It’s now common for fitness influencers to post videos of themselves grimacing while swallowing a scoop of white powder before their lifting sessions. Gym buffs swear by these pre-workout supplements to boost their motivation and exercise performance. They’re also used by up to 76 percent of military service members.
These products delight exercisers with nearly immediate sensations like itchiness and tingling. One concerning trend: Some TikTok users have filmed themselves mixing energy drinks with pre-workout products, which also come in drink and gummy form.
While lifting enthusiasts eagerly promote pre-workout products (some cashing in on it), researchers have cast doubt on their safety and efficacy. Like any loosely regulated dietary supplement, U.S. manufacturers largely have free rein over the type and quantity of ingredients used in their products.
That's a problem, since some pre-workout products have been associated with health outcomes like skeletal muscle breakdown, strokes and even death. Overall, dietary supplements have sent tens of thousands of people to the hospital annually, with the category of “energy” products comprising around 10 percent of these visits (these contain similar ingredients to pre-workout mixes, which may include addictive stimulants).
