Written byTom Miller, CSCS
Last Updated onMarch 17th, 2023
Total War pre-workout is an all-in-one pre-workout supplement formulated to increase endurance, enhance focus, and boost energy through evidence-backed quality ingredients. Owned by Redcon1 LLC, the brand promises great value with its product and offers a money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the product.
The supplement is also verified to be free of banned substances through third-party testing. In this review, we’ll briefly evaluate the available ingredients to determine the effectiveness of this product and perform an evidence-based analysis for its effectiveness. So, if you were looking for a reliable pre-workout mix, keep reading this Redcon1 Total War Pre Workout review to find out if that’s what fits the bill for you.
Evaluation of Ingredients and Nutrition Facts
As the brand suggests, Total War pre-workout is a complete nutritional punch that contains an extensive range of ingredients to provide better endurance, focus, and energy. With each scoop, you can expect a serving of 14.7g, and the active ingredients constitute 11.86g of it. It is literally twice as compared to other pre-workout supplements available on the market.
In figures, a bare minimum of 18.27% constitutes sweetening agents and flavors, which in other pre workout supplements is usually more than 50% for each serving. Therefore, it’s certainly a product that considers quality as its topmost priority. What’s even better, the pre workout supplement doesn’t consist of any artificial colors at all.
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
Here’s a rundown of ingredients available in the formula:
Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6000 mg
Muscle fatigue is the most common reason for inefficiency in your workouts that prevents you from completing more reps. Citrulline Malate is a combination of L-Citrulline nonessential amino acid and Malic acid that helps you with just that.
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Found commonly in watermelons, this component can help promote aerobic energy to delay muscle fatigue. A study cited by the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that taking 6g of Citrulline Malate can reduce fatigue by increasing the oxidative ATP production in your body and enhance the blood flow. It is also used popularly as a pump enhancer/vasodilator.
The Redcon1 Total War pre-workout mix contains exactly 6g of Citrulline Malate per serving.
Beta-Alanine – 3200 mg
Beta-Alanine is quite popular among fitness enthusiasts as a pre workout supplement because its consumption has shown enhanced benefits on health as well as in exercise performance. It produces a dipeptide molecule called carnosine that reduces the formation of lactic acid in your muscles during a workout. It is found commonly in most of the pre workouts.
When you exercise, glucose in your body is broken down and your muscles become more acidic, which in turn reduces their ability to contract and causes fatigue. Beta-Alanine increases carnosine levels in your body that act as a buffer against the acid and reduces fatigue. [1]
Agmatine Sulfate – 1000 mg
Agmatine Sulfate has recently gained a lot of popularity in the bodybuilding industry. It pumps your hormone levels, but it is a regular amino acid derived from L-arginine, which is known to help increase levels of nitric oxide in your body.
Redcon1 Total War pre-workout provides 1g of this per serving, allowing you to bypass the whole absorption, processing, and metabolization process and providing you the benefits of L-arginine at a higher concentration with a relatively lower dose.
Taurine – 1000 mg
Taurine is yet another naturally occurring amino acid found in most energy drinks and is referred to as a “Wonder Molecule” by some researchers. There are several pieces of evidence that prove Taurine’s effectiveness for improved sports performance with no known side effects when consumed in adequate doses.
It is also termed as conditionally essential that, unlike most amino acids, isn’t used to build proteins. While your body can produce Taurine, it’s recommended to be taken in the form of a supplement.
Caffeine Anhydrous – 250 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous is a derivative of caffeine produced through laboratory processes including filtering out water and other chemical components. This derivative is more concentrated and potent than regular caffeine, which has made it popular as a pre workout supplement for improved athletic performance. [2]
As compared to brewed drinks, caffeine anhydrous provides a more standard dose with greater convenience. However, caffeine in its pure form is very potent and can lead to overdose as a result of small errors in measurements. A lot of people even consume too much of it too quickly, which may also lead to overdose as well.
Juniper Extract – 150 mg
Often termed as Juniperus Communis, Juniper is an evergreen shrub found in several different parts of the world. It is being used for medicinal purposes since ancient times and many present-day pieces of research also suggest that it may contain several health benefits.
A study conducted on rats revealed that supplementing juniper berry extract can result in increased heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce blood sugar levels. Experts suggest that its antidiabetic effects can be linked to its higher concentration of antioxidants.
Di-Caffeine Malate – 100 mg
Di-caffeine Malate is a caffeine variant that is fused with malic acid to produce an ionic bond to allow it to provide a relatively sustained release of caffeine in your body, which makes it ideal for pre-workout supplements to deliver longer-lasting energy levels.
Theobromine – 5 mg
Formerly known as xantheose, Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in cacao beans, tea plant leaves, and kola nuts that generally produces a stimulatory effect in humans. It’s known to promote more oxygen flow in the lungs by relaxing your body’s lung muscles.
It’s also one of the very few natural substances that, according to studies, can effectively reduce eating urges, lowers blood pressure and promote weight loss. Moreover, as it’s also a stimulant, you can gain enough energy to carry out your workout adequately.
Green Tea Extract – 45 mg
Green tea is termed as one of the healthiest beverages available on the planet as it’s completely loaded with antioxidants that are linked to various health benefits including improved brain function, fat loss, and reduced risk of heart diseases.
It contains a catechin known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that according to some researchers has shown to have several medicinal properties. It reduces the formation of free radicals in the body to protect molecules and cells from damage.
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Naringin – 25 mg
Naringin is a water-soluble flavonoid derived from citrus. While naringin itself doesn’t offer any nutritional value apart from adding a bitter taste to citrus-based fruits, its aglycone Naringenin variant and supplements are known to provide a host of potential health benefits.
It is commonly used as a preservative in supplements to allow them to work more efficiently. Moreover, it also contains a high concentration of antioxidants and features antifungal properties as its main benefits.
BioPerine – 10 mg
BioPerine is an extract of Piperine, a compound found in black pepper that provides the distinctive taste it’s known for. Some studies suggest that piperine can help increase the absorption of nutrients, which is why it is used commonly in many supplements.
A study even revealed that piperine can reduce inflammation and protect the health of brain cells in mice that have chemically induced Parkinson’s disease. It may also prevent mental impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Recommended Dosage
The company recommends first checking your tolerance before consuming the recommended dosage by taking ½ scoop of this pre workout supplement at least 20 to 60 minutes prior to training for a couple of days. Then, you can mix one scoop with 4-6 ounces of water and consume it at least 30 minutes before your training session.
Additionally, make sure that you don’t exceed more than one scoop in a 24-hour period. Talking about the side effects of this supplement, you already know that it contains 3.2 grams of beta-alanine, which is known to cause small tingling sensations in your body, but it is not harmful at all.
Moreover, it also contains 250mg of caffeine which is quite less, but if you’re not an avid coffee drinker, keep in mind that it equates to around 2.5 cups of coffee. Other ingredients may react differently to varying individuals.
Effectiveness
According to RedCon1, their Total War pre-workout supplement is specifically crafted to offer a powerful energy boost, as well as enhance focus and performance during workouts. After evaluating the supplement over several weeks, our team can confirm that it certainly lives up to these claims.
We consumed the pre-workout approximately 20-30 minutes prior to our exercise sessions and observed a significant increase in energy and concentration that persisted throughout the entire workout. This enabled us to lift heavier weights, execute more repetitions, and sustain our motivation even during the most demanding workouts. Additionally, the pre-workout aided in minimizing fatigue and muscle discomfort, facilitating a quicker recovery between workout sessions.
Author’s Note: As an experienced powerlifter who has been using and reviewing pre-workout supplements for years, I want to emphasize that my experience with the Total War pre-workout may not be the same for everyone, as the intensity of the effects may vary depending on individual tolerance to stimulants. If you have a sensitivity to caffeine or other stimulants, we advise beginning with a smaller dosage to assess your tolerance before increasing the quantity. In conclusion, we found the effectiveness of the Total War pre-workout to be remarkable and in line with the brand’s promises.
Taste and Flavor Options
Pre-workout and flavor can be just as important as performance. Over the years, the Redcon1 has added 21 different flavors for Total War Pre-workout:
- Green Apple
- Patriot
- Lemon Lime Blast
- Cali Splash
- Sour Gummy
- Candy Apple
- Blue Coconut
- Blue Lemonade
- Blue Raspberry
- Rainbow Candy
- Grape
- Orange Crush
- Pineapple Juice
- Tiger’s Blood
- Vice City
- Sour Gummy Bear
- Strawberry Kiwi
- Strawberry Mango
- Olympia Fireball
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Watermelon
We tested three flavors, including Blue Lemonade, Green Apple, and Sour Gummy Bear. Upon examining all three flavors, I personally discovered that each proffered a distinct, delightful sensation. The Blue Lemonade variant boasted a saccharine and tangy essence, with a robust lemonade savor that wasn’t excessively synthetic. The Green Apple variant was equally sweet, exhibiting a more understated apple relish that wasn’t domineering, and the Sour Gummy Bear variant presented a sharp and tangy zest, with a trace of sweetness that wasn’t too overwhelming.
Overall, I am impressed with the taste and the abundance of flavor alternatives accessible for the Total War pre-workout. Each variant delivered a unique gustatory experience that was pleasing and not overly artificial. Nonetheless, I did observe that the flavors were somewhat muted, and might not be as potent as some other pre-workout concoctions on the market. If you’re seeking a vibrant and daring flavor, you might want to contemplate sampling a different flavor choice.
Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout Price?
The Total War pre-workout supplement is competitively priced compared to other similar supplements on the market. At the time of our review, a 30-serving container of the supplement was priced at $34.99 on the Redcon1 website and on Amazon. This comes out to approximately ~$1.17 per serving.
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
More on pre-workouts:
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 every category and goal
- 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
- Best Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine
- Best Pre-Workouts For Beginners
- Creatine vs. Pre-Workout
Final Verdict
After a thorough review, we were impressed by the Redcon1 Total War pre-workout supplement. The supplement boasts a powerful blend of high-quality ingredients, working in tandem to effectively enhance energy, focus, and endurance during exercise. Upon practical application, we observed the supplement’s notable benefits, including augmented energy and focus levels, amplified endurance, and improved muscle pumps.
Concerning flavor, the supplement provides a plethora of options, all of which are generally well-received by users. Despite the flavors’ sweetness, our experience confirmed their enjoyment and lack of a disagreeable aftertaste.
In comparison to other comparable products on the market, the supplement’s cost is reasonable and offers good value. We commend Redcon1’s use of high-quality ingredients and transparency regarding the supplement’s dosages and contents.
Overall, we are convinced that the Redcon1 Total War pre-workout supplement is a robust selection for anyone aiming to maximize their workouts and enhance their overall fitness performance. With its potent ingredient blend, delectable taste, and reasonable price, we would undoubtedly endorse giving it a try.
Our Methodology:
At Fitness Volt, our mission is to help you achieve your fitness goals with ease. Our crew of experts comprises personal trainers, dieticians, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals who boast considerable expertise in the domains of fitness and nutrition. We take pride in delivering reliable, accurate information, and our evaluations of products are grounded in a thorough comprehension of the industry and the latest scientific research, as well as our personal hands-on assessment of the items we critique.
Our review of Redcon1’s Total War pre-workout concoction is informed by our experience and familiarity with pre-workouts we’ve scrutinized over time, observing the impacts, advantages, and potential adverse effects. Our real-life experimentation with the supplement enabled us to delve deeper into its pros and cons. Moreover, we’ve furnished substantiation to corroborate our assertions about the product, drawing on our proficiency in the individual components and cutting-edge scientific studies.
Our goal is to consistently supply you with the most precise and dependable data available, allowing you to make a well-informed judgment about whether the Total War pre-workout concoction aligns with your needs. We are confident that our hands-on examination and expertise in the fitness and nutrition arena endow us with a distinct and invaluable viewpoint on this item. We are committed to bolstering your pursuit of fitness objectives and guiding you toward the most suitable solutions.
References
- Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, Hoffman JR, Wilborn CD, Sale C, Kreider RB, Jäger R, Earnest CP, Bannock L, Campbell B, Kalman D, Ziegenfuss TN, Antonio J. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jul 15;12:30. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y. PMID: 26175657; PMCID: PMC4501114.
- Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Hirsch KR, Mock MG. Effects of coffee and caffeine anhydrous on strength and sprint performance. Eur J Sport Sci. 2016 Sep;16(6):702-10. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1085097. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PMID: 26394649; PMCID: PMC4803635.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this review, please leave a comment below, and Tom will get back to you as soon as possible.
The Review
Total War Pre-Workout
Redcon1 Total War pre-workout promises to improve energy, stamina and endurance without the jitters of a typical product.
PROS
- An adequate dose of citrulline malate
- Over 17 different flavors to choose from
- No proprietary blends
CONS
- Some users reported bad after taste
Review Breakdown
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Ingredients
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Effectiveness
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Mixability
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Taste
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Price
Comments 2
So in your opinion what is the best pre workout out there
Depends on your goals and budget check here https://fitnessvolt.com/best-preworkout-review/