Pre-Workout for Hangover – Does It Help?

For many, a fun-filled night of drinking can lead to an unpleasant morning of a hangover. It makes them feel sick to their stomach and affects their body’s ability to absorb vitamins.

And the more they drink alcohol the night before, the worse they’ll feel the morning after. If you’re among them, you may be searching for a remedy.

Additionally, this leads you to a question about pre-workout for hangover. Does it help? Can a pre-workout snap you back from a hangover? They’re called “brain boosters,” after all, right? 

Well, you’re about to find out the answer. But before even attempting to treat a hangover using pre-workouts, drink water or ​​electrolyte solutions, as many hangover symptoms happen because of dehydration. 

Now, let’s answer the question.

Does Pre-Workout Alleviate Hangover Symptoms?

Yes, pre-workouts help with hangovers. 

Typical hangover symptoms are dizziness, fatigue, severe headaches, irritability, and diarrhea. A person may also experience a spinning sensation or migraine after waking up. However, it can also bring back your senses and give you that energy rush.

In addition, it gives you the same feeling when you drink coffee in the morning as it freshens your mind. The only difference is you get the added nutrients you don’t get by drinking coffee alone.

Pre-workouts contain ingredients such as caffeine, yohimbine, alpha GPC, and L-theanine incorporated to boost your concentration, focus, and mental energy. They also make you feel less tired.

Many pre-workouts and fat burners in the market use yohimbine to improve physical activity and promote weight loss. It is also the same ingredient associated with increased mental energy, improved athletic performance, and focus.

Meanwhile, some pre-workouts contain nutrients, like zinc and B vitamins, that have long been praised as a hangover helper. B vitamins replenish nutrients lost in binge or heavy drinking. [1]

Should You Exercise With a Hangover?

The lack of focus, impaired coordination, and dehydration can make exercise dangerous, especially if your hangover is severe. At best, skipping that day’s workout plan and recovering first from your overindulgence would be safe.

However, if you’re experiencing a mild hangover the morning after a night of heavy boozing, you can still get in a good workout.

It’s best to go slow to get the most out of your hangover workout. Instead, take a brisk walk or use lighter weights to avoid overexerting yourself. As you exercise, it releases endorphins that help you recover and improve your mood.

Furthermore, not all pre-workout supplements relieve hangovers. Thus, we researched and provided the best pre-workouts to dispel your hangover blues.

Time and Rest as the Best Cure for a Hangover

Drinking alcohol disrupts sleep. However, time and rest are the best cures for a hangover. Your few hours of sleep won’t be restful after a night of heavy drinking. Once you have a glass of water and take a pain reliever, catch up for more restorative sleep.

Best Pre-Workouts for Hangover

Here are some of the best pre-workouts to help you gain an edge over plain old water. These drinks contain electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, to quickly rehydrate and replenish your lost nutrients.

1. REDCON1 Total War Pre Workout

REDCON1 Total War Pre Workout

Product Description

REDCON1 Total War Pre Workout contains the amino acid beta-alanine, which reduces exhaustion and delivers fast-acting power and focus. Thanks to its 320 mg of active caffeine powder with 250mg of caffeine anhydrous per serving, it promotes wakefulness and alertness after a big night out.

In addition, this pre-workout stimulates the central nervous system and muscles, giving you an extra boost for the day. The beta-alanine content neutralizes the free radicals and reduces oxidative stress in the body formed during alcohol metabolism. [2]

Moreover, it has been shown to improve the body’s immune system response. It contains sodium (310 mg per serving), promoting water balance and hydration.

Meanwhile, citrulline malate and green tea extract boost nitric oxide (N.O.) in the body to promote blood flow and deliver nutrients to the body.

We recommend you take half a dose first.

Pros

  • All-in-one workout supplement
  • Professional-grade formula
  • Good flavor profile; not too sweet
  • Effects start slow and work well
  • Provides energy and pump
  • Reduces exhaustion

Cons

Click here for the best price.

2. Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Supplement

Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Supplement

Product Description

Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement is a naturally flavored and sweetened supplement with adequate doses of science-backed ingredients. These ingredients include alpha GPC, beta-alanine, L citrulline malate, and betaine.

Alpha GPC works well with stimulants, such as caffeine, in boosting athletic performance and mental energy. Meanwhile, beta-alanine can delay neuromuscular fatigue while increasing endurance.

Similarly, Alpha GPC eases your mind and lessens stress by increasing the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter.

Suppose other brands add multiple substantial ingredients in their pre-workouts, not with this nutritional supplement. It has a good ingredient profile in adequate doses. They also sell a stimulant-free version for those with caffeine sensitivity.

Mix a serving of this drink for men and women with water and get fired up without jitters, post-workout crash and upset stomach.

Pros

  • Available stimulant-free version
  • Eliminates lethargy
  • Improves power
  • Sharpens mental focus
  • Improves mood
  • Increase energy levels

Cons

  • Others don’t like the fruit punch flavor (you can opt for other flavors, such as strawberry lemonade)

Click here for the best price.

3. Nitro Surge Pre-Workout

Nitro Surge Pre-Workout

Product Description

The Nitro Surge Pre-Workout is another excellent option for fueling their physical activity after excessive alcohol consumption.

This product reduces fatigue and inflammation in the body and improves blood circulation. Plus, it contains L-citrulline, which makes you feel more alert and energized during the day. 

Other exciting ingredients include theobromine and L-theanine. Theobromine is the primary bitter-tasting alkaloid found in chocolate and cocoa. It improves your mental focus and may reduce inflammation. [3-4] [Looking for a healthy go-to protein bar? Check out our Built Bar Review.]

Meanwhile, L-theanine is an amino acid demonstrated to reduce anxiety and stress that usually accompanies a hangover. It also decreases the production of stress hormones and balances out hormone levels. [5] 

Pros

  • Reduces oxidative stress at the cellular level
  • The beta-alanine content may calm down muscle fatigue
  • It makes you feel more alert
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Balances hormone levels
  • Good choice of flavors
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • It contains artificial sweeteners

Click for the best price.

4. Bulk Pre-Workout (Advanced Pre-Training Formula)

Bulk Pre-Workout

Bulk is one of the best supplements you can rely on when it’s not easy to get up in the morning when you have a hangover. Produced by Transparent Labs, it is powered by staple ingredients in clinically effective doses, including betaine, beta-anhydrous, and citrulline.

They work together to enhance your endurance and power and they may even help boost your testosterone levels with their boron content. It also contains vitamin D and zinc, which allow you to metabolize alcohol better and alleviate hangover effects. [6] 

Boron is one of the most effective hangover cures because it lessens urinary excretion of magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes reduce muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue associated with hangovers.

Transparent Labs Bulk also contains caffeine that improves your energy level and boosts your productivity and focus during the day.

Pros

  • Does not have a proprietary blend (you know the complete doses of all ingredients)
  • Scientifically-proven ingredients
  • Available in various flavors
  • Improves concentration
  • It doesn’t leave a powdery residue
  • Free from artificial food dyes
  • Third-party lab tested
  • It reduces fatigue

Cons

  • Caffeine content may not be that strong for everyone
  • The taste may be too intense for some people

Click for the best price.

What to Look For When Buying a Pre-Workout for Hangover?

Ingredients

When choosing a pre-workout, you can use it for a hangover and before every workout, check out the ingredients. Go for pre-workouts with recognized hangover cures, such as amino acids and electrolytes.

Choose those with B Vitamins, Boron, Zinc, L-Theanine, Yohimbine, and Alpha GPC. These ingredients minimize the effects of hangovers and even alcohol withdrawal.

Medications

Some pre-workouts may negatively interact with other drugs you’re taking. Hence, it’s always safe and best to consult your doctor before using anything new that may cause other health problems.

For example, antibiotics affect the absorption of many pre-workout ingredients. Some medications affected by pre-workouts are antidepressants and blood pressure drugs.

FAQs About Pre-Workout for Hangover

Is it reasonable to take a pre-workout supplement after drinking?

If it’s right after drinking, taking a pre-workout supplement is not good, mainly if it contains caffeine. 

Moreover, the physiological effects of alcohol can interfere with the ingredients in pre-workouts, and the person may experience conflicting results. [7]

However, you can take it if it’s the morning after. The energy-boosting and focus benefits from pre-workouts can minimize hangover symptoms. 

Is it good to work out when you’re hungover?

It depends on the severity of your hangover. Exercising when you already feel bad won’t make you feel better. Your body needs time to recover, rehydrate, and heal.

However, a workout can make you feel slightly better as it releases endorphins, increasing brain oxygen flow and improving mood. Therefore, keep your workout sessions light with activities like light jogging or walking.

What helps a workout hangover?

Like an alcohol hangover, a workout or fitness hangover requires plenty of rest and water so you can recover. So, avoid alcohol or coffee and keep a water bottle handy. Hangover cure food for breakfast includes eggs, oatmeal or porridge, avocado, and whole-grain toast with honey.

Sober Up with a Pre-Workout

Pre-workouts do ease your hangover symptoms. So, the next time you’re fighting to focus or lagging in the morning after drinking at night, you can perk yourself up with a pre-workout drink. 

However, don’t overdo it and choose your supplement wisely. Our list of the best pre-workout fat burner here is worth a try.

But ultimately, the only sure remedy for a hangover is to drink in moderation or not drink an alcoholic beverage in the first place.

For more information on fitness, bodybuilding, nutrition, and gym supplements, visit ExpertFitness.org.

Sources:

[1] https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-132-11-200006060-00008#r57-8

[2] https://brieflands.com/articles/asjsm-21661.html

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666316300459

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335269/

[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine#benefits-and-uses

[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/9/1316/htm 

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24761263/

Nathan Lloyd, MSc
LICENSED PERSONAL TRAINER

I’m a personal trainer, based in Boulder, Colorado.
I service clients physically in the Boulder area, mainly in the ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, but am also available for online consulting and coaching.

If you’re interested in my personal coaching programs, please contact me via the contact page.