This is our review of the Best Thermogenic Pre-workout in .
Exercising is one of the stepping stones to an incredible physique. And people put in a lot of time towards training to build muscle and strength. A pre-workout supplement helps in providing the much-needed energy boost so that you can train harder and for a longer time.
A thermogenic pre-workout goes one step further. They help quicken metabolism, so you burn calories and fat faster and more efficiently. Effectively, thermogenic pre-workout will help you lose weight while building lean muscle mass.
As a nutritionist, I know that a very limited percentage of pre-workout supplements actually have fat-burning functions, and I consider EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout the best thermogenic pre-workout. It brings together some fantastic ingredients known for being fat-burners, such as Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), L-Carnitine, Green tea extract, Capsimax, and more. I also believe that the more well-rounded the pre-workout, the better the results are. A pre-workout that caters to different aspects of muscle health always gets my thumbs-up. And EVL ENGN SHRED contains energy boosters and nootropics to give you a better workout and weight-loss experience.
Besides this, I have put together 5 more pre-workouts that have incredible thermogenic qualities, and function well as fat burners of a high standard.
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Overall | EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout |
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Endurance | Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout |
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Pump | Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout Powder |
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Energy | NITROSURGE Shred Pre-Workout Supplement |
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Vegan | Kaged Muscle Clean Burn Powder |
| Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout – Weight Loss | Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion Ripped |
Make sure to read right up till the end so that you can choose the best fat-burning pre-workout for yourself.
6 Best Thermogenic Pre-Workouts Reviewed by a Nutritionist
Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving, as mentioned on the product label.
EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout – Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout (Overall)
Key Ingredients: Conjugated Linoleic Acid, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Coleus Extract, Red Pepper Fruit Extract, Yohimbe Extract, Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, Betaine Anhydrous, Choline Bitartrate, L-Tyrosine, Agmatine Sulphate, Alpha-GPC, Huperzia Serrata Extract
The ingredient list of EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout is phenomenal. They have included a well-rounded set of elements to ensure fat-burning, energy-boost, endurance, and power. Moreover, this is a creatine-free formula. An added bonus for anyone who is already on a creatine supplement or for someone avoiding creatine for various reasons.
Let us start with the ones that matter the most here – the thermogenic constituents, with Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) being the first in line. CLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that we acquire from our diet since our bodies are unable to produce it naturally. CLA is the weight loser’s best friend because it specifically targets fat loss, leaving muscles virtually untouched. CLA not only helps you burn more calories through stored fat, but also helps in blood sugar control, boosts immunity, and improves bone strength.
Other fat-burners like L-Carnitine L-Tartrate ably support it, and plant extracts from Coleus, Red Pepper Fruit (Capsimax), and Yohimbe. Capsimax also doubles as a mild appetite suppressant, while Yohimbe helps stabilize mood and promote calmness.
Aside from the thermogenic constituents, this pre-workout also has a good energy complex with a combination of natural coffee bean caffeine and green tea extract. This gives a clean and smooth energy rush and prevents uncomfortable jitters and nervousness.
They have also included a ‘mind-to-muscle matrix’ to enable better mental focus and improved blood circulation to muscles. This consists of a blend of 6 nootropic and nitric-oxide boosters, including Betaine Anhydrous, Alpha-GPC, and Huperzine extract. While the ingredients are known to be phenomenal in boosting muscle performance, a lack of individual quantities puts a question mark on the overall efficacy of the blend in this aspect.
Nerve and muscle vitamins such as Niacin, Vitamins B6, B12, and Folic Acid help in providing ample nutritional support for an overall high-quality performance experience.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Strong and balanced thermogenic representation | Pump-enhancers and nootropics present as a blend |
| Clean and smooth energy rush | |
| Creatine-free formula |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Users love the premium formula and fat-burning efficacy of EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout. Many mentioned that they experienced a jitter-free energy rush with no rebound crash. They also commented on how good the pre-workout tastes and the decent flavor range. However, some customers complained about the product’s poor mixability, while some found the pre-workout expensive.
Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout – Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout for Endurance
Key Ingredients: Citrulline Malate 2:1, BCAA 2:1:1 (Instantized), Beta Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Acetyl L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Choline Bitartrate, L-Theanine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Theobromine, DiCaffeine Malate, BioPerine
People essentially opt for thermogenic pre-workouts to get the added benefits of fat-burning and weight loss. However, we also need to consider what else the thermogenic pre-workout brings to the table. After all, you can’t be stacking on multiple pre-workouts to enjoy different benefits.
Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout is a great way to enhance calorie burning AND improve muscle endurance. The ingredients within its formula work on calorie consumption and also specifically focus on improving muscle strength.
This is a great way of ensuring better and cleaner fat-burning. Citrulline Malate is an excellent ingredient with versatile functioning. It helps to enhance muscle performance, increase strength and promote muscle endurance.
The presence of BCAAs works at different levels of muscle health. They help promote anabolism (muscle-building) and prevent catabolism (muscle breakdown), making the body focus on burning calories through fat. BCAAs also build endurance and help you train for longer periods of time.
Beta-Alanine and Choline Bitartrate are the other ingredients that support muscle endurance and enhance muscle performance and training time. Betaine Anhydrous helps improve blood circulation to muscles and gives a decent pump.
I love that they have added Acetyl L-Carnitine instead of just L-Carnitine. While L-Carnitine is a great fat-burner and energizer at the level of the body, Acetyl L-Carnitine goes a step further and energizes the brain as well. This means that it is able to improve cognitive functioning, encouraging the brain to focus better on the workout.
Caffeine in its dual form, L-Theanine, Theobromine, and BioPerine, perform multiple functions. They focus on boosting energy, improving alertness, and reducing physical and mental stress. DiCaffeine Malate and Theobromine can also aid in weight loss through appetite suppression.
There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners, which has probably resulted in a not-so-tasty product.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Excellent muscle endurance capabilities | Poor in taste |
| Good nootropic representation | Does not blend well |
| No artificial colors, sweeteners or flavors |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Users have endorsed the thermogenic and performance capabilities of Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout. They have commended the clean rush of energy it gives and how they can train beyond their previous capacity. However, a few users have called it out for its poor taste and mixability.
Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout Powder – Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout for Pump
Key Ingredients: Citrulline Malate, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Nitrosigine, Taurine, BioPerine, Ultimate Shred & Thermogenic Matrix (N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Capsimax, Green Tea Extract, Alpha-GPC, and others)
If you are looking for a pre-workout that helps you burn more calories AND give you a swole look, Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout Powder is a great option.
It contains 6g of Citrulline Malate, one of the most well-researched ingredients that has proven its worth in stimulating a great pump. It helps by boosting nitric oxide levels in the blood, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation to muscles.
Along with Citrulline, the formula also includes a generous 1.5g of Betaine Anhydrous, another stellar ingredient for a great pump. While Citrulline mainly focuses on pumps generated through better blood circulation, Betaine sustains pumps through better muscle hydration.
This combination of providing circulation-based and hydration-pumps gives you a chiseled, skin-tearing pump that is sustained and durable.
Another excellent addition is Nitrosigine. Nitrosigine is a patented ingredient made of arginine silicate, a precursor to nitric oxide. This ensures that pumps are stronger and last for a longer time.
The thermogenic component is present in the form of a blend of ingredients, including N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Capsimax, Green Tea Extract, and Apha-GPC. The blend also includes many other interesting plant-based extracts. Though I know that the prime thermogenic ingredients are wonderful fat-burners, but since they have been clubbed together under a single blend, understanding the complete thermogenic efficacy is challenging.
Besides this, the supplement also contains muscle-supportive nutrients such as Niacin, Vitamins B6, B12, Folic Acid, and Calcium.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Ability for skin-tearing pumps | Thermogenics present as a blend |
| Decent muscle-supportive nutrient profile | Contains artificial flavors and colors |
| Great stamina experience |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Users are in love with Cellucor C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout for the energy boost and quality of the pump they experience after taking it. They also were able to focus better on the workout. However, some customers were unhappy with the taste and after-taste of the supplement. They also mentioned its poor mixability.
NITROSURGE Shred Pre-Workout Supplement – Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout for Energy
Key Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Theanine, Theobromine, BioPerine
Many people equate increased energy with fat-burning. Even though both have some overlapping commonalities, they are actually different functions of a pre-workout supplement.
Thermogenic ingredients mainly focus on the specific function of fat-burning, while an energy boost is what encourages you to train harder and longer. The NITROSURGE Shred Pre-Workout scores on both. It imparts a high-quality energy boost AND is an effective fat-burner as well.
This supplement employs a brilliant combination of ingredients for energy – Caffeine, and L-theanine. Most of us are aware of the effects of caffeine on our bodies. It enhances energy by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. This leads to intense rushes of energy and hyperfocus.
However, the downside could be the consequent crash in energy, sleeplessness, and jitters. L-Theanine counters all of these. It channels the effects of caffeine so that you can derive maximum efficacy and benefit in your energy levels without any side effects.
Thus, this supplement gives an intense but very clean and smooth energy rush. And eliminates the energy slump that usually follows. It also boosts muscle performance and improves reaction time.
Theobromine enhances mental energy and cognition, enabling you to train in a more focused and dedicated manner.
I would also like to point out that they have actually included a smaller number of ingredients in their formula, as compared to other pre-workouts. But this works out really well because almost all the ingredients function on more than one level.
The thermogenic component is taken care of by Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Caffeine, Theobromine, and BioPerine. While the first ingredient doubles up as a muscle energizer, the latter three help enhance focus and alertness. BioPerine also stimulates energy levels without the unwanted crash-and-fatigue phenomenon.
L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine help to impart better pump, endurance, and power to muscles, respectively. They ably support the energy ingredients for an overall stronger workout experience.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Intelligent combination of energy-boosters | May cause tingling (due to beta alanine) |
| Crash-free and jitter-free energy | Not high on flavor |
| CGMP-Certified |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers love the smooth energy burst they experience after consuming NITROSURGE Shred Pre-Workout. They are in love with the jitter-free quality of their experience. However, some users felt underwhelmed with the supplement as they did not experience a high energy boost. Some others were not happy with its taste.
Kaged Muscle Clean Burn Powder Extreme Thermogenic – Best Vegan Thermogenic Pre-Workout
Key Ingredients: CarniPure L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, PurCaf Caffeine, Organic Guayusa, Capsimax Capsicum Fruit Extract, CaloriBurn GP Grains of Paradise Seed Extract, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Powder, L-Tyrosine, Coconut Fruit Water Powder
If you are looking for a thermogenic pre-workout that is entirely vegan, Kaged Muscle Clean Burn Powder should top your list. The ingredient list is unique and focuses majorly on providing you with better energy and fat-burning capability.
What is also great about this supplement is that it is non-GMO, and its ingredients are either certified-organic or patented. This makes this supplement a premium formula that can give you maximum benefit because of its purity and quality.
We know that L-Carnitine and Caffeine are amazing at boosting energy levels and can also target fat. But the two ingredients I felt most excited about were Apple Cider Vinegar Powder and Organic Guayusa.
Both these ingredients have the potential to provide a very clean energy rush and burn. They additionally also deliver antioxidants and micronutrients to the body that can contribute to better immunity and pH balance in the blood.
CaloriBurn GP is another patented ingredient containing Grains of Paradise. This unconventional addition is known to be a great fat burner and is also known for its benefits in improving digestive health and optimizing blood sugar levels.
While I am thoroughly impressed with the clean, vegan, and ultra-premium ingredients, I would have loved to see a fuller muscle health coverage in their formula. There is an inadequate representation for muscle endurance, pump, and recovery. That’s why this pre-workout would work best for people focusing more on cardio workouts rather than hardcore training.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Vegan formula | Lacking ingredients for muscle endurance, pump and recovery |
| Non-GMO ingredients | May not be suited for hard trainers |
| No artificial colors or flavors |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Vegan users are happy with Kaged Muscle Clean Burn Powder for its clean and quality formula. They also love the taste of the pre-workout.
Six Star PreWorkout Explosion Ripped – Best Thermogenic Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
Key Ingredients: Caffeine Anhydrous, Choline Bitartrate, L-tyrosine, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Green Coffee Extract, Beta Alanine, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-Citrulline (dual form), Taurine, L-Arginine Hydrochloride
If your core goal and motivation behind working out is to lose weight, then Six Star PreWorkout Explosion Ripped is the ideal pre-workout supplement for you.
It contains 200mg of Green Coffee Extract, a potent fat burner and weight loss promoter. It is claimed to help you burn more calories in a shorter span of time, explicitly targeting body fat.
Caffeine Anhydrous helps enhance pre-workout energy, increase focus, and burn more calories during your workout.
L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate is another wonderful fat burner that helps you to lose weight. It makes more energy available for consumption, helping you train harder and burn more calories.
Another addition to the formula is Choline bitartrate. While we know that it helps to delay the effects of muscle fatigue, some research[1] shows its efficacy in boosting weight loss.
This supplement is also packed with ingredients that specifically focus on enhancing muscle pumps. Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, L-Arginine Alpha-ketoglutarate, and L-Arginine Hydrochloride are ingredients we know work wonderfully in boosting nitric oxide levels and blood circulation. But since Citrulline and Arginine are present as part of a blend, their exact dosages are unknown, and overall efficacy cannot be determined.
Lastly, this pre-workout does contain artificial flavors, and may not be allergen-free because of the facility it is processed in. These may become important decisive factors before consuming this supplement.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Weight loss-centric formula | Blend-based formula |
| Decent muscle-pump complex | Contains artificial flavors |
| Good mixability |
Summary of Customer Reviews
Users love the energy rush and accelerated weight loss benefits they have experienced after taking Six Star Explosion Ripped Pre-Workout. Many customers are not happy with the taste, while some others are not happy with the quantity they are getting at the price they are paying.
What is a thermogenic pre-workout?
A thermogenic pre-workout is one that helps to promote the process of thermogenesis in the body. Thermogenesis is when the metabolic rate of the body increases to produce heat. This heat increases the body’s temperature, leading to calorie-burning of a higher quality and quantity.
A thermogenic pre-workout helps burn fat that is stored in the body by converting it into energy which is then used up in a workout.
What are the benefits of a thermogenic pre-workout?
A thermogenic pre-workout carries with it one prime benefit, along with the additional benefits experienced with any other pre-workouts:
Fat-burning
A thermogenic pre-workout helps to burn fat more efficiently through the process of thermogenesis. This helps to target better calorie-burning and fat loss.
Other general pre-workout benefits:
Energy boost
You are able to train better and harder because a pre-workout contains ingredients that help to amp up your energy levels.
Better pump
Pre-workouts help to increase blood circulation and hydration to muscles, giving them a swole and pumped look.
Delayed fatigue
Muscles tend to get tired during a workout, especially during repetitive exercises. Pre-workouts help delay the fatigue from setting in so muscles can perform better.
Sharper focus
They help you focus better and stay alert during your workout, so your training experience improves multifold. Nootropics in the pre-workout sharpen the mind-to-muscle connection and improve your overall workout experience.
Faster recovery
A good pre-workout also contains ingredients that help muscles recover faster after a workout, so you are able to pack in more workouts during the week.
Are thermogenic pre-workouts harmful to health?
Thermogenic pre-workouts are generally safe when taken in the recommended dosages. However, some people may experience some unpleasant side effects such as:
- Jitters and nervousness due to the presence of caffeine. If you experience this, take a pre-workout supplement without caffeine or other stimulants.
- Itchiness and tingling if there is oversensitivity to beta-alanine. To avoid this sensation, take a pre-workout without beta-alanine.
- Dehydration, if care is not taken to consume enough water. This happens because thermogenic pre-workouts increase core temperature and heat in the body.
What is the difference between thermogenic and other pre-workouts?
Thermogenic pre-workouts and other pre-workouts overlap in most of their functionality. However, here is how you can differentiate between the two:
| Thermogenic Pre-Workout | Other Pre-Workouts |
| Primarily focuses on weight loss and fat loss | Primarily focuses on boosting energy before a workout and improving lean body mass |
| Contain more ingredients that help increase the body’s core temperature | Contain more ingredients that help in amping energy and delaying muscle fatigue |
| May additionally feature ingredients that enhance pump and delay fatigue | Always contain ingredients to develop pump and endurance. May contain thermogenic ingredients in lesser dosages |
Which key ingredients should I look for in a thermogenic pre-workout?
While there are many ingredients that claim to have thermogenic benefits, here are the well-researched and proven ones you should look for in the best pre-workout for cutting:
- Caffeine
- Green tea extract
- Green coffee bean extract
- L-Carnitine
- Cayenne pepper extract
- Garcinia cambogia
- Yohimbe
- Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)
Buying Guide: What to look for in a Thermogenic Pre-workouts?
Here are some aspects you need to consider while buying the best pre-workout for weight loss:
Ingredient List
Go for a pre-workout with ingredients proven to have fat-burning benefits (see list above). A good thermogenic pre-workout usually contains at least 3 fat-burning ingredients.
Formula Transparency
Choose pre-workouts that mention the exact dosages of their ingredients. Transparency in displaying the pre-workout formula helps you understand its efficacy.
After much research and consideration, I have recommended a few products with ‘blends’ in the above list. However, do stay away from blends as much as possible.
Validated Products
Always choose research-based supplements and/or validated by third-party authorities for the quality of their ingredients and manufacturing practices.
Your Current Health
Always consider your individual allergies and sensitivities before buying a supplement. If you are sensitive to caffeine, beta-alanine or any other ingredient featured in a thermogenic pre-workout, look for one that does not contain them.
Price
Choose a pre-workout that sits well with your budget. This is because the relationship with a pre-workout supplement does not last for just one box. Go for one that you would be comfortable purchasing again and again.
Conclusion
Thermogenic pre-workouts are a great way to maintain energy levels during your workout and lose fat simultaneously. However, keep in mind that following a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential in maintaining a healthy weight and optimum fitness levels.
EVL ENGN SHRED Pre-Workout is the best fat-burning pre-workout I have encountered. It contains research-backed ingredients that are proven to show fat-burning benefits. Nootropics and energy-boosting ingredients ably support the thermogenic component, making this a well-rounded pre-workout.
FAQs
Should I switch to a thermogenic pre-workout?
A thermogenic pre-workout has the specific target of burning excess fat stored in the body. If you are in the phase where your body’s fat composition is on the higher side, and you need to lose inches, you could consider taking a thermogenic pre-workout.
Do thermogenics make you feel more energized?
Some pre-workout ingredients such as Caffeine and L-Carnitine fulfill dual purposes- they are fat-burners and also provide an energy boost. So, a thermogenic supplement that contains energy boosters will make you feel more energized if the dosages are optimum.
A minimum dosage of 135 mg is recommended for caffeine, while a minimum dosage of 600 mg is advisable for L-Carnitine per serving. However, your caffeine dosage entirely depends on your sensitivity to it.
Should I take regular breaks from my thermogenic pre-workout?
It would help if you took timed breaks every 10-15 days from your thermogenic pre-workout. This is to avoid your body from developing a resistance to the fat-burning ingredients.
You could also alternate between 2 or more pre-workouts to prevent your body from getting too used to a particular product.
How do I take a thermogenic pre-workout?
The recommended way to take a thermogenic pre-workout is about 30 minutes before your breakfast or morning workout. This is to rev up your metabolism in the morning itself so that the effects continue throughout the day.
Is taking more thermogenics better?
Not necessarily. Thermogenic pre-workouts that work best are those that contain optimally dosed, researched-backed ingredients.
What should I know before taking a thermogenic pre-workout supplement?
A thermogenic pre-workout is specifically used to burn fat by increasing the body’s core temperature. So, you must hydrate yourself adequately to prevent dehydration.
Also, a fat-burning pre-workout can never burn fat when working alone. You need to combine this with a healthy diet and lifestyle to support fat loss and maintain a healthy weight.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.
