“America’s #1 selling pre-workout since 2014” is packaged in a big, bulky container designed to instantly and effectively evoke images of strength and masculinity, but does Cellucor’s C4 pre-workout range do what it says on the tin? That is, does C4 pre-workout give you explosive energy, heightened focus, and an overwhelming urge to tackle any challenge? Show
In short, is C4 pre-workout any good, and does it actually offer benefits that an extra-strong double espresso can’t, or is this popular pre-workout all marketing and very little content? Also, you’re not crazy, there ARE a million variants of this “OG” pre-workout that have been brought to market over the years. While some have been discontinued there are still 7 or so variations of the original C4 blend available out there and we break down the primary differences between those as well.
What Is C4 Pre-Workout?Any fitness enthusiast will tell you that maximizing your performance at the gym depends on so much more than the time you actually spend working out. To boost your strength and endurance and exceed your personal fitness goals, working out has to become not an activity, but a lifestyle. That starts before you hit the gym and stays with you all through the day. Healthy and targeted nutrition is one of the key parts of getting results at the gym, and pre-workout supplements have become an integral part of helping serious athletes boost their energy, strength, focus, and endurance — and making the recovery period smoother, too. C4 pre-workout, designed by Cellucor, is undoubtedly one of the biggest, meanest, dogs in the pre-workout game. The company’s success was largely fueled by a single product, which used to simply be called “C4 Pre Workout”. As Cellucor expanded its product range, this pre-workout, still among the most popular, was renamed to C4 Original. This C4 Original was joined by a whole selection of other C4 products that cater to specific demographics, which we’ll take a closer look at in a sec. Know, though, that any time you hear someone talk about “C4” or “C4 pre-workout”, they’re probably referring to the OG pre-workout formula. So, Is C4 Pre-Workout Any Good?Spoiler alert: C4 might have an elite marketing department on its side, but it isn’t the best pre-workout supplement on the market today. To elaborate, we’ll have to take an in-depth look at C4 Original’s ingredient list. Cellucor doesn’t make this easy, because its claims to have created a “proprietary blend” means that the company can get around the transparency most athletes would prefer. We do know that C4 Original contains, in every scoop:
If you are looking for more efficaciously dosed pre-workouts we recommend the following articles:
What does C4 Original offer you? Yes, it’s going to boost your performance and energy levels — but any serious athlete who’s tried both C4 and other premium products will tell you that this pre-workout is mediocre at best. Some go so far as to call it awful… in decidedly less polite terms. The Different Members of the C4 Workout Range: Which Might Be Best for You? As well as the original C4 pre-workout formula, C4 now manufactures a range of products. Folks who are wondering which C4 is “best” should know that there’s no such thing. There’s only “best for you”. So let’s take a look at your options:
What Are the Best Alternatives to C4 Pre-Workout?Looking for something a little more balanced and with more effective quantities of active ingredients? Congratulations, you’re ready to graduate to the world of big-boy/big-girl PWOs.. C4 pre-workout might give you the extra push you’re after if you’re a beginner. More serious athletes or bodybuilders will almost certainly crave a stronger pre-workout formula, though, and two of the best on the market are: Sale 810 Reviews GAT Sport Nitraflex Advanced Pre-Workout Powder, Increases Blood Flow, Boosts Strength and Energy, Improves Exercise Performance, Creatine-Free (Grape, 30 Servings)
$32.99 −$3.00 Check AmazonGAT Sport NITRAFLEX is a mighty pre-workout formula that offers 300 mg of caffeine per serving, much higher doses of L-citrulline, nitrosigine, and beta-alanine than you’ll find it many other products, and uniquely, boron citrate to boost your testosterone levels. NITRAFLEX is a bodybuilder favorite for good reason, and it’s available in multiple flavors as well as in single-serve bottles. From first hand experience this is one of the most intense PWOs we’ve tried. 3,075 Reviews Bucked Up - Woke - HIGH STIM Pre Workout - Best Tasting - Focus Nootropic, Pump, Strength and Growth, 30 Servings (Strawberry Kiwi)
Bucked Up WOKE is a relatively new comer to the preworkout space but has quickly developed a pretty passionate and loyal following, no doubt in part to their very generous dosages of all the key ingredients that bodybuilders love including a whopping 333mg of caffeine (equal to 4 cups of coffee), a solid 6,000mg of Citrulline Malate in a 2:1 ratio, 3,200mg of that itch-inducing beta-alanine, with some theobromine, alpha GPC, Tuarine, AstraGin, ActiGin, and Huperzine A thrown in for good measure. Sale 7,599 Reviews Genius Pre Workout Powder, Grape Limeade - All-Natural Nootropic Pre-workout & Caffeine-Free Nitric Oxide Booster Supplement with Beta Alanine & Alpha GPC - No Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners, or Dyes
$39.99 −$2.00 Check AmazonGenius Nootropic Pre Workout is one of our favorite pre-workouts because unlike many other properly dosed PWOs this one swaps the caffeine bast for a kick in the brain a-la taurine, HICA, theobromine, Huperzine A, and Rhodiola Rosea. That’s all on top of 6g of citulline malate, 2g of beta-alanine, and 2g of betaine anhydrous. In our experience it’s usually priced noticeably cheaper than many similarly dosed PWOs of similar caliber. 54 Reviews Transparent Labs Stimulant Free Pre-Workout, Natural Ingredient, Caffeine Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, No Artificial Sweeteners, no Artificial Coloring, Tropical Punch
Transparent Labs Stim-Free is the only transparent labelled caffeine free PWO that can compete with the above mentioned Genius nootropic PWO. The Transparent Labs offering is noticeably more expensive but includes 4g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio, 4g of beta-alanine, and 2.5g of Betaine Anhydrous. There’s also some relatively unique additions in the form of choline bitartrate, elevATP, mucuna pruriens (I-dopa), and l-norvaline. We love what Transparent Labs is doing in going all in as the leader of transparent labelled PWOs with truly unique ingredient profiles. 14,433 Reviews Vintage Blast Pre Workout Powder for Men & Women - Pre-Workout Energy Supplement for Keto, Fat Burning, Weight & Strength Training Endurance - L Arginine, Beta Alanine, Blueberry Lemonade Preworkout
Vintage Blast 2-Stage PWO is the king-kong when it comes to fully loaded PWOs with transparent labelling. There’s a deep vitamin/mineral portion including niacin, B vitamins, magnesium, sodium, and potassium to fuel your workout through it’s entirety, as well as “Stage 1” ingredients like 5g of citrulline malate, 1g of beta alanine, and 1g of L-argnine. Stage 2 allows you to power through particularly long and intense workouts with 2g of DAA, 250mg of L-tyrosine, and and additional 100mg of “microencapsulated caffeine”. Buyers be warned there is a cost to pay for all this but you’re essentially getting a stimulant, a pre-workout, a pump enhancer, and ZMA all in one supplement making it kind of a swiss-army knife value proposition. The bottom line is that C4 is a mediocre pre-workout formula that will still really help beginners boost their performance. That doesn’t make C4 bad, but calling in explosive can’t in good faith be said to be anything but a clever marketing ploy. The only real C4 PWO variant that can compete with the above list of transparent labelled products is the limited edition C4 Dynasty MMXX, a “small-batch” limited edition product that packs in a rather impressive 350mg of caffeine, 6.4g beta alanine, 3g L-citrulline, 6g citrulline malate, 1g citrulline nitrate, 3g creatine, 1g Con-crete creatine HCI, and 1g creatine nitrate. If you like creatine in many different forms this is the one for you sonny! Want to take your performance to the next level with a carefully-balanced set of powerful ingredients, made by a manufacturer that’s transparent about the dosing? Then, we’re afraid, you’ll have to look elsewhere — and NITRAFLEX, Genius, Vintage Blast and the like are great places to start. Frequently Asked Questions About C4 PWOsIs C4 Pre Workout Good?Good is vague and subjective. While the flavors are good and some formulas are moderately competitive there are still alternatives with more generous dosages of key active ingredients. Does C4 have creatine?Most of the C4 formulas do include creatine, some of them like C4 Dynasty MXXX as much as 5 grams! If you do not want creatine you are limited to the C4 Ripped formula. Is C4 Pre Workout Bad For You?The ingredients in C4 are pretty standard for pre-workouts and therefor should not be bad for you when used in moderation. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have health conditions you should consult with your doctor before consideration of ANY pre workouts. Is C4 Good For You?If caffeine, pump enhancers and endurance supporting ingredients and effects are what you seek then yes, it’s good for you when used as instructed. Does C4 Pre Workout Have Side Effects?There’s nothing particularly revolutionary about C4’s blends but if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients you may experience specific side effects. One of the most common side effects with pre workouts containing beta-alanine is an itchy sensation and tingling in extremities. Another side effect of caffeine abuse is decreased quality of sleep. It is thus important to follow the manufacturers suggested use instructions. What is bad about C4 pre workout?There are also negative reviews. Some say they've experienced jitters, itching (probably from beta-alanine), and headaches (probably from beta-alanine) when they first started using the pre-workout. Some also complain about C4 not being effective.
Is C4 pre workout bad for your heart?“Most pre-workout mixes are known to contain more than 200 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of coffee, which can improve energy levels but also increase the risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and potentially a heart attack in patients with severe coronary disease.”
Is C4 a good preI think the C4 pre workout is very good and definitely worth a try. It will give you a nice boost of energy, help you train harder, and get results but it's not the best pre workout I've ever tried. If I could recommend just 1 pre-workout it would be Pre-Train by Crazy Bulk.
What does C4 do to your body?It is used to provide long-lasting energy, mental alertness, strength, and endurance, helping to reduce fatigue during workouts. The C4 is primarily used to increase energy and endurance. It functions as a stimulant, containing a healthy dose of caffeine and creatine which both give the body an energy boost.
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