A good pre-workout does two things: gives you clean, reliable energy and sharpens focus so your session actually counts. The trap is the industry norm — underdosed “proprietary blends” that hide how little is really in the tub. Muscleology discloses every milligram.
We make two, for two different lifters:
- Sledgehammer — a full-stim pre-workout with a fully-dosed ~375mg caffeine, beta-alanine, and a pump matrix, for training that demands intensity.
- Category5 — a stim-free pre-workout with a full 5g of creatine, for training late in the day or stacking on top of your morning coffee.
New to it, or deciding? Start with our honest pre-workout ingredient guide, what to look for in a stim-free formula, why pre-workout makes you itchy, how long it lasts, and whether pre-workout is even worth it. Backed by Taste-It-First, free shipping on Subscribe & Save.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best pre-workout?
The best pre-workout is the one dosed honestly for your goal. For high-intensity training, a full-stim formula like Sledgehammer (~375mg caffeine, beta-alanine, pump ingredients) delivers. If you train at night or are caffeine-sensitive, a stim-free option like Category5 gives you the performance ingredients without the jitters. Our ingredient guide walks through what actually matters.
Stim or stim-free — which should I pick?
Choose stim (Sledgehammer) if you train earlier in the day and want the energy and focus kick. Choose stim-free (Category5) if you train in the evening, already drink coffee, or don’t tolerate caffeine well — you still get pump and performance support, plus 5g of creatine.
Why does pre-workout make me itchy?
That tingle is beta-alanine — a well-studied endurance ingredient. It’s called paresthesia, it’s harmless, and it fades as your body adapts. Full explanation in our beta-alanine article.
How long does pre-workout last?
Most stim pre-workouts kick in around 20–30 minutes and the caffeine peak lasts a few hours, with a longer tail. Timing it right matters more than people think — we cover onset, peak, and timing in detail.
Can I take pre-workout every day?
Many people do, but with a full-stim formula it’s smart to watch total daily caffeine and take periodic breaks so your tolerance doesn’t creep up. A stim-free option like Category5 is easy to use daily. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, check with your provider.
Does your pre-workout have creatine?
Category5 does — a full 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, which is why a lot of customers use it as an all-in-one. Sledgehammer is a stim/pump formula without creatine, so it stacks cleanly with our standalone Pure Power creatine.
Is your pre-workout honestly dosed?
Yes — full doses printed on the panel, no hidden proprietary blends. cGMP-manufactured, family-run since 2003.
Pre Workout FAQ
Super8 is a dual-action formula. Not only does it provide a powerful dose of essential branched-chain amino acids, but it also boasts electrolytes, ensuring muscle support and optimal hydration throughout your session.
Sledge Hammer is meticulously crafted, focusing on three core areas: energy enhancement, endurance boost, and sharpened focus. This holistic approach ensures an all-round intensified workout experience.
Absolutely! Category 5 is designed specifically for those who want the benefits of a robust pre-workout without stimulants. Experience amplified performance without any caffeine-induced jitters.
While both are powerful in their own right, stacking should be approached with caution. For those who are experienced and understand their body's tolerance, a custom mix might offer synergistic benefits. However, always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
Typically, consuming your chosen pre-workout 20-30 minutes before training can yield optimal results. However, always follow the recommended guidelines on the product label.
Pre Workout FAQ
Super8 is a dual-action formula. Not only does it provide a powerful dose of essential branched-chain amino acids, but it also boasts electrolytes, ensuring muscle support and optimal hydration throughout your session.
Sledge Hammer is meticulously crafted, focusing on three core areas: energy enhancement, endurance boost, and sharpened focus. This holistic approach ensures an all-round intensified workout experience.
Absolutely! Category 5 is designed specifically for those who want the benefits of a robust pre-workout without stimulants. Experience amplified performance without any caffeine-induced jitters.
While both are powerful in their own right, stacking should be approached with caution. For those who are experienced and understand their body's tolerance, a custom mix might offer synergistic benefits. However, always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
Typically, consuming your chosen pre-workout 20-30 minutes before training can yield optimal results. However, always follow the recommended guidelines on the product label.