​5 Best Pre-Workouts for Pump [Tested & Reviewed]

Getting a great muscle pump during your workout feels amazing. It’s that tight, full feeling in your muscles that shows you’re pushing yourself hard. But to really maximize your pump, sometimes you need a little extra help. That’s where pre-workout supplements come in.

In this article, we’ve tested and selected the 5 best pre-workouts that can give you that incredible pump. Whether you're lifting weights or hitting a hard workout, these will make a noticeable difference. Let’s dive in!

[Related Article] 7 Best Pump Supplements in 2024: Boost Workouts & Maximize Gains

Short Summary

• Top Picks: Discover the 5 best pre-workouts that are great for boosting your muscle pump.
• Tested Products: Each pre-workout on the list has been tested to ensure it delivers results.
• Ingredients: Learn about the key ingredients that contribute to a powerful pump.
• Key Benefits: Find out what makes these pre-workouts stand out, from increased energy to enhanced muscle growth.
• Choosing the Right One: Get tips on how to pick the best pre-workout based on your needs and goals.
• Ready to Transform? Explore our top recommended pre workout for pumps, Wild Thing by Assault Labs, and witness the transformation firsthand.

What is a Pump Pre-Workout?

A pump pre-workout is a type of supplement designed to help you achieve a more intense muscle pump during your workout. The “pump” is the feeling of your muscles swelling and becoming fuller as you exercise. This sensation is due to increased blood flow and nutrients reaching your muscles.

Pump pre-workouts contain ingredients that increase blood flow and improve your workout performance. They often include ingredients like citrulline, arginine, or nitrates, which help your blood vessels widen and let more blood flow into your muscles. This means you get a more noticeable pump and can sometimes lift heavier or work out longer.

Benefits of Pump Pre-Workouts

Pump pre-workouts offer several benefits that can enhance your exercise routine:

• Enhanced Muscle Pump: These supplements help increase blood flow to your muscles, making them look fuller and more defined during your workout.
• Increased Blood Flow: Pump pre-workouts help improve blood circulation to your muscles. This means more nutrients and oxygen reach your muscles, which can result in better performance.
• Improved Performance: With better blood flow, you might experience more strength and endurance, allowing you to push harder and longer.
• Enhanced focus and energy: Many pump pre-workouts contain ingredients that can boost your mental clarity and energy levels, helping you stay motivated during your workouts.
• Better Muscle Vascularity: They can make your veins more visible, which is often desired by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

How We Chose the Best Pump Pre-Workout

Choosing the best pump pre-workout involves a few key steps:

Research: We started by looking into popular and highly-rated pre-workouts known for boosting muscle pumps. We checked reviews and expert opinions to find the top contenders.

Ingredient quality: We looked for products that contain high-quality ingredients known to promote muscle pumps, such as creatine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide boosters.

Testing: We tested these pre-workouts ourselves to evaluate their effectiveness. This included checking how well they improved muscle pump, energy levels, and overall workout performance.

Considered user reviews: We read through hundreds of customer reviews to get a sense of how well each pre-workout worked in real life.

Taste and solubility: We also considered the taste and solubility of each product to ensure it's easy to mix and consume.

Value: Finally, we assessed the overall value, including price and effectiveness, to ensure the best products were selected.

A Quick Look at the Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Pump

1. Wild Thing by Assault Labs – Best Overall + Out Top Pick
2. Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements – Best Pre-workout for Pump, Energy, and Endurance.
3. Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind – Best Pre-workout for Pump, Vascularity and Focus
4. Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements – Best Pre-workout for Pump, Focus, and Strength.
5. Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump – Best Non-Stim Pre-workout for Pump

1- Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing from Assault Labs is designed to enhance your workout performance. It includes amino acids, creatine, and other nutrients to support muscle growth and recovery during exercise.

Wild Thing aims to deliver a significant muscle pump and improved vascularity, helping you achieve a more intense workout experience.

This pre-workout also features a blend of nootropics to help improve focus and energy. The formula includes a mix of caffeine sources, such as ZumXR® and Infinergy®, for an initial boost of energy with sustained release throughout your workout.

Key Ingredients of Wild Thing

DiCitrulline Malate/Infinergy®: This amino acid boosts muscular energy and enhances both anaerobic and aerobic performance. It enhances nitric oxide production for better muscle pumps and helps reduce fatigue and soreness after training.

Beta-Alanine: This amino acid increases muscle carnosine levels, which helps delay muscle fatigue and allows you to work harder during intense exercise.

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline: Known as Alpha-GPC, this ingredient improves mental focus and mood. It delivers choline to the brain, which can boost mental energy and cognitive function.

Agmatine Sulfate: A byproduct of arginine, agmatine helps increase nitric oxide production for improved muscle pumps.

Creatine Anhydrous: Creatine supports muscle growth by regenerating ATP, the primary energy source for cells. It helps with muscle volumization and reduces fatigue.

L-Glutamine: This amino acid supports muscle growth, prevents muscle breakdown, and improves recovery.

Choline Bitartrate: Converts into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that aids in memory, muscle control, and other brain functions.

Caffeine Anhydrous: A common pre-workout ingredient that provides a powerful energy boost and enhances fat burning by increasing thermogenesis.

L-Tyrosine: This amino acid helps maintain brain function, improve mood, and reduce anxiety.

L-Norvaline: Improves nitric oxide circulation and nutrient delivery to muscles during and after workouts.

ZumXR®: This form of caffeine provides sustained energy and focus while reducing the typical energy crashes associated with regular caffeine.

Huperzine A: A nootropic that helps improve cognitive function.

Infinergy®: Combines caffeine with malic acid to extend the effects of caffeine, improve energy production, and enhance mental focus.

Cocoabuterol®: A natural cocoa extract that boosts mood, aids fat loss, supports muscle growth, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Thinkamine®: A patented nootropic that enhances cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity during workouts.

Key Benefits of Wild Thing

• This pre-workout increases your pumps.
• It increases your energy levels.
• It improves your focus and overall mood.
• It boosts your strength.
• It helps improve your muscle endurance.
• It speeds up your muscle recovery.
• It helps reduce muscle fatigue.
• It enhances your muscle control.
• It improves your cognitive functions.
• It supports your overall workout.

Customer Reviews: Wild Thing by Assault Labs

 Best Pump, great energy !

“The pump was great ! More vascular it’s on my arms! More energy since I train after work 1st shift. Worth the money ! I’ve tried tons of pre work out !”

-Zachary W.

 Its explosive alright

“It was something different, and different can be either good, or bad. This is definitely a good different. Slight tingling, nothing unbearable, and great pumps, good for an arm and/or back chest day”

-eric c.

 Precisely Crafted

“Excellent preworkout. Assault labs created this one perfectly! Great pump, energy that lasts the duration of my workout. Fantastic flavor and taste.”

-Will D.

2- Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements

Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements is designed to help you push past your limits and achieve impressive results. This pre-workout focuses on improving strength, stamina, and energy levels.

This pre-workout includes advanced ingredients that help boost your energy and support intense training sessions. It is formulated to help you push through plateaus and achieve better results in your workouts. It’s crafted for serious athletes looking to take their training to the next level.

Key Ingredients of Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements

Beta-Alanine: This amino acid boosts muscle carnosine levels, which helps decrease muscle fatigue and allows you to perform better during intense exercise.

Caffeine Anhydrous: It is a potent form of caffeine that enhances mental alertness and focus. It also supports fat breakdown and reduces water retention, which can aid in weight loss.

Alpha Yohimbine Hydrochloride: Improves fat breakdown and blood flow while reducing fat synthesis.

1,3,7 Trimethylxanthine (Delayed Caffeine): This form of caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which can boost mental alertness and decrease feelings of fatigue. It may improve endurance, strength, and focus and reduce muscle soreness after workouts.

Theobromine: Derived from cocoa, this ingredient helps create a pleasant feeling similar to that of chocolate. It can smooth out the effects of caffeine and other stimulants.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): GABA is a neurotransmitter that has calming effects and may help reduce anxiety. While not directly linked to workout performance, GABA can aid in recovery and improve sleep quality, which supports muscle growth and overall performance.

L-Citrulline Malate 2:1: This amino acid helps increase energy levels, improve strength and power, and boost nitric oxide production for better muscle pumps. It also helps reduce fatigue and soreness after training.

Key Benefits of Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements

• It improves your pump.
• It increases your energy levels.
• It helps enhance your muscle endurance.
• It boosts your mood.
• It helps improve your focus and concentration.
• It increases your metabolism.
• It maximizes your workout strength.
• It accelerates your muscle recovery.

Customer Reviews: Seismic Surge by Hard Rock Supplements

 WOW - Amazing Experience

“I call this an experience becusae thats what it feels like! Take a scoop or if you want to fly take 2 and go on a journey thats like no other and oh yea when the ship finally lands you completed the workout of your life.”

-Josesph

 Very potent

“Strongest preworkout I have ever used including original craze and speed x2.”

-Dave

 Seismic surge

“Very potent. If you’re sensitive to caffeine then I’d be careful with this. It is non stop energy and the pumps are amazing. I’ll definitely be ordering this again. The taste wasn’t bad either. Gushing grape.”

-Hardbody

3- Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind

Gorilla Mode is designed to enhance your workout by boosting nitric oxide levels, improving hydration, and increasing energy, focus, muscle strength, and endurance. This pre-workout formula includes high doses of L-Citrulline, GlycerPump, Agmatine, Creatine, and Betaine to enhance blood flow and intracellular hydration in your muscles.

It also features a potent stimulant complex with a significant amount of caffeine and nootropics like L-Tyrosine, Kanna, and Huperzine A, which work together to improve energy, focus, and mental sharpness.

Key Ingredients of Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind

L-Citrulline: This amino acid helps improve nitric oxide production, which enhances blood flow to the muscles. This can enhance endurance and reduce muscle soreness, allowing for harder workouts and faster recovery.

Creatine Monohydrate (Micronized): A well-known supplement that increases ATP production, providing quick energy for high-intensity exercises.

GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder): A powerful hydration agent that helps muscles retain water, leading to better endurance and a fuller muscle "pump."

Malic Acid: Often used with L-Citrulline, it supports energy production and reduces fatigue, helping you work out longer and harder.

Betaine Anhydrous: This compound may improve muscle strength and power, potentially enhancing your overall workout performance.

L-Tyrosine: An amino acid that helps produce neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline, keeping you focused and alert during your workouts.

Agmatine Sulfate: This ingredient may enhance nitric oxide production and help manage pain.

Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum): An adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a better mental state for focused workouts.

Caffeine Anhydrous: A pure and dehydrated form of caffeine that improves alertness, energy levels, and metabolic rate, commonly used in pre-workout supplements.

N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate: This ingredient provides an energizing sensation that can help maintain motivation during exercise.

Bioperine® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract): Improves the absorption of other ingredients, ensuring your body effectively utilizes every component.

Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata leaf extract): This ingredient may improve cognitive function and memory, allowing better focus during workouts.

Key Benefits of Gorilla Mode Pre Workout by Gorilla Mind

• It supports your muscle pump and vascularity.
• It increases energy levels.
• It helps improve your mental focus.
• It boosts your endurance.
• It promotes your power.
• It enhances your muscle volume.

Customer Reviews: Gorilla Mode Pre Workout by Gorilla Mind

 Amazing pumps

“On my 2nd jar of Gorilla Mode now and I've been loving the pumps and energy I get from it. I started with one scoop for the first few days then increased to 2 scoops. The difference from 1 to 2 scoops is very noticeable. Way more energy, way better pumps, and I felt a lot stronger during my training sessions. Love that it doesn't have any beta alanine because I personally hate the tingly sensation it causes.”

-Jason

4- Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements

Wrecked is one of the strongest pre-workouts available, designed to enhance your workout performance and intensity. With over 17 highly effective ingredients, it enhances your workouts from multiple angles. Just one scoop of Wrecked delivers powerful muscle pumps, sharp focus, intense energy, and increased strength.

What sets Wrecked apart is its formulation. It contains 17 clinically dosed ingredients, more than 30 grams of which are in each serving, making it more potent than many other pre-workout options on the market.

Key Ingredients of Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements

L-Citrulline: This amino acid is converted to L-arginine in the body, leading to increased nitric oxide levels. This can cause blood vessels to dilate, improving blood, nutrients, and oxygen delivery to working muscles during exercise.

Beta Alanine: This non-essential amino acid helps improve muscle carnosine levels, which can decrease fatigue and allow for more work at high intensities.

Betaine Anhydrous: Found in foods like beets and seafood, betaine helps lower homocysteine levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also enhance strength and muscle mass by improving protein synthesis.

S7: A blend of seven plant-based ingredients that can boost nitric oxide levels by up to 230%, enhancing your body’s natural nitric oxide production.

Theobromine: This compound found in chocolate can provide a relaxed, feel-good energy without a crash.

Agmatine Sulfate: A byproduct of arginine that may help release growth hormone and produce nitric oxide, leading to muscle pumps.

L-Tyrosine: An amino acid that promotes brain function, helping to maintain focus and reduce stress during workouts.

Hydromax: An osmotic compound that helps retain water within muscle cells, enhancing muscle size, strength, and hydration.

Alpha GPC: A choline compound that may rapidly deliver choline to the brain, boosting mood, mental energy, and brain cell development.

Eria Jarensis Extract: Elevates mood by increasing dopamine and noradrenaline, enhancing focus, alertness, and concentration.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder: This mushroom is known for its ability to improve focus, reduce brain fog, and protect brain tissue.

Rauwolscine (Yohimbe): A stimulant that promotes fat burning, increases blood flow, and supports mood and appetite suppression.

Key Benefits of Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements

• It improves your muscle pumps.
• It increases your energy levels.
• It enhances your endurance.
• It boosts your focus.

Customer Reviews: Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Supplements

 Get Huge be Huge Stay Huge

“I take it first thing upon waking before my workout when I’m on night shift. Shakes off the cobwebs and gives me a laser focus to maximize the reps and sets. Great taste and mixes just fine. Definitely recommended”

-Josh L.

 Insane pumps, energy, focus, and motivation!

“Started out with a heaping scoop to feel it out and holy moly... this stuff hits hard! Slowly working my way up to 2 scoops but even at 1 scoop this is by far one of the strongest preworkouts I've ever tried. Everything from the formula down to the flavoring ticks all the right boxes for me. Definitely my new favorite pre!”

-Jackson

5- Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump

SuperHuman Pump is a non-stimulant pre-workout supplement formulated to improve muscle pumps and vascularity during workouts. It aims to provide a strong workout experience without the use of stimulants. 

It includes a blend of ingredients such as S7, Citrulline Malate, HydroPrime, and AlphaSize, all intended to optimize muscle pumps and overall workout performance.

Key Ingredients of Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump

L-Citrulline Malate: L-Citrulline is an amino acid that helps boost blood flow to muscles and oxygen utilization during workouts. It can enhance muscular energy, strength, performance, endurance, and recovery. Additionally, it may increase nitric oxide production, leading to better muscle fullness and vascularity.

S7: A blend of seven plant-based ingredients that increase nitric oxide levels by up to 230%, boosting your body’s natural nitric oxide production.

HydroPrime: Similar to glycerol, this ingredient helps enhance muscle pumps without causing clumping.

Beta-Alanine: This amino acid raises carnosine levels in muscles, helping to reduce fatigue and allowing you to perform better during intense workouts.

Organic Lion’s Mane: Known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, this mushroom can help improve focus and reduce fatigue, aiding in recovery.

AlphaSize: A growth hormone potentiate that is clinically proven to improve mental focus, helping maintain concentration during workouts.

Key Benefits of Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump

• This supplement enhances your pumps and vascularity.
• It helps hydrate your muscles.
• It supports your energy levels and focus.
• It improves your overall workout performance.

Key Ingredients in Pre-Workouts for Pump

When looking for a pre-workout that helps with muscle pumps, certain ingredients are particularly effective. Here are some common pre-workout ingredients to look for:

L-Citrulline

This amino acid helps improve nitric oxide levels in the body, which improves blood flow to the muscles. This leads to better pumps and enhanced performance during workouts.

Beta-Alanine

This amino acid increases carnosine levels in muscles. Higher carnosine levels can help reduce fatigue during intense exercise, enabling you to push through tough workouts and achieve a better pump.

Creatine

Provides quick energy for muscles by replenishing ATP. This helps with strength, power, and muscle growth, ultimatly increasing high intensity exercise performance.

Agmatine Sulfate

A byproduct of arginine, agmatine promotes nitric oxide production and can boost muscle pumps while also helping with recovery.

S7

A blend of seven plant-based ingredients that significantly increases nitric oxide levels for an intense pump.

How to Choose the Best Pre-Workout for Pump

Choosing the best pre-workout supplement for a great pump involves a few key steps:

• Check the Ingredients: Look for key ingredients like L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Agmatine, and Creatine. These ingredients are known to boost blood flow and improve muscle pumps.
• Evaluate Caffeine Content: If you're sensitive to caffeine, choose a non-stim pre-workout option or one with lower caffeine levels. Some pre-workouts focus solely on pumps without stimulants.
• Your budget: Pre-workout supplements can vary in price. Determine your budget and select a product that fits within your spending limits.
• Review Dosages: Make sure the supplement has effective dosages of the key ingredients. Check labels for the amount of each ingredient to ensure you're getting a good dose.
• Reputation of the brand: Choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality supplements.
• Read Reviews and Ratings: Look at user reviews to see how others have experienced the product. This can give you an idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

Can We Increase the Pumping Effect Without a Pre-Workout?

Yes, it’s possible to enhance the pumping effect without pre-workout supplements. For a natural pump boost without relying on supplements, consider incorporating high-rep isolation exercises into your workout routine.

• Isolation exercises help target specific muscle groups, allowing for a more concentrated blood flow.
• High reps further increase blood flow to the muscles, enhancing the pump.

FAQs: Best Pre-workout for Pump

Q: Does a pre-workout supplement give you a pump?

A: Although pre-workout supplements alone won't create a pump without exercise, specific ingredients, especially L-Citrulline, can significantly enhance your ability to achieve a good pump during your workout.

Q: How do pump pre-workouts work?

A: Pump pre-workouts work by boosting nitric oxide levels in the body. This leads to expanded blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow into the muscles.

Q: How long before my workout should I take a pump pre-workout?

A: It’s typically recommended to take a pump pre-workout 20-30 minutes before starting your workout. This allows enough time for the ingredients to take effect.

Q: How often can I use pump pre-workout supplements?

A: You can use pump pre-workout supplements regularly, but it's important to follow the recommended dosage and avoid overuse. Taking breaks from supplements can help maintain their effectiveness and prevent tolerance buildup.

Q: Are there any side effects of pump-focused pre-workouts?

A: Some people may experience side effects like jitters, increased heart rate, or digestive issues, especially if they are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants. It’s important to start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance.

Q: How long do pumps last?

A: The duration of a pump can vary depending on factors like your workout intensity, hydration level, and the specific pre-workout ingredients you're using. Generally, pumps can last for several hours after your workout.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, pre-workout supplements can be a great way to improve your workout performance, especially when it comes to getting those impressive muscle pumps. 

By knowing which ingredients to look for—like L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and Agmatine—you can pick the right supplement to help you reach your fitness goals.

When selecting a pre-workout, it's important to choose one that has been third-party tested. This ensures that the product is free from contaminants and banned substances, providing you with peace of mind as you pursue your fitness goals. 

If you prefer not to use supplements, focusing on high-rep isolation exercises can still give you a good pump. Ultimately, the right pre-workout and consistent training will help you reach your fitness goals.

Sources:

https://www.garagegymreviews.com/best-pump-pre-workout

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-preworkout-for-pump

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9921013/

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/wild-thing-by-assault-labs

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/seismic-surge-by-hard-rock-supplements

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/gorilla-mode-pre-workout-by-gorilla-mind

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/wrecked-pre-workout-by-huge-supplements

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/superhuman-pump-by-alpha-lion