How to Maximize Performance with a Pre Workout Stack

Today, many people know that supplement stacking can help boost workout performance, optimize a workout, or bolster their bodybuilding routine. In this way, proper supplement stacking can mean the difference between a decent workout –– and an excellent one.

“Supplement stacking” means blending complementary nutritional supplements to boost or optimize your workout and results. Supplements are usually fine-tuned to benefit one of three major elements: energy, focus, and endurance. 

While most legitimate supplements are safe for consumption in moderation, this article will assume that users are over 18, and have checked with their doctor or dietician to ensure that any supplements they are considering won’t interact with any medication they take or pre-existing conditions they may have. Always read the warning labels! 

For those looking to dip their toes into this popular practice, here’s everything else you need to know.

What Is Supplement Stacking?

Supplement stacking means combining multiple supplements to enhance your performance. Done correctly, stacking allows the user to capitalize on the synergistic qualities of these supplements. Done poorly, it can have detrimental — even dangerous — side effects. Too much of anything can be bad for you; this goes for vitamins (yes, even Vitamin C), minerals, caffeine — it’s even possible to over-hydrate! When it comes to proper supplement stacking protocol, more does not necessarily mean better.

What Does ‘Synergistic Power’ Mean?

By choosing supplemental nutrients that complement one another, you can increase their overall effectiveness. In this way, “Synergistic Power” refers to the greater power, results, and energy you can harness by combining your supplements effectively.  

Every person’s pre-workout stack is going to look a little different, because everyone has different fitness regimens and goals. Stacks are perfected over time, but this doesn’t mean they have to stay the same. The ideal stack may change as an athlete matures and grows into or out of various exercise preferences. 

If you’re new to supplement stacking, there are a few broad categories to be aware of: 

• Lean Mass Stacks
• Fat Loss Stacks 
• General Health Stacks

Lean mass stackers need a lot of calories and protein—both pre-and post-workout—in order to reach their bodybuilding goals. Lean mass stacks bank on creatine and nitrous oxide (NO) supplements that facilitate blood flow and expedite muscle recovery. 

Fat loss stacking is about reducing fat and increasing metabolic rates. Thermogenic supplements are known to reduce appetite and boost metabolism in a way that reduces body fat levels. Thermogenic supplements should be complemented by a diet rich in complex carbs. Doing so will ensure you can eliminate insulin spikes (which promote fat-storing), and maintain consistent energy levels.

General health stacks are more concerned with delivering the proper amount of nutrients and vitamins an athlete needs to sustain themselves. Sometimes, acquiring all the requisite components from food alone can be challenging. Basic health stacks make sure you have all your bases covered. From there, some people can fine-tune their stacks to promote joint care, correct an iron deficiency, or raise their testosterone levels. 

Start With the Basics & Keep it Simple

While starting your journey  into the world of pre-workout supplement stacking, it’s important to remember that not all supplements are created equal! When choosing between brands, stick with supplements that are as simple and natural as possible; protein powders, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), multivitamins, and green powders are all good places to start before you explore more technical options. 

Multivitamins and “green powder” (aka superfood powder meant to boost your immune system) will serve to fill any nutrient gaps that might be occurring as a result of diet deficiency. 

Protein powder is a no-brainer for most pre-workout stacks. It offers athletes the protein they need without them needing to oversaturate their diet with actual meat, which comes with an array of negative side effects.  

Branded Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) — valine, leucine, and isoleucine — are metabolized by the body and aid in muscle growth and recovery. 

Research is important, but at the end of the day, you won’t really know if a product works for you until you try it! Careful experimentation can yield the best results; but don’t just follow the hype. 

For example, you may have heard good things about one brand, but if you later find out that their product doesn’t agree with you, don’t push it! If one supplement doesn’t work, there’s almost always a workaround - a different brand, a different blend of supplements, or a shift in diet.

Best Overall Pre-Workout Stack

Supplement stacking can feel overwhelming to those just beginning to experiment with their own stacks. Luckily, exogenous ketone drinks like Kenetik do a lot of the heavy lifting for you!

What are exogenous ketones? Well, “exogenous” means “external”; meaning these ketones come from outside the body. Ketones are an energy source that the body naturally creates in a state known as ketosis, facilitated by ketogenic dieting and intermittent fasting. For those unable to stick to a keto diet, exogenous ketones are a great way to reap all the benefits of ketones, hassle-free. 

Plus, Kenetik is the only ketone drink certified by the American Brain Council. Not only do exogenous ketones optimize physical performance, but they increase mental clarity and cognitive performance as well. 

Kenetik’s ketones are plant-based. The drink is also caffeine-free, stimulant-free, and sugar-free. It can provide all the electrolytes and hydration you need to power through your workout or stay ahead at work. 

Because ketones provide energy without relying on stimulants, you can drink a bottle of Kenetik at any point in the day. Start your morning with a glass to kick things off with an extra boost! Or crack open a bottle during the evening or night, without disrupting your ability to fall asleep.