Pre-workout supplements can help boost workout performance by enhancing stamina, muscle endurance, focus, and muscle pumps. However, not all pre-workout supps are created equal.
Different pre-workout supplements have different ingredients. Furthermore, some brands like to hide their formulas behind proprietary blend labels. To make matters worse, at one point, some of the most effective pre-workout powders on the market contained DMAA.
Before we get into the meat of the matter, let’s talk about DMAA and why you should buy DMAA-free supplements.
What is DMAA?
Per FDA, DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is an amphetamine derivative that has been marketed in sports performance and weight loss products, many of which are sold as dietary supplements. DMAA-containing products marketed as dietary supplements are illegal in the US, and their marketing violates the law.
What are amphetamines, you ask? Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that make the messages between your brain and body move faster, which results in more alertness and physical activeness.
Top 12 Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives for 2022
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative Overall — Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme
- Best Strongest DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative — Huge Nutrition Wrecked
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Building Muscle — Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative with Creatine — Pre JYM
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Strength — Redcon1 Total War
- Best Balanced DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative — Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Fat Loss — C4 Ripped
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Endurance — Purge Sports Pre V2
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Recovery — Transparent Labs BULK
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Muscle Pumps — Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme
- Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Lasting Energy — Insane Labz Psychotic
- Best Budget-Friendly DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative — JNX Sports The Curse
How Much Do the Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives Cost?
Depending on the brand, quality, ingredients, and potency of their formula, the best DMAA pre-workout alternatives cost anywhere between $24.92 to $60.62 — meaning, a DMAA-free pre-workout powder can cost you $0.55 to $3 per scoop.
Here’s a breakdown of the prices of the best DMAA pre-workout alternatives and what we like about them —
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Per Serving | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme | $59.95 | $3.00 | Arguably the most potent pre-workout formula on the market. |
| Best Strongest |  |
Huge Nutrition Wrecked | $49.95 | $2.50 | The nutrient-rich supp has a long-lasting effect. |
| Best for Building Muscle |  |
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged | $34.65 | $1.73 | Pre-Kaged is effective and third-party tested and verified for safety. |
| Best with Creatine |  |
Pre JYM | $47.61 | $1.58 | Pre JYM is one of the most optimally dosed pre-workout supps. |
| Best for Strength |  |
Redcon1 Total War | $34.99 | $1.16 | A great DMAA-pre workout alternative for beginners and intermediate lifters. |
| Best Balanced |  |
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge | $27.99 | $0.93 | A pre-training supp that is effective and won’t cause jitters or crashers. |
| Best for Fat Loss |  |
C4 Ripped | $24.92 | $0.83 | If your goal is weight loss, you cannot go wrong with the Cellucor C4 Ripped. |
| Best for Endurance |  |
Purge Sports Pre V2 | $39.99 | $1.60 | Pre V2 does everything right and its endurance formula does exactly what it claims. |
| Best for Recovery |  |
Transparent Labs BULK | $60.61 | $2.02 | Lifters who want a low-caffeine supp with T-support properties. |
| Best for Muscle Pumps |  |
Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme | $28.05 | $0.93 | Mr. Hyde Xtreme is one of the most versatile pre-workout supplements on the list. |
| Best for Lasting Energy |  |
Insane Labz Psychotic | $44.99 | $1.28 | Insane Labz Psychotic hits you like a truck and its effects last upto 90 minutes. |
| Best Budget-Friendly |  |
JNX Sports The Curse | $27.99 | $0.55 | If you’re on a limited budget, The Curse is a no-brainer. |
Top 12 Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives
Given below are the best DMAA-free pre-workouts in various categories —
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative Overall
If you do not have the time to read about every DMAA pre-workout alternative on the market before making a purchase, you should go with the Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme pre-workout powder.
Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 338 grams |
| Scoop Size | 16.9 grams |
| Number of Servings | 20 |
| Flavors | Jungle Candy |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-10 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
The Huge Nutrition pre-workout range has been dominating the segment for a long time, and Wrecked Extreme is no different. Wrecked Extreme contains a mind-boggling 400 milligrams of caffeine per scoop — that is more than four cups of coffee.
Besides the truckload of caffeine, Wrecked Extreme contains 6,000 milligrams of L-citrulline malate, 4,000 milligrams of beta-alanine (the highest on the list), and 1,500 milligrams of L-tyrosine. Looking at the ingredient list, it is no surprise that Wrecked Extreme is the most expensive (per scoop) DMAA pre-workout alternative on the list.
Wrecked Extreme was launched as a limited edition product, but the brand continually restocks the supp to meet the rising consumer demand. The clinically dosed supplement is formulated to boost energy, focus, and power.
Who Should Buy Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme?
- Folks who are always short on energy before or during a workout.
- Lifters who want to try the most potent pre-workout formula on the market.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme?
- People on a tight budget.
- Folks who do not like the jungle candy flavor — the supp only comes in one flavor.
Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme Coupon
Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme Coupon
Huge Nutrition Wrecked Extreme is one of the strongest and most potent pre-workout supplements on the market. It is great for people who have developed a high tolerance for pre-training supps.
Related: Does Beta-Alanine Improve Athletic Performance?
Best Strongest DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative
No, this is not a typo. Wrecked’s popularity led Huge Nutrition to develop a more potent version of the product — Wrecked Extreme, but the original version of the supp still enjoys a cult following.
Huge Nutrition Wrecked
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 604 grams |
| Scoop Size | 30.2 grams |
| Number of Servings | 20 |
| Flavors | Raspberry Mojito, Bomb Popsicle, Peach Rings, Rainbow Burst |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-10 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
Wrecked Pre-Workout has a unique formula that contains 17 natural ingredients. Each serving of the supp weighs 30.2 grams, which gives you an energy boost, helps improve endurance and strength, and gives you muscle-ripping pumps.
All the ingredients in the supplement are in a standard clinical dosage, enhancing the impact of the product. The pre-workout powder contains 9,000 milligrams of L-citrulline malate, 3,200 milligrams of beta-alanine, and 2,000 milligrams of agmatine sulfate.
Who Should Buy Huge Nutrition Wrecked?
- Individuals looking for an ingredient-packed DMAA pre-workout alternative.
- Folks who rarely experience muscle pumps.
- People who want a long-lasting pre-workout supp.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Nutrition Wrecked?
- Lifters on a tight budget.
Wrecked Pre-Workout
Wrecked Pre-Workout
Each serving of the Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout contains 30.3 grams of scientifically-backed 17 different high-quality ingredients. The transparent formula delivers intense and long-lasting energy, skin-tearing muscle pumps, laser focus, and explosive power.
Read the full review of Wrecked Pre-Workout.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Building Muscle
If you’re like most lifters, you probably take a pre-workout supp on a muscle-building program. Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged has all the right ingredients to help you achieve the goal.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 15 |
| Carbs | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 1 grams |
| Tub Size | 646 grams |
| Scoop Size | 32.3 grams |
| Number of Servings | 20 |
| Flavors | Grape, Berry Blast, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Krisp Apple, Orange Krush, and Cherry Bomb |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 12-16 ounces of cold water in a shaker bottle 30–45 minutes before workout. |
Pre-Kaged is well-dosed and contains both BCAAs and antioxidants in its formula. Plus, it can help you focus and sustain your energy levels throughout your workout.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged has the biggest serving size — a monster 32.3 grams. The serving size is bigger than most post-workout protein shakes.
The supplement’s ingredient list includes citrulline, creatine, BCAAs, coconut water powder, and tyrosine, which keep you energized and hydrated and help with the recovery process.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged?
- Anyone looking for a well-rounded pre-workout supplement.
- Lifters who have a hard time staying hydrated during their workout.
- Individuals who like transparent ingredient labels.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged?
- People who work out close to their bedtime.
- Beginners, as they should ideally start their lifting journeys with milder pre-workouts.
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
Pre Kaged Pre Workout Powder is the perfect pre-workout energy supplement for explosive energy throughout your workout. Its quality ingredients like: 6.5g of Pure L-Citrulline + Creatine HCl and alot more.
Related: Creatine Monohydrate Vs. HCL: What’s the Difference?
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative with Creatine
Creatine is one of the most well-researched products in the sports supplement industry and one of the best supplements for improving strength, high-intensity exercise performance, and building muscle mass. [1][2]
Pre JYM
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 80 |
| Carbs | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 2 grams |
| Tub Size | 780 grams |
| Scoop Size | 26 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Orange Mango, Pineapple Strawberry, Raspberry Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Rainbow Sherbet, Tangerine, Strawberry Kiwi, Black Cherry, Grape Candy |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop of Pre JYM in 16-24 oz. of water and drink 30-45 minutes before workouts. |
Pre JYM is probably the most self-explanatory product on the list. The supp includes 13 potent ingredients which can help you achieve your goals faster.
Pre JYM contains creatine HCL, which is more soluble, faster absorbing, avoids bloating, and requires a lower dose than creatine monohydrate. Besides, it also contains BCAA (6g), citrulline malate (6g), taurine (1g), betaine (1.5g), tyrosine (1.5g), n-acetyl l-cysteine (600mg), alpha GPC (150mg), beetroot extract (500mg), toothed clubmoss extract (50mcg), and black pepper extract (5mg).
Pre JYM can aid in improving focus and reduce cell damage incurred during a workout. It is also one of the most optimally dosed DMAA pre-workout alternatives on the market.
Who Should Buy Pre JYM?
- Folks who like to have creatine before hitting the gym.
- Individuals who do not like pre-workout supps that give you jitters.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Pre JYM?
- Calorie-conscious people. Each serving of Pre JYM is 80 calories.
PRE JYM Coupon
PRE JYM Coupon
JYM Supplement Pre JYM: Pre-Workout with BCAA's, Creatine HCl, Citrulline Malate, Beta-alanine, Betaine, Alpha-GPC, Beet Root Extract and more
Find your ideal creatine intake with our creatine dosing calculator.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Strength
Redcon1 Total War is high in caffeine and beta-alanine which makes it a kickass pre-workout supplement, especially if you like to go heavy in the gym.
Redcon1 Total War
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 441 grams |
| Scoop Size | 14.7 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Green Apple, Blue Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Grape, Orange Crush, Pineapple Juice, Rainbow Candy |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-10 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
Known for its quality, Redcon1 has fast become one of the most popular sports supplement companies. It can help increase endurance, enhance focus, and boost energy.
If you’re looking for a DMAA pre-workout alternative, you cannot go wrong with the Redcon1 Total War. Why is that, you ask? Redcon1 is verified to be free of banned substances through third-party testing and comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product.
Who Should Buy Redcon1 Total War?
- Beginners who’re looking to buy their first pre-workout supp.
- People who are always low on energy during their workouts.
- Individuals who appreciate a wide range of flavors.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Redcon1 Total War?
- The high beta-alanine dose can cause itching.
- Folks looking for a pump-inducing formula.
Redcon1 Total War Pre Workout
Redcon1 Total War Pre Workout
Boost Energy, Increase Endurance and Focus, Beta-Alanine, 350mg Caffeine, Citrulline Malate, Nitric Oxide Booster
Read the full review of Redcon1 Total War.
Best Balanced DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative
Most of the pre-workout supplements on market are great at one thing but lack significantly in others. For example, a pre-training supp might give you intense muscle pumps but could lack in the mental focus department. However, Jacked Factory Nitrosurge breaks the mold.
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 240 grams |
| Scoop Size | 8 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Green Apple,Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Grape, Pineapple, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-10 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
Nitrosurge is one of Jacked Factory’s many pre-workout supplements. The generic formula makes it a great fit for men, women, and lifters of different experience levels.
Nitrosurge’s formula is balanced and isn’t overly reliant on a single ingredient. Plus, it contains all the ingredients you could ask for in a DMAA pre-workout alternative, including citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, theanine, theobromine, and caffeine.
Who Should Buy Jacked Factory Nitrosurge?
- People who want a variety of flavors to choose from, Nitrosurge offers 13 different flavors.
- Lifters of all experience levels.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Jacked Factory Nitrosurge?
- Folks who want a solid dose of caffeine. Nitrosurge contains 180 grams of caffeine, which is equivalent to a small cup of coffee.
Jacked Factory NitroSurge PreWorkout
Jacked Factory NitroSurge PreWorkout
NitroSurge Pre Workout can be used intra, pre, or post workout with hard-hitting doses of proven 2:1:1 branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, all-natural caffeine, and l-tyrosine for energy, endurance, strength, and performance.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Fat Loss
C4 ranks amongst the best pre-workout powder on the market. Cellucor, the makers of C4, have come out with a fat loss-focused variant — the C4 ripped to cater to the growing demand.
C4 Ripped
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 180 grams |
| Scoop Size | 6 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Icu Blue Razz, Fruit Punch, Raspberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 6 fl. oz. of water 20-30 minutes before training. |
Cellucor C4 Ripped is marketed as a weight-loss pre-workout supplement. Each scoop of the C4 Ripped contains a gram of proprietary “Ripped Blend,” which includes l-carnitine l-tartrate, green coffee bean extract, cayenne, and Coleus forskohlii root extract.
On the other hand, C4 Ripped also contains the Explosive Energy Blend: n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, 150mg of caffeine anhydrous, and velvet bean seed extract.
The cayenne pepper has a strong link with fat oxidation, and coleus forskohlii is an ayurvedic herb with decent evidence supporting its ability to help fat loss and boost testosterone levels. Apart from igniting weight loss, the product can also help improve focus during a workout and delay fatigue. [3]
Who Should Buy C4 Ripped?
- Folks who want to shed body weight.
- People who have tried the original C4 before.
Who Shouldn’t Buy C4 Ripped?
- Lifters who want a high-stim pre-workout supp.
C4 Ripped Coupon
C4 Ripped Coupon
If you're on the market for a weight loss pre-workout supplement, you cannot go wrong with the Cellucor C4. Cellucor's pre-workout line has a legacy of its own and C4 Ripped doesn't disappoint.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Endurance
350 mg of caffeine will wake you, and 3.2 grams of beta-alanine will keep you going through your workout. The energy and endurance complex of the product is one of the best on the market.
Purge Sports Pre V2
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 500 grams |
| Scoop Size | 20 grams |
| Number of Servings | 25 |
| Flavors | Maui Wowi, Blue Rage, Lemonraid, Mango Madness, Candy Riot |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-16 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
Purge Sports is a relatively new company that is coming out with some great products, and Purge V2 is one of them. Pre V2 is a solid pre-workout featuring a pump, energy/endurance, and focus complex.
Furthermore, Pre V2 sports a transparent label that lets users see the exact dosage of different ingredients. Purge Sports Pre V2 contains three separate ingredient categories — Pump & Nutrient Absorption Complex, Energy & Endurance Complex, and Neuro Focus Complex, and each of them does their jobs pretty well.
Who Should Buy Purge Sports Pre V2?
- Folks who want DMAA pre-workout alternatives that focus on pumps, energy, endurance, and focus with separate ingredients.
- People who love a great-tasting pre-training supp.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Purge Sports Pre V2?
- Those who train near bedtime.
Purge Sports Pre V2 Coupon
Purge Sports Pre V2 Coupon
Purge Supps Pre V2 is the new kid on the block. The company is establishing itself as a no-BS brand. The formula is effective, transparent, and well-dosed — everything you could ask from a pre-workout supp.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Recovery
Due to its no proprietary blends policy, many lifters consider Transparent Labs the best supplement brand. Transparent Labs BULK contains the best quality ingredients in the right amounts.
Transparent Labs BULK
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 662 grams |
| Scoop Size | 22.9 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Sour Grape, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, and Green Apple |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8-16 fl. Oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. |
BULK contains a healthy dose of citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine that can help with endurance, power output, and recovery. Besides its pre-workout ingredients, BULK also includes vitamin D, zinc, and boron, which can help boost your testosterone levels.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs BULK?
- Folks who want to gain muscle mass and strength.
- People who want a test-support supplement.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs BULK?
- Individuals who want a high-caffeine pre-workout supp.
- Those who want a creatine-infused pre-training powder.
- Folks on a weight loss routine.
BULK Pre-Workout
BULK Pre-Workout
The Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout is designed to help you recover better with a nice dose of BCAAs and many other suitable ingredients. This all comes from a company that focuses on creating products that are fully transparent.
Read the full review of Transparent Labs BULK.
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Muscle Pumps
Bodybuilders are pump chasers. Muscle pumps have been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis and reduce protein degradation. Folks who have trouble establishing a mind-muscle connection or rarely experience muscle pumps will love Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme. [4]
Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 228 grams |
| Scoop Size | 7.4 grams |
| Number of Servings | 30 |
| Flavors | Cherry Popsicle, Sucker Punch, Sour Green Apple, Watermelon Rush, BlueRaz Blitz, Pixie Dust |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop with 8oz of cold water and consume 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. |
Mr. Hyde Xtreme’s 400mg Caffeine Matrix and thermogenic compounds will give you intense energy, endurance, and muscle pumps. The DMAA pre-workout alternative has the highest amount of caffeine on the list.
The intensity matrix of the supplement will help you attain and sustain muscle-ripping pumps. It also aids in improving vascularity. The beta-alanine and creatine will promote muscle gain by delaying fatigue.
Who Should Buy Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme?
- Beginners who don’t have a tolerance for high-stim pre-workout formulas.
- Lifters who want to improve their vascularity.
- People who want to lose weight while building muscle mass.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme?
- Folks who train close to bedtime.
Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme Coupon
Pro Supps Mr. Hyde Xtreme Coupon
If you have trouble getting muscle pumps during your workouts, Pro Supps Mr. Hyde (Former NitroX) should be your pre-workout top pick. Their unique formula includes a caffeine matrix and is powered by Yohimbe, TeaCrine, Creatine HCL, and Nitrosigine.
Related: 17 Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements for Hardcore Pump (Reviewed & Ranked)
Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative for Lasting Energy
Fatigue is the enemy of high-intensity workouts. You might begin a workout with a bang but be dragging your feet after the first couple of sets. If you routinely find yourself in the said situation, high-stim pre-training supp like Insane Labz Psychotic is what you need.
Insane Labz Psychotic
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 202 grams |
| Scoop Size | 5.8 grams |
| Number of Servings | 35 |
| Flavors | Apple, Blue Raspberry, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Gummy Candy, Grape, Hawaiian Orange, Peach Mango, Snow Cone, Sour Cherry Colada, Watermelon |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop in 8-10 oz. of water once daily, 30 minutes before activity. |
Insane Labz deliver on their name. The DMAA-free pre-workout supplement delivers a burst of energy, razor-sharp focus, and muscle-ripping pumps.
The company hides its strong formula behind a proprietary blend — Psychotic Gold Blend, which includes beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, agmatine sulfate, caffeine anhydrous, DMAE bitartrate, caffeine citrate, AMPiberry, OxyGold, and rauwolfia vomitoria extract.
Who Should Buy Insane Labz Psychotic?
- Folks who love the old-school small scoop pre-workout formulas.
- Lifters who want a fast-acting supplement.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Insane Labz Psychotic?
- Those who cannot tolerate high-stim supplements.
Insane Labz Psychotic Coupon
Insane Labz Psychotic Coupon
Insane Labz Psychotic contains scientifically backed ingredients to give you the cleanest burst of energy and razor-sharp focus. The proprietary blend consists of proven ingredients like L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and Agmatine Sulfate.
Best Budget-Friendly DMAA Pre-Workout Alternative
It is no secret that sports supplements can break your bank. While you might find some good DMAA pre-workout alternatives on the list, finding a budget-friendly option is extremely hard. JNX Sports The Curse is one of the few highly-effective and pocket-friendly supplements.
JNX Sports The Curse
| Stim or No Stim | Stim |
| Calories | 0 |
| Carbs | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Tub Size | 250 grams |
| Scoop Size | 5 grams |
| Number of Servings | 50 |
| Flavors | Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Dark Grape, Pina Colada, Lemon Rush, Pineapple Shred, Peach Rings |
| Best Way to Take | Mix one scoop in 5-8 oz (150-250mL) of cold water and consume prior to exercise. |
The Curse has the smallest scoop size on the list, but it is packed with stimulants to the rim. JNX Sports uses proprietary labels for its product and isn’t completely transparent about the ingredient dosage.
The pre-workout supplement consists of three blends — energizing muscle fuel blend, amplifier blend, and mind control matric that the brand loyalists have come to love.
The three matrices help improve your stamina and intensity, muscle pumps, and enhance focus during your workouts.
Who Should Buy JNX Sports The Curse?
- People looking for a budget-friendly and effective pre-workout supplement.
- Lifters who do not need a high-stim formula.
Who Shouldn’t Buy JNX Sports The Curse?
- Those whose workouts last anywhere between 60-120 minutes.
JNX Sports The Curse Coupon
JNX Sports The Curse Coupon
The budget-friendly JNX Sports The Curse consists of three blends targeted toward improving your muscular endurance and stamina, mental focus, and muscle pumps.
What to Look for in DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives
Below are the things to consider before buying a DMAA-free pre-workout supplement —
DMAA
As stated above, DMAA can be harmful to your health, and you should check a pre-workout supplement’s label before pulling out your wallet. Thanks to the FDA, most pre-workout supplements on the market, especially in the US, are DMAA free.
On a product label, DMAA may also be listed as:
- 1,3-DMAA
- 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
- 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine
- 2-Amino-4-methylhexane
- 2-Hexanamine, 4-methyl- (9CI)
- 4-Methyl-2-hexanamine
- 4-Methyl-2-hexylamine
- Dimethylamylamine
- Geranamine
- Methylhexanamine
- Methylhexanenamine
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the main ingredients in a pre-workout supplement. It is a potent nervous system stimulant that boosts your energy levels and helps in delaying fatigue.
Pre-workout formulas often contain between 75 to 400mg of caffeine per serving. If your pre-workout supplement contains 400mgs of caffeine in a single serving, you should test your tolerance by trying half a scoop of the powder for at least a week before increasing your dosage.
You might find different types of caffeine in a single pre-workout product. Anhydrous and dicaffeine malate are the most common — and effective.
Must Read: The Science of Caffeine – Everything You Need to Know About Caffeine
Beta-Alanine
If you’ve ever felt ants crawl down your skin after taking a pre-workout supplement, it is beta-alanine at play. Beta-alanine helps in improving your workout performance by delaying fatigue. The common dosing for beta-alanine is two to five grams per day. [5]
L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is the compound responsible for helping you achieve muscle-ripping pumps. It does so by widening your blood muscles, allowing more blood to rush into your muscles. Four to six grams of l-citrulline a day can help optimize your pumps.
Creatine
It is an amino acid found in red meats and some seafood. It’s also naturally produced in small amounts by the body. If your goal is to build muscle mass, taking three to five grams of creatine before a workout can help add size and strength.
Related: Should You Dry Scoop Creatine? — Benefits, Risks, & Effectiveness
L-Tyrosine
If you like a pre-workout that improves mental clarity and focus before and during a workout, look for l-tyrosine in the supplement. It helps in maintaining focus, memory, and other cognitive abilities.
How We Ranked the Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives
We used the following criteria to pick the best DMAA-free pre-workout supps —
Ingredients
We scouted a long list of pre-training powder labels to ensure all the supplements on this list are DMAA-free. Plus, we only included products that were well-dosed and balanced. We also checked to see that each supplement had the majority of the ingredients mentioned above.
Value
We looked at each supplement’s ingredient list, number of servings, serving size, and their overall effects to judge if it was worth spending your hard-earned money on.
If you want to learn more about pre-workout supplements, we have an entire pre-workout section that we recommend you check out!
- Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
- Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout Supplements
- Strongest Pre Workout Supplements
- Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Supplements
FAQs
What is DMAA?
Per FDA, the substance narrows blood vessels and arteries, which can raise blood pressure and may lead to cardiovascular problems such as shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, heart attack, seizures, and other neurological and psychological conditions.
Where to buy DMAA pre-workout?
If you live in the US, DMAA supplements are illegal and their marketing violates the law. Hence, you cannot buy DMAA products in the US. However, some countries allow the sale and purchase of DMAA.
What pre-workout has DMAA?
Presently, no US manufactured pre-workout supplement contains DMAA. Some of the more popular pre-workouts that contained DMAA included APS Mesomorph and Jack3d.
Can pro athletes take DMAA?
1,3-DMAA was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited substances list in 2010. Therefore, competitive athletes should avoid taking it.
The Bottom Line
Although the FDA does not have any concrete evidence to demonstrate that consuming DMAA is safe (or unsafe), it has used different methods to ensure DMAA-containing products are taken off the market.
Since it’s rare for the FDA to take such drastic steps against sports nutrition companies, the warning against DMAA pre-workouts shouldn’t be overlooked. The DMAA pre-workout alternatives mentioned in this list are safe and comply with every law and health and safety guideline.
References
- Buford TW, Kreider RB, Stout JR, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007;4:6. Published 2007 Aug 30. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
- Persky AM, Brazeau GA. Clinical pharmacology of the dietary supplement creatine monohydrate. Pharmacol Rev. 2001 Jun;53(2):161-76. PMID: 11356982.
- Henderson, Shonteh et al. “Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 2,2 54-62. 9 Dec. 2005, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-54
- Schoenfeld, Brad J. PhD, CSCS, CSPS, NSCA-CPT1; Contreras, Bret MA2 The Muscle Pump, Strength and Conditioning Journal: June 2014 – Volume 36 – Issue 3 – p 21-25 doi: 10.1097/SSC.0000000000000021
- Stellingwerff T, Anwander H, Egger A, Buehler T, Kreis R, Decombaz J, Boesch C. Effect of two β-alanine dosing protocols on muscle carnosine synthesis and washout. Amino Acids. 2012 Jun;42(6):2461-72. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1054-4. Epub 2011 Aug 17. PMID: 21847611.
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