As an athlete, runner, pole vault jumper, swimmer, or sportsperson, you are engaged in long hours of physical workouts. It is quite natural that you go for nutritious food packed with nutritional supplements.
According to Market Research Future, the demand for pre-workout supplements is rising globally. In its report titled “Global Pre-Workout Supplements Market Overview,” Market Research Future said:
The pre-workout supplement market size was valued at USD 13.2 billion in 2023. The pre-workout supplement industry is projected to grow from USD 14.3 billion in 2024 to USD 27.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.50% during the forecast period (2024–2022).
Though pre-workout supplements work well for gym-goers and fitness freaks, there are still several myths associated with these supplements.
Let’s take a look at some of these myths:
8 Common Myths about Pre-Workout Supplements
Heavy Pre-Workout Meal Necessary for All: No, it is not so. The most important thing is that you should not be empty-handed. You should eat something—not a heavy meal, of course. Your meal should contain nutrition that can keep you well-hydrated so that you don’t get fatigued during the pendency of physical workouts.
Consuming Protein Shake Necessary After Workout: Protein shakes are not at all necessary after workouts. You also don’t need to consume a protein-rich food supplement during the gap in your workout process or immediately after physical exercise. If you have taken a moderate amount of food supplements before the workout, it is enough for your body to retain strength and keep hydrated.
You Must Consume Sugar Before Workout: This is a myth. Pre-workout supplements should not have sugar. It is always the case that supplements contain artificial sweeteners. The latest research shows artificial sweeteners don’t have any side effects on the body. Practically speaking, you should avoid taking sugary foods before you go for a workout.
Balanced Diet Good Enough for Workout: It is a wrong notion that those who consume balanced and healthy food don’t need pre-workout supplements. A balanced diet is ideal for all but not enough for those who undergo gruelling physical strain during workouts. For them, pre-workout supplements are needed, as a mere balanced diet may not be able to meet all the needs of a body undergoing immense physical strain and stress.
If you consume the best pre-workout meals regularly, you’ll easily attain a good body shape and figure minus the fatigue.
Pre-workout supplements cause side effects. This is a myth. It is not true. You should know that most of the ingredients used in pre-workout supplements are natural products, some plant-based. Such supplements are absolutely body-friendly and dissolve in the system quite easily. They have no side effects on the human body.
Creatine in Supplement Damage Kidney: This is false. Creatine is performance-boosting, non-toxic, safe, and doesn’t damage kidneys or cause muscular cramps. Supplements containing creatine, on the other hand, can remove stress, reduce fatigue, hydrate your body, and make muscles lighter. You should not pay any attention to this myth and consume supplements with creatine before you go for a workout.
Pre-Workout Protein Supplement Bad for Health: On the contrary, athletes and gym-goers do need protein supplements, as they need extra doses of protein to repair damaged tissues during hard physical workouts. The negative effects of protein supplements on the kidney and liver of gym-goers, runners, and sportspeople have not been noticed medically. Excessive protein intake is certainly bad for health, but not the moderate quantity of it available in food supplements.
Pre-Workout Supplement Meant Only to Build Muscle: This is totally irrelevant. You are wrong if you think pre-workout supplements are meant only to build your muscle power. The reality is that such supplements are stamina-boosting, blood-thinning, and fatigue-busting, as the natural ingredients contained in them help you endure heavy body strains. Such supplements may help you strengthen your muscles, but they have a host of other health benefits besides that.
Conclusion
Organic and plant-based foods are now dominating the market for pre-workout supplements as they don’t have any major side effects on health. If you are engaged in strenuous physical exercises, you must ensure that your food is able to encourage blood vessel dilation, as it can supply sufficient oxygen to your muscles. Food items carrying caffeine, beta-alanine, and branched-chain amino acids to slow down protein breakdown are considered the best supplements.
