Can You Add Pre Workout to a Smoothie?

Lot’s been said about pre workouts and if they are something you need to take before you hit the gym.

Well, this article isn’t going to go into depth about that. It’s too much of a complex subject. My brief thought is that they can be useful, especially if you’re someone who gets tired in the gym. And also as long as you plan on buying a good, well known brand especially if you know it’s organic, then you’re on the right track.

This article is going to focus solely on whether or not you should mix a pre workout with a smoothie.

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Should You Mix Pre-workout into a Smoothie?

Basic question, right? Should you add a pre workout to your smoothie and mix it in before you hit the gym. Well, again, that depends on why you’re drinking a smoothie.

If you’re someone who needs to get energy before the gym, and you want that pick me up that a pre workout is designed to give you, then yeah, sure.

However, if you’re someone who does not get tired during a trip to the gym, then there might not be a reason to add pre workout to your smoothie.

Again, if you’re making a smoothie as a carb source before the gym, to give you some natural energy while you workout, and you feel that the banana or other fruit that you add in are enough, then perhaps leave out the pre workout.

But, if you’re someone who finds that you are still getting tired while at the gym, then certainly a pre workout is something to consider.

What Kind of Smoothies Are Best Before A Workout?

I like to pair a pre workout with a smoothie that is more tart and has some natural sugar, but not too much.

Instead of a protein smoothie which might be good post workout, the best type of smoothie for a pre workout is light on both fats and protein.

So instead of nuts and nut butters, I would go with light ingredients for your smoothie such as lemons, light baby kale, a few berries such as blueberries, and perhaps some turmeric.

These light smoothies are the best before a workout when paired with a pre workout because they won’t provide too many calories and also won’t cause you to get too sluggish.

My suggestions would be to choose a fruity, tropical style smoothie to mix with a pre workout. So, pineapple and lemon and cucumbers would be good.

Avoid nut butters, dark green leafy vegetables, and a lot of other heavy smoothies.

Will a Pre-Workout Make A Smoothie Taste Bad

The only reason that a pre workout would make a smoothie taste bad is if you’re mixing a smoothie flavor with a pre workout flavor that isn’t a good mix.

For instance, if you would take something such as a berry flavored pre workout and try and combine that with a smoothie that is more dark green smoothie with ginger and turmeric, then maybe it might not work.

What I would suggest you do is try and either get an unflavored pre workout or else get a flavor that mixes well. Pick something that’s going to either complement your smoothie or else choose a flavor that is naturally in alignment with your smoothie choice.

The key thing when making a smoothie, if you add pre workout or don’t, is to make sure that you pair ingredients that will work well. And a lot of that is a personal choice. I am not a fan of peanut butter and pineapple, but maybe you are.

Will Pre Workout Add Calories To Your Smoothie

That depends on the pre workout mixture that you get. Some of them do have sugar as an ingredient. If you use a pre workout with sugar as a primary ingredient, then sure you’re going to be adding calories to your smoothie.

However, if you’re acting precisely and with some due diligence then you can certainly pick a pre workout that is not loaded with sugars.

Try and focus on something that has caffeine or ginseng or other natural herbs. The energy should primarily come from non sugar sources.

When To Add Pre Workout To The Blender

If you are making a protien shake in your blender, and you do want to add pre workout, then what I would suggest is that you add it with the protein powder.

If you’re not making a protein smoothie, and are interested just making a post workout smoothie, then what I would do is make sure to mix the pre workout powder with the main ingredients, namely the liquid. So, you might want to take something such as almond milk or even straight plain water and then mix it up in the blender.

What I would not recommend that you do is add the pre workout after the smoothie is finished. You should not try and mix pre workout in a blender bottle if you’re mixing it with a smoothie. If you are making a pre workout mixed with straight water then you can use a blender bottle, but not if you’re mixing a smoothie with a pre workout.

Make sure to mix the water and liquid first. Add your pre-workout to the blender, then process it with the other smoothie ingredients.

What Is The Best Smoothie To Mix Pre Workout With?

Here is my top tips for making a pre workout smoothie.

Skip protein powder. It’s better after the workout.
Add Minimal Fruit (you’re going to get your energy from the pre workout)
Add Some fruit (I like to use pineapple or berries-both are anti-inflammatory)
Go Light on Nut Butters (that’s better for a post workout smoothie)
Carbs are good- apples or some greens

There’s ample evidence that pre workouts are successful in making you crush it at the gym. I’ll link to some studies at the bottom if you’re looking for legit PubMed type studies. They spell out how successful it all is.

But here’s my closing thoughts. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a blender or pre workouts, then I’d suggest going into it easy. Get a simple blender (the ones I like the best for beginners are the bullet style blenders). Something like a good Bullet Blender from Nutribullet.

Then I’d pair them with a good pre workout.

Here’s an example of a good pre-workout that you can find a ton of good reviews for.

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