Is Pre-Workout Natty?

Are you new to the fitness world, or have you been lately wondering if pre-workout is natty?

The hassle can be real, considering the potential risks and health concerns that may arise in this field of body and physicality, but nothing to worry about!

So, let’s dive into the topic and see if pre-workout is natural or a significant concern of artificial ingredients.

What Does Natty Mean?

“Natty” is commonly used in bodybuilding as an abbreviation for “natural.” However, the exact definition and implications of being “natty” can vary depending on who you ask.

While some bodybuilders believe that being natty means completely abstaining from supplementation, this argument is logically flawed.

The flaw in this argument lies in the fact that many supplements commonly used by bodybuilders, such as creatine and amino acids, actually occur naturally in various food sources.

For instance, creatine is naturally found in meat and fish, while amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which can be derived from various natural sources like eggs, dairy, and plant-based proteins.

However, the consensus among most bodybuilders is that being natty implies abstaining from any banned Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).

In simpler terms, being natty means relying solely on one’s diet, training regimen, and supplements approved by organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency to attain a desired appearance.

Is Pre-Workout a Steroid?

When fitness freaks talk about steroids in bodybuilding, they usually mean anabolic steroids such as Deca, Anadrol, and Dianabol.

These substances boost testosterone levels to increase muscle mass and strength.

So, in terms of those specific steroids, pre-workout is not considered a steroid because it does not contain these ingredients.

Healthline states that pre-workout supplements are categorized as “legal steroids.” This term describes all the muscle toning supplements that are not considered illegal.

Do Pre-Workouts Have Similar Side Effects As Steroids?

No, pre-workouts do not have the same side effects as steroids. The side effects of most pre-workouts are generally limited to mild effects like the tingling sensation from beta-alanine and caffeine-induced jitters before a workout.

In contrast, steroids can cause various potentially dangerous medical conditions, both physical and psychological. It is crucial to understand that steroids and anabolic steroids are not synonymous.

However, the term “steroid” is often used to refer to medications that are anabolic steroids, which can be confusing. It’s essential to clarify this distinction to avoid misconceptions.

Is Pre Workout a Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED)?

To understand whether pre-workout qualifies as a Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED), it is essential to examine its composition and the substances it may contain.

Pre-workout is not a singular supplement but a powdered formula combining different supplements and ingredients to enhance workout performance.

While pre-workout itself is not classified as a drug, it is crucial to note that some pre-workout supplements may include substances that can be classified as drugs.

One common ingredient found in many pre-workout formulas is caffeine, a stimulant considered a drug. Caffeine has well-known effects on alertness, energy, and focus, potentially enhancing athletic performance.

Since caffeine is categorized as a drug, pre-workouts containing caffeine do contain drugs.

However, it’s essential to distinguish between general concepts and specific pre-workout products on the market, as not all pre-workouts contain caffeine or other drug-like substances.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the classification of substances as PEDs can vary based on regulations and governing bodies in different sports or athletic competitions.

Some organizations may have specific guidelines on what substances are considered PEDs and may prohibit the use of certain ingredients commonly found in pre-workout supplements.

Is Pre-Workout Substance Illegal?

Pre-workout supplements are generally not against the law, but there is a slight chance that some may contain illegal substances.

These illegal ingredients would not be listed on the product label because the company cannot sell them if they admit it has illegal substances.

Therefore, it’s essential to purchase pre-workout supplements from a trustworthy company.

Is Pre-Workout a Banned Supplement?

We refer to the ingredients that make up pre-workout supplements when discussing pre-workout. Most pre-workout supplements available on the market are legitimate and do not contain any banned substances.

But, a few pre-workout supplements contain an ingredient called DMAA, also known as 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, or goes by other similar names.

DMAA is a substance that resembles amphetamines and is previously used in pre-workout supplements to improve fat-burning and enhance physical performance.

DMAA has been prohibited by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) because it has caused many health issues and even led to deaths when used.

To ensure safety, avoiding pre-workout supplements containing DMAA is essential. Check product labels for the various names by which DMAA can be listed.

It’s also important to know that DMAA in a pre-workout supplement can result in a failed drug test.

Use of Pre-Workouts Among Natural Bodybuilders

Absolutely! Many natural bodybuilders rely on pre-workout supplements to boost their workouts.

Since pre-workout is not considered a banned substance, it is widely used by natural bodybuilders.

For instance, Joel Corry, a Miami Pro winner, highly recommends Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout as his go-to supplement.

Conclusion

Pre-workout supplements play a significant role in fitness, particularly among bodybuilders.

While pre-workout is not a steroid or illegal substance, it can contain various ingredients, including caffeine, which may have stimulating effects.

It is crucial to choose pre-workout supplements from reputable companies and be aware of the specific ingredients listed on the product labels.

While most pre-workouts are considered safe and do not contain banned substances, there have been instances where certain supplements contain illegal compounds like DMAA, which has led to severe health issues.

Therefore, staying informed, exercising caution, and making informed decisions when selecting and using pre-workout supplements to optimize workout performance is essential.