shown to assist fat oxidation and create body heat, causing a thermogenic effect.
While it is a fine supplement, I prefer to get Capsaicin in regular doses by using a good hot salsa or hot sauce.
TTA Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
This supplement is not well studied and is hard to find except in pill or powder form.
It appears to be good at inhibiting fat gain after eating and proponents claim it removes fat from the blood and places it in muscle tissue where it can be burned, instead of stored as body fat.
Green Coffee Extract
May reduce weight and fat mass, but the studies were done by those with a commercial interest, so more unbiased testing is needed.
Caffeine
Tried and true stimulant and fat burner found in coffee and other plant sources. Easily the most popular and common ingredient found in thermogenesis formulas.
Proven to increase power output, aerobic capacity, fat oxidation, and metabolic rate. As much as I love caffeine, it also has its downsides, such as keeping you awake at night, making you jittery or anxious if you take too much, and you can become tolerant to the effects.
Salvia Officinalis
Increases metabolism, reduces blood sugar, makes one more insulin sensitive and reduces belly fat.
Guayusa
Contains caffeine, polyphenols and antioxidants.
Eria Jarensis
N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine – a feel-good supplement that is somewhat new on the pre-workout scene.
Increases Dopamine and Noradrenaline. Dopamine makes you feel nice and increasing Noradrenaline can help burn fat.
There are not many studies on this supplement, so take at your own risk.
I have not tried this supplement, but ingredients that make you feel good and burn fat tend to get banned, so try it while you can.
Theobromine
The Greek roots of the name of this supplement mean “food of the gods”. This supplement is derived from Cacao beans.
It is found in chocolate and is also a metabolite of caffeine. Theobromine has a stimulatory effect and is similar to caffeine in both its stimulation and thermogenic properties.
Dicaffeine Malate
A milder, longer-lasting, crash-resistant form of caffeine.
Theanine
May help with anxiety and calm, and act as an antidote to some of the anxiety-producing effects of other thermogenic compounds.
Grains of Paradise – 6 Paradol
A cousin of ginger, this pungent spice is an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic compound that may boost testosterone, but more study is needed to confirm this.
Also said to burn hard to access brown adipose fat.
Higenamine – Nandina Domestica
A beta-adrenergic receptor agonist that can reduce fat mass, similar to ephedrine and synephrine.
Thermogenic Pre-Workout FAQs
Should I Take a Thermogenic?
That’s up to you.
If you want to lose weight, burn fat or define your muscles by lowering your body fat percentage, thermogenic ingredients might be just the tool you need to get the job done.
Previously in this article, I defined the best thermogenic ingredients, so by all means, take a look.
You need to do the research on your own and decide what is right for you and your body.
Are Thermogenics Dangerous?
Again, you need to do your own research. While most thermogenic ingredients out there are safe, there are some dangerous stimulants out there.
DMAA and Ephedrine are a few dangerous ingredients I can think of. But I am not a doctor, so take responsibility for your health, do your research and make an educated decision before you put anything in your body.
Should You take Thermogenics Before Working Out?
Honesty, true thermogenic ingredients burn fat regardless of when they are taken.
The reason they are added to a pre-workout is so that you only have one sports drink to take a day. It is more convenient to have the pre-workout and thermogenic together.
In fact, there are a few thermogenic supplements you can take before bed! Wanna see? I have a list right here.
With 15 of the best thermogenic pre-workout supplements to choose from, you should be able to find the fat burner that is right for you.
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