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Best Pre-Workout For Crossfit 2024: Top 7 Supplement Reviews

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Medically reviewed by Melissa Mitri, MS, RD

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best pre workout for crossfit

Pre-Kaged Sport

  • Designed with athletes in mind
  • Ingredients are third-party tested
  • Very affordable for customers

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best pre workout for crossfit

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Energy without the jitters and crash
  • Science-backed ingredients

best pre workout for crossfit

Naked Energy

  • Vegan-approved pre-workout
  • Third-party tested
  • Contains no artificial ingredients

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If you’re an avid CrossFit athlete, then you may want to consider a pre-workout supplement. CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training that requires proper energy to power you through and optimize performance.

Typically, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning exercise that is made up of different functional movements. When you head into a CrossFit gym, you will have your workout of the day (WOD) planned for you. This WOD is set at a high-intensity level and usually consists of movements like squats, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. 

You may sometimes find it hard to get moving or focus each day to perform your best during your workout. That is where a pre-workout comes into play. Most pre-workouts are developed to give you that extra drive and motivation to keep moving and feel your best.

Additionally, they include ingredients that help with muscle recovery and fatigue. Therefore, choosing a good pre-workout is essential before, during, and after your workout.

Best Pre-Workout For Crossfit On The Market In (March. 2024)

7 Best Pre-Workout For Crossfit In 2024

Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Sport

best pre workout for crossfit

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See Kaged Reviews

Pre-Kaged Sport pre-workout is explicitly designed with athletes in mind. It helps provide you with clean energy to improve endurance and athletic performance.

  • Affordable
  • Specially formulated for athletes
  • Third-party tested
  • Limited flavors

In addition to improving athletic performance, this pre-workout helps support hydration and fluid balance during your training. They promise to have every batch tested and held to the highest level of standards. 

In this natural pre-workout supplement, you can find ingredients like coconut water, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine within Pre-Kaged.  According to the product website, clinical studies[1] have found that l-citrulline can significantly improve stamina during high-intensity workouts, which makes it ideal for high-level CrossFit athletes.

Additionally, it is very important to focus on hydration when you are performing such high-intensity workouts. Your body will need it to recover.

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

Crazy Nutrition Intense Pre-Train pre-workout supplement is made for both men and women. It promises to amplify your energy levels, increase focus, boost pumps, and help with motivation.

  • No jitters or other negative side effects
  • Science-backed natural ingredients
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Only one flavor is caffeine-freed

Are you tired of only finding pre-workouts full of high doses of caffeine and ingredients that may not be good for you? Intense Pre-train is made using natural, science-backed ingredients. The product delivers 19 powerhouse ingredients combined to help you get your skill level to the next goal. It is a good option for all athletes, including CrossFit, gym-goers, runners, etc. 

In just one scoop, you can find Ingredients like vitamin B6, KSM-66, Vitamin C, and many more. It is recommended that you mix one scoop of pre-workout powder with 16 ounces of water and enjoy. Additionally, if you want to avoid caffeine altogether, the Green Apple flavor is caffeine-free. For instance, KSM-66 is extracted from the root of ashwagandha. Studies[2] have found that ashwagandha works in combating stress and overall well-being. Therefore, this Crossfit pre-workout supplement contains great ingredients for the recovery of physical or mental stress

Naked Energy Pure Pre Workout

best pre workout for crossfit

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If you are looking for a clean pre-workout supplement, then Naked Energy pre-workout is for you. This pre-workout supplement is designed using all-natural ingredients that are free from any allergens artificial flavors and dyes.

  • Vegan pre-workout with Non-GMO ingredients
  • Helps boost energy, strength, and power
  • Third-party tested
  • Not a wide variety of flavors

Naked Energy is designed as a clean pre-workout that is formulated using only natural ingredients. The ingredients are combined to help boost your energy, strength, and power to give you that extra push you need in the gym. 

This product contains zero grams of carbs or sugar, and the caffeine is derived from natural sources like unroasted coffee beans. The natural sources of caffeine help avoid any jittery feelings or post-energy crashes. Additionally, the ingredients are third-party tested to ensure they are free from heavy metals. 

With that being said, this pre-workout supplement is great for those following a clean diet and wanting to avoid processed foods and chemicals. 

For best results, It is recommended that you take this pre-workout about twenty minutes before your workout. Just mix one scoop into your favorite sports drink for great flavor.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout

Gold Standard pre-workout contains caffeine from natural resources as well as creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine to provide workout performance benefits. You may experience an increase in energy, focus, and better overall performance and endurance.

  • Stimulants from natural resources
  • Increases performance, energy, and focus
  • Affordable
  • No money-back guarantee
  • Contain proprietary blends

For best results, you should consume Gold Standard pre-workout about 15-30 minutes before a workout. It is best to mix with cold water. Additionally, the pre-workout is available in four different flavors. It has great customer reviews and is one of the most affordable pre-workouts. The ingredients promise to help you get that next rep or reach that next goal to help get your body mentally and physically ready for intense workouts.
For example, studies[3] have found that creatine monohydrate supplementation along with exercise decreases stress levels and depressive behaviors in mice.

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

If you are taking Gorilla Mode pre-workout, get ready for a substantial nitric oxide boost. The company promises to give you the max amount of pump and performance by using this pre-workout.

  • Increase drive and focus
  • Available in a wide variety of flavors
  • Great customer ratings
  • Contains a high dose of caffeine
  • Does not have a money-back guarantee

Gorilla Mode pre-workout supplements are available in a variety of flavors like mojo mojito, jungle juice, and tiger’s blood. They contain twelve different ingredients that are targeted to increase endurance and power within your workout.

As mentioned above, you should expect to experience a vast nitric oxide boost while using this supplement. Nitric oxide helps widen your blood vessels, enabling your body to get a better pump of blood flow during your workouts.  Additionally, evidence[4] has found nitric oxide plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure. Gorilla Mode contains ingredients that are known to boost energy and focus, like caffeine anhydrous, l-tyrosine, and betaine anhydrous.  For instance, clinical studies[5] have found that betaine anhydrous can improve body composition, muscle growth, and power when taken regularly. In order to get the full effect, ensure that you mix this product up sufficiently to avoid any grittiness.

C4 Ultimate Pre Workout

This high stimulant pre-workout is designed to deliver long-lasting energy, powerful pumps, and more endurance for your workout. With just one scoop, you should be able to feel the difference to help your body reach peak performance. 

  • Affordable
  • Free of artificial flavors and dyes
  • High stimulant pre-workout
  • Contains caffeine

The company promises this product is free from any artificial flavors or dyes, and it is made with a fully disclosed formula that uses cutting-edge ingredients. Some of the ingredients you can find in this pre-workout are caffeine, l-citrulline, and carnosine beta-alanine. 

For instance, many studies[6] have found that beta-alanine helps with overall exercise performance, especially in high-intensity workouts like CrossFit. Additionally, this ingredient tends to help with muscle fatigue and therefore can support muscle endurance

That is vital when doing a workout like CrossFit, which is known to fatigue your muscles. The best pre-workouts like this product will contain these key ingredients to help your body recover.  

This pre-workout supplement is available in several different flavors and has great customer reviews. It is recommended that you take one serving about twenty-thirty minutes prior to training. Additionally, the product does warn that you may feel a tingling sensation after consumption that can be attributed to the beta-alanine present.

NF Sports Pre Workout

NF Sports pre-workout is designed to optimize your workouts and enhance motivation. Furthermore, it should help your body’s ability to get through those high-intensity workouts like CrossFit.

  • Increases energy levels
  • 100% money-back guaranteed
  • Keto-friendly
  • Proprietary blends make it hard to know the number of ingredients
  • Some products are sold out on the website

NF sport promises to help you get the most out of each workout. It is free of artificial colors and sweeteners and great for those who are following a keto-friendly diet. In this unique pre-workout supplement you can find ingredients like taurine, alpha gpc, and l-tyrosine. 

Research[7] has found that taurine helps with muscle recovery and any muscle damage. As you know, as a CrossFit athlete, this is an essential supplement to have, being that it can help your body recover from those intense workouts. 

For optimal performance, it is recommended that you take this pre-workout about twenty to thirty minutes before you exercise. If you are unhappy with the product, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee. You can’t beat that!

Types Of Pre-Workout For Crossfit

There are many different types of pre-workouts to choose from on the market. A majority of pre-workouts come in powder form. This powder is typically available in a variety of flavors. You will just add the powder to a shaker cup of water and mix well. For best results, it’s recommended to consume your pre-workout about twenty to thirty minutes before physical activity.

Furthermore, there are many pre-workouts available for specific dietary needs and preferences. If you have allergies to gluten, avoid artificial flavors, or want to avoid carbs, there are options for you.  Additionally, pre-workouts are also available that are made with natural sources of caffeine, so you do not have to worry about those uncomfortable jitters or afternoon crashes. 

You can find formulas in pre-workout supplements that help build lean muscle mass, contribute to fat burning, and amino acids, and improve mental focus and energy. 

With that being said, we are going to take a deeper look at the top seven best pre-workouts for CrossFit athletes and see why they may be an excellent fit for you.

How To Choose the Best Pre-Workout For Crossfit?

When choosing the best pre-workout for high-intensity exercise, you want to make sure that it exceeds your expectations in many different ways. 

First, you will want to make sure that the pre-workout supplement only contains ingredients that are beneficial for your workout. These ingredients should help increase your energy levels, build stamina, and help with muscle recovery and fatigue. Crossfit training is a very intense exercise program. You will want help with recovering those muscles to feel ready for your next WOD. 

The ingredients should help you power through each workout because you will require significant strength to get through each one. 

Additionally, you will want something that contains a full amount of caffeine. Crossfit workouts require a lot of energy and focus. You want to be sure that your pre-workout supplement contains a healthy amount of caffeine to increase energy and alertness. However, too much caffeine at once can cause feelings of anxiousness and difficulty falling asleep.

In addition to a significant energy boost, your CrossFit pre-workout supplement should contain ingredients that help with muscular endurance and muscle soreness. Intense workouts can quickly cause muscle fatigue, so you want to be taking workout supplements that support that. 

Therefore, the best pre-workout supplements are designed with increased energy in mind to help increase blood flow for those targeted muscle pumps. 

Final Thought

With that being said, it should not be very hard to find your favorite pre-workout. There are many CrossFit-friendly pre-workout supplements available on the market. These workout supplements are made to improve mental performance and give you an energy boost. 

Be sure to check the ingredients in your pre-workout drink to ensure the ingredients within the product are right for you. This should help you avoid that post-workout crash. In this case,  if you are sensitive to caffeine, a stimulant-free pre-workout will be a better option for you. 

Furthermore, we highly recommend that you reach out to your professional medical provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant or taking any other medications. Most pre-workout supplements are designed for those 18 years or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements do CrossFit athletes need?

Crossfit athletes will benefit from taking a few different supplements. Firstly, a great pre-workout supplement that contains performance-enhancing ingredients, like beta-alanine. Additionally, a post-workout supplement containing essential amino acids will help with recovery and hydration. Furthermore, a post-workout protein shake as whey protein can help with less muscle fatigue and growth.

Does Crossfit require a specific diet?

Crossfit does not necessarily require a specific diet, but it is wise to follow a healthy diet that is rich in protein, complex carbs, and non-starchy vegetables. You want to make sure that you are fueling your body with the proper nutrients to support a high-intensity workout. As you probably know, you cannot work off a poor diet.

What should I eat before CrossFit pre-workout?

We would not recommend eating anything too heavy before an intense workout. A quick-digesting carb like banana or oats can help provide you with a significant energy boost about an hour before a workout.

Should I take pre-workout multiple times a day for even more energy?

You should not take a pre-workout supplement more than once a day. They are designed to take about twenty to thirty minutes before a workout. Additionally, you should always follow the product label for dosage instructions before taking a supplement.

What if I am sensitive to caffeine? Can I still take a pre-workout supplement?

Yes, you can still take a pre-workout supplement if you are sensitive to caffeine. Some of the best pre-workouts are made using natural caffeine sources and do not cause jitters or unwanted post-workout crashes, and some are completely caffeine-free. We recommend that you try half a scoop of a pre-workout to start to see how it may affect you.


+ 7 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. ‌Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J. and Anishetty, S. (2012). A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, [online] 34(3), pp.255–262. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/.
  2. ‌Ahn, N., Leem, Y.H., Kato, M. and Chang, H. (2016). Effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation and exercise on depression-like behaviors and raphe 5-HT neurons in mice. Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry, [online] 20(3), pp.24–31. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5067422/.
  3. Hermann, M., Flammer, A. and Lscher, T.F. (2006). Nitric Oxide in Hypertension. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, [online] 8, pp.17–29. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17170603/.
  4. ‌Cholewa, J.M., Wyszczelska-Rokiel, M., Glowacki, R., Jakubowski, H., Matthews, T., Wood, R., Craig, S.A. and Paolone, V. (2013). Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 10(1). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844502/.
  5. ‌Hobson, R.M., Saunders, B., Ball, G., Harris, R.C. and Sale, C. (2012). Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids, [online] 43(1), pp.25–37. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374095/.
  6. ‌McLeay, Y., Stannard, S. and Barnes, M. (2017). The Effect of Taurine on the Recovery from Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Males. Antioxidants, [online] 6(4), p.79. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745489/.
  7. ‌Buckinx, F., Gouspillou, G., Carvalho, L.P., Marcangeli, V., El Hajj Boutros, G., Dulac, M., Noirez, P., Morais, J.A., Gaudreau, P. and Aubertin-Leheudre, M. (2018). Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with L-Citrulline Supplementation on Functional Capacities and Muscle Function in Dynapenic-Obese Older Adults. Journal of clinical medicine, [online] 7(12), p.561. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306942/.

Medically reviewed by:

Melissa Mitri

Alycia Watts is a freelance writer with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA). She has a passion for all topics involving lifestyle, health, and nutrition. Her goal is to educate others and share her passion. When she is not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Medically reviewed by:

Melissa Mitri

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