Muscle-building supplements are formulated to boost athletic performance during weight training, increase protein intake, and promote optimum muscle growth. Of course, their overall effectiveness is anchored on the three main factors in optimum muscle growth – consuming more calories than you burn and more protein than your body uses, and a personalized resistance training program.
The bottom line: Muscle-building supplements are intended to increase your chances of meeting your fitness goals! But not all muscle-building supplements are created equal, either! There are several ingredients that we consider crucial in the effectiveness of these nutritional products.
- L-citrulline, an amino acid, is also a nitric oxide precursor, meaning it aids in vasodilation. This is the mechanism wherein blood vessels expand and, thus, allow for a better flow of nutrients and oxygen into the muscles. The results include better muscle growth and recovery.
- Beta-alanine, also an amino acid, aids in decreasing muscle fatigue and increasing exercise performance. Studies have also shown that it aids in increased lean muscle mass.
- Caffeine, a nervous system stimulant, boosts mood and concentration as well as aid in small improvements in power, strength, and endurance.
- Creatine, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that provides energy to the muscles, promotes faster muscle growth when taken as a supplement. Other effects include improved muscle strength and water retention in muscle cells, as well as a decrease in protein breakdown in muscles.
- Protein supplements are a must since proteins are the building blocks of muscles. These come in different forms, including casein, soy, and whey proteins.
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can decrease muscle loss and improve muscle gain.
When choosing from among the best muscle supplements on this list, you should consider your personal fitness goals first. Remember that these are suitable for fitness enthusiasts and athletes looking for hardcore pre-workout supplements with muscle-building benefits. Be prepared for a significant boost in muscle-pumping power, strength, and stamina from these muscle-building supplements!
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Listing of the Best Muscle Building Supplements
1. Shifted Maximum
In Shifted Maximum there are more than 18 ingredients, with each one chosen for its effectiveness and synergistic actions with the other ingredients, thus, the all-in-one effective effects on muscle growth.
Note that Shifted Maximum is intended for men and women who want to push themselves in their weight training sessions. If you’re looking for an all-around pre-workout supplement for beginners, you should consider Shifted Premium instead.
Shifted Maximum consists of ingredients classified into four categories – muscle complex, energy complex, stamina complex, and focus complex. In layman’s terms, the muscle complex boosts muscle growth through the combined actions of increased nitric oxide production, muscle strength and stamina, and decreased muscle growth. The energy complex contributes to the steady supply of physical energy throughout the workout, with none of the sudden crashes afterward.
The stamina complex is equally important as it ensures that you don’t hit the wall prematurely. The focus complex promotes heightened concentration on every move while also maintaining a good mood.
Other pros include delicious flavors with a smooth mouth feel, little to no tingles, and doesn’t cause stomach upset.
Be sure to take Shifted Maximum on a daily basis – it’s safe to do so, too – so that the ingredients build up in your body. Just be sure to stick to the recommended dose for the best results.
Active Ingredients: L-citrulline, creatine monohydrate, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, delayed-release caffeine, beta-alanine, Alpha CPG, L-tyrosine, and L-Theanine.
2. Ekkovision Dethroner
The Dethroner pre-workout supplement is among the most loaded of its kind in the market today! Even its comparatively expensive price can be overlooked, considering that it delivers on all the core performance aspects – great pumping action, physical energy and endurance, and focus. All of these aspects are of crucial importance to the ultimate goal – effective and efficient muscle growth, with no time and effort wasted.
There are 13 proven effective ingredients in Dethroner, too, and these are in amounts that are at par or exceed the recommended amounts for efficacy. Many of these ingredients are also combined in proprietary blends, such as the VasoDrive AP.
Don’t worry about high stimulant content in Dethroner either, as it’s considered in the low-to-mid stim daily drivers category. This means little to no jitters caused by caffeine and a low risk of a sudden post-workout crash. Most users report that the buildup of physical energy and mental focus before and during a workout was smooth, stable, and steady.
In terms of overall performance, Dethroner delivers on the muscle pumping power from different angles – through increased nitric oxide production, muscle recovery, and stamina combined with decreased muscle soreness and increased muscle recovery.
We’re willing to overlook the limited number of flavors – Peach Rings and Twisted Pineapple – because these are delicious, and both deliver on the promise of better muscle growth.
Active Ingredients: Citrulline malate, green tea extract, green coffee extract, casein protein, taurine, theobromine, and alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine
3. ProSupps Hyde
Do you want monster gains in muscle growth? If yes, then you should consider Hyde, the pre-workout supplement with an all-in-one formulation! Every scoop, which should be mixed with cold water before consumption, contains proven ingredients for an immediate boost in physical energy and mental alertness. There’s also ProSupps’ proprietary Power-Flow Matrix of ingredients that boosts muscle power vital in pushing through plateaus during your workout.
But we must warn you that Hyde isn’t for every Tom, Dick, and Harry hitting the gym! Individuals who want explosive energy and pump, perhaps with an adrenaline rush, will find Hyde up their alley. But those who have caffeine sensitivity should avoid taking Hyde as it can result in jitters during a workout.
When taken as recommended, Hyde really delivers on the core aspects of the best muscle-building/pre-workout supplements! Most users report a steady and significant increase in physical energy with sustained bursts of muscle power during their workouts. These resulted in more sets and reps, less muscle fatigue and soreness, and more muscle growth than without Hyde.
And the mental focus and calm mood throughout a workout are insane, too! The mental side is just as important as the physical aspects due to the mind-muscle connection.
Active Ingredients: Beta-alanine, green tea leaf extract, Nitrosigine, Astragin, caffeine anhydrous, and Yohimbe.
4. Huge Supplements Wrecked
Fitness enthusiasts, gym rats, and athletes who want a powerful all-in-one pre-workout muscle-building supplement agree that Wrecked is among the best! With 17 proven effective ingredients, it’s praised for its efficacy in boosting muscle-pumping action, physical energy, and mental focus. With a 350-milligram dose of caffeine, there’s an immediate effect on physical and mental alertness sustained throughout a prolonged workout session.
Note that due to the fairly high caffeine content, individuals with caffeine sensitivity should avoid Wrecked. There’s no creatine in it, too, but what it lacks in creatine, it more than makes up for in other muscle growth-boosting ingredients.
Leading the pack is the 8,000-milligram L-citrulline dose, among the highest we’ve seen, meaning Wrecked delivers on increased nitric oxide production. The beta-alanine amount is also above-par, resulting in your ability to perform more exercise and exercise for longer periods without hitting the wall prematurely.
When taken on a consistent and proper basis, Wrecked can make a huge difference in your power output during weight training. There’s less risk of premature muscle fatigue and extreme soreness post-workout, too. With the addition of several amino acids in the mix, there will also be a marked decrease in muscle loss that, in turn, promotes lean muscle mass growth.
Active Ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, malic acid, L-tyrosine, Alpha GPC, black pepper extract, and lion’s mane mushroom.
5. Bucked Up Woke AF
Since Woke AF is a high-stim pre-workout muscle-building supplement, it’s most suitable for hardcore fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Rookies may want to consider other options because of the possible side effects on their more fragile constitutions.
Woke AF contains fairly high amounts of three different stimulants that will keep you awake and alert during your intense training sessions. Don’t worry about each scoop containing useless ingredients either – Woke AF doesn’t contain sugar and calories aside from being GMP-certified and keto- and paleo-friendly.
But it’s in the muscle-pumping power, strength, and stamina that Woke AF truly shines! There’s an immediate sense of increased physical and mental alertness 15 minutes after drinking the Woke AF water mixture. The sustained feeling of physical energy and mental focus remains even after a couple of hours.
Post-workout, there’s less feeling of muscle soreness, too, which means faster muscle recovery. We all know the importance of these twin effects – the faster your muscles can recover from an intense weight workout, the faster you can hit the gym, and the longer you can work on your muscles.
Woke AF comes in a wide range of flavors, with Blue Raz Lemonade, Caramel Apple, Mango Habanero, and Spice Killa OJ being popular.
Active Ingredients: Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, caffeine anhydrous, Alpha GPC, AstraGin, ActiGin, and Synephrine HCl.
6. Ryse Supplements Pre-Workout
The Ryse Element Series pre-workout supplement is formulated for daily use thanks to its safe and effective ingredients. Whether you take it on a training or a rest day, the recommended scoop is one serving; only one scoop mixed with a 12-ounce glass of cold water. Drink at least 30 minutes before warm-ups for intense workouts are done or after your breakfast; you will feel a near-immediate boost of physical and mental energy in both cases.
Most users say the effect becomes more noticeable about 45 minutes after its consumption, meaning as soon as you’re done with warm-ups. This is an important observation as you will appreciate the steady and sure buildup of physical energy, mental focus, and enthusiastic mood when the pumping starts.
The key here is consistent and proper use to experience the maximum benefits of the Ryse Element Series pre-workout. Letting your muscles absorb the goodness, so to speak, of the ingredients in the pre-workout over a prolonged period of time results in more explosive power and pump. When combined with a personalized resistance training program, the Ryse Element Series pre-workout rises to the occasion!
Active Ingredients: Beta-alanine, arginine nitrate, choline, and Thinakmine.
7. Raw CBum Thavage Pre-Workout
With 3-time Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead’s personal hand in it, the CBum Thavage pre-workout supplement is formulated with serious fitness enthusiasts and professional bodybuilders in mind. Many of the best muscle-building ingredients are in the pre-workout supplement, with a wide range of effects from increasing cellular hydration and blood flow to decreasing muscle loss.
The final result: Regular and proper consumption boosts overall exercise performance and muscle gain, particularly lean muscle mass. Daily use is strongly recommended not just for an extra boost in physical and mental energy during training days but also to promote muscle growth during rest days. Many users report that CBum Thavage use even improved their HIIT results, and it’s an important benefit in muscle gain and growth, too.
Significant increases in muscle pumping power and stamina are the shining attributes of CBum Thavage. Over time, there’s a marked increase in the extra reps that can be performed that, when combined with slower onset of muscle fatigue and faster muscle recovery, is just great. The increase in mental focus and alertness is the icing on the cake.
Active Ingredients: L-Citrulline, betaine anhydrous, L-tyrosine, Alpha GPC, Huperzine A
8. Beyond Raw LIT
Daily use of the Beyond Raw Lit pre-workout supplement is also recommended to experience its benefits. On training days, the significant boost in physical energy, pumping action, and mental focus will mean better workouts. On rest days, the increase in physical and mental energy will make your day better, too.
Every ingredient in the Lit pre-workout supplement has been chosen for its effectiveness concerning muscle growth – and in clinical doses, too. While you may not see it, the increased nitric oxide production means more oxygen and nutrients flowing into your muscles, resulting in a greater pumping action. Being able to get in more reps and sets means faster muscle growth, while delayed muscle fatigue also contributes to longer workouts.
The mental aspect is equally important in muscle growth, and the Lit pre-workout supplement delivers a good dose of caffeine for this purpose. But the caffeine amount is just right, so there’s little of the dreaded jitters.
Bonus: The Lit pre-workout has zero sugar and gluten; thus, it’s a great supplement for individuals watching their sugar use and/or who are allergic to gluten. There are also several yummy flavors to choose from, such as strawberry lemonade, orange mango, and green apple.
Active Ingredients: L-citrulline, Nitrosigine, CarnoSyn beta-alanine, creatine monohydrate, caffeine anhydrous, and NeuroFactor
9. Primeval Labs Ape Sh*t Pre-Workout
Excuse the French, but the Ape Sh*t pre-workout supplement is formulated for amateur and professional bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Beginners may find the formulation too strong but can start with half of the recommended dosage to build their tolerance first.
Ape Sh*t pre-workout contains nootropics, nitric oxide boosters, and stimulants that, when taken together, are powerful all-in-one supplements. But this product can also be stacked with other muscle-building supplements for the best results. Just be careful about your overall caffeine consumption since it can cause unwanted jitters.
When taken as recommended and over a prolonged period, Ape Sh*t increases physical energy and mental concentration. There’s even the sense of increased drive, determination, and aggression, but not toward others – attacking the weight machine with more enthusiasm is more like it. Just the experience of being more energized and focused before your workout will increase your enthusiasm for doing the exercises.
Ape Sh*t also contains ingredients that promote fat loss that, in turn, makes lean muscle mass gain more effective.
Active Ingredients: L-Citrulline, beta-alanine, AgmaMAX, Yohimbe extract, choline bitartrate, caffeine, and toothed clubmoss
10. 1st Phorm Project-1
Sometimes, the original is the best and Project-1 is proof of it! This is marketed as the perfect blend of ingredients that promotes muscle gain and growth with consistent use over a prolonged period. But even after just a few uses, its benefits can be experienced already, particularly when combined with the right nutrition and exercise program.
Project-1 is a solid pre-workout supplement with the right amounts of nitric oxide boosters that allow more blood and, thus, more nutrients and oxygen to flow into the muscles. The more blood flow, the faster the muscles can grow, not to mention that it will delay muscle fatigue during a workout and decrease muscle soreness afterward.
Muscle strength and stamina also increase with regular use of Project-1 pre-workout and regular exercise. This benefit comes from the fairly high creatine monohydrate content in the product.
Daily use is recommended, and it won’t result in dependence either. There are numerous flavors to choose from, and the powder easily mixes with tap or cold water with little to no chalky mouth-feel. Plus, Project-1 comes with a money-back guarantee.
Active Ingredients: L-Citrulline malate, creatine monohydrate, betaine anhydrous, beta-alanine, agmatine sulfate, caffeine anhydrous, and theacrine.
Conclusion
The best muscle-building supplements work! But for these dietary products to work well, there are certain steps that must be adopted to maximize their effect and, thus, achieve your desired results.
First, you should look at your nutrition plan. You must ensure that, indeed, it contains all the vital food and drinks – plenty of water for hydration, specifically – for optimum muscle growth. Keep in mind: if you want to bulk up, you should get the extra mass from somewhere – which means the right kind of food and supplements!
Second, you must aim for shredded mass, which means sufficient time spent in the gym – pumping weights and pulling your weight, so to speak. The best way to gain a ripped body is to put in the work – and that’s your ultimate responsibility.
Of course, peak performance in the gym demands peak health! Getting 6-8 hours of sleep every night, maintaining good mental health, and adopting a good work-life balance is key to your muscle-building goals.
In the end, getting a ripped body like Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, and Regan Grimes demands peak mind-body connection and commitment!
