(Last Updated on November 9, 2022)
If you frequently visit the gym, you have probably come across the term pre-workout.
Pre-workouts were popular among gym-bounds but today every fitness follower is talking about the need to prepare before exercise.
There are tones of pre-workout supplements out here, which are specially designed to allow the body to reach maximum levels.
They prevent muscle fatigue allowing extra reps in the gym than you would otherwise handle.
One such supplement is C4 Pre Workout, which promises the urge to undertake any challenge through explosive energy, focus, and strength.
The manufacturer refers to this supplement as America’s #1 selling pre-workout.
But, how good is it?
Check out our C4 Pre Workout review below.
What Is Cellucor C4 Pre Workout?
C4 Original is a top pre-workout supplement blended with an excellent formula for improved focus, energy, pumps, and endurance.
It is manufactured by Nutribolt, a nutritional science company in the U.S.
It claims to:
- Provide maximum energy.
- Boosts focus.
- Increase endurance.
- Enable more muscle pumps.
It comes in 12 flavors: frozen bombsicle, pink lemonade, tart candy explosion, icy blue razz, orange burst, fruit punch, strawberry margarita, cherry limeade, juicy candy burst, green apple, watermelon, and wild fruit blast.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Ingredients
Before you start using this pre-workout, it is important to know what it constitutes.
Have a look!
Vitamin C
Amount: 250mg
Vitamin C is popularly known to increase the body’s immune system.
Some studies have also shown that it improves blood flow in the body
Niacin
Amount: 30mg
Niacin is an essential vitamin with various benefits in the body including increasing blood flow.
However, experts recommend that 100mg of Niacin is needed to realize the full benefits.
Vitamin B6
Amount: 500 mcg
Vitamin B6 promotes the release of glucose from lactic acid.
It helps with the synthesis of neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Additionally, it controls glycogen for energy during the workout.
Folic Acid
Amount: 250 mcg
Folic acid promotes rejuvenation of muscle cells.
Vitamin B12
Amount: 35 mcg
Vitamin B12 has very low toxicity levels. Thus, it does not cause harmful effects even when taken in large amounts.
It used to enhance neuro-functioning promoting alertness and focus.
CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine
Amount: 1.6 g
Carnosyn Beta-Alanine is an amino acid that improves gym and athletic performance.
There is scientific backing to show that it improves both endurance and power output
Beta-alanine aims to reduce lactic acid buildup in muscles preventing a burning feeling when working out.
Creatine Nitrate
Amount: 1 g
Creatine is widely praised by weightlifters. It is known to replenish energy so that you can push your body to the maximum in the gym.
Multiple studies support that Creatine Nitrate stimulates power and strength through boosting Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
Muscles use ATP for energy.
Creatine nitrate is easily absorbed by the body.
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Amount: 1 g
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an amino acid that functions as a vasodilator which supports muscle pumps and blood flow.
It also boosts protein synthesis and helps with muscle recovery after an intense workout.
However, we were concerned about its delivery system. When consumed orally, its effectiveness is reduced, because it is less absorbed.
Explosive blend
Amount: 425 mg
- N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine boosts focus and lowers stress levels.
It works by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone produced when working out. This results in a calmer and clear mind.
- Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
Caffeine is a popular stimulant used to boost energy levels.
Various studies support that it increases focus, energy and speeds up metabolism.
- Velvet Bean seed extract (standardized for L-Dopa)
Velvet Bean reduces stress levels. It contains L-Dopa which stimulates the feel-good hormone-dopamine heightening mood.
Dopamine results in more focus and concentration.
- Theacrine (Teacrine)
Theacrine is a natural stimulant that boosts energy levels in the body.
It increases motivation and mood, leaving an individual feeling alert without jitters caused by other stimulants.
Other ingredients
- Malic acid
- Natural flavors
- Citric Acid
- Silicon Dioxide
- Sucralose
- Calcium Silicate
- Acesulfame Potassium
- FD&C Red
How Does Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Work
C4 Pre Workout contains vitamins that are essential for energy production.
Particularly, B vitamins are known to accelerate energy levels in the body.
Vitamin C present reduces fatigue and prevents cellular damage during workouts.
Additionally, Vitamin C neutralizes the negative effects of the nitrate.
Caffeine and Theacrine are stimulants linked to massive energy levels that support heavy lifting and intense workouts.
Nitric Oxide from creatine nitrate enhances blood flow and pumps while beta-alanine boosts endurance for long periods.
In a nutshell, the rich formula builds up strength, hinders lactic acid formation, reduces fatigue, speeds up fat loss and increases muscle mass while facilitating the body to reach its peak.
How To Use It?
The manufacturer recommends one serving of C4 Original, which constitutes 1 level scoop of C4 mixed with 6 fl.
Oz of water, taken preferably 20-30 minutes before workout.
The company states that this product should only be used as directed and by a healthy individual above 18 years.
It should be avoided by the following individuals:
- If taking nitrates for chest pain.
- If taking medication to treat erectile dysfunction.
- If pregnant or nursing.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Side Effects
The company warns that an individual may experience a harmless tingling sensation, due to beta alanine present.
All the same, it seems to be well tolerated by users; we found no reports of any side effects.
But, caffeine may cause jittery sensations.
Is Cellucor C4 Pre Workout A Scam?
C4 Original contains proven ingredients beta-alanine, creatine and caffeine which have a scientific record of improved performance during workouts.
So, no it is not a scam.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Reviews & Complaints
This supplement has received various reactions online.
Of 482 customer reviews on Amazon, 60% gave it 5 stars, with an overall rating of 3.9 stars.
Most customers reported positive results while complaints were mainly on clumpy and crystallized powder.
Here is what some had to say.
Let’s start with the positive ones.
Michael writes on Amazon:
Been using this product for a few years now. Really gets me awake and alert at the gym and helps me get past those plateaus. No crash after, tingly feeling every now and then when I first take but never during my workouts. Wouldn’t leave home without it. Great product, decent deal!
Dayne thinks it is among the best pre-workout supplements in the market.
Here are his thoughts on Amazon:
Definitely one of the most well known pre-workout supplements on the market. I frequent the gym and am working on a license in the field, the ingredients in this pre-workout are relatively safe to use and none of them are banned in athletic competitions (that I know of) at this time. For one who has built a decent caffeine tolerance, the caffeine may do less than I would hope, but the Beta-Alanine can definitely be felt and feels good (may be itchy for some) […] tastes pretty good and does the job.
Here are the complaints
A Saffa was pretty disappointed.
He says on Amazon:
This product lasted a few months before hardening. The powder if turned a dark red. I still haven’t and figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it after the fact, but it’s so hard that I can’t even chip off some powder for a single serving. Wasted my money.
Ed W added:
The produce itself tastes great and gives a great boost to my workouts. The problem is that after about 2 weeks, the powder clumps together into one big chunk. Hard to use, and even harder to measure out the proper portion size. Time to look for a different brand to use.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout: Packages, Prices & Where To Buy It
This product is readily available on the official website: cellucor.com.
See below how the official site looks like.
Refund Policy & Money Back Guarantee
There is a 30-day money back guarantee if users are not satisfied.
This refund policy only applies to products purchased from the official website.
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Pros & Cons
Cellucor C4 Pre Workout Review: Final Words
C4 Pre Workout is a good workout enhancer that provides strength, focus, and energy.
The rich combination of beta-alanine, creatine nitrate and caffeine produces a blend that boosts workout performance.
Furthermore, most of these ingredients have huge scientific backing on their effectiveness.
On top of that, the company is a well known and trusted brand in the industry.
But always check with your physician before using the product if you have a medical condition, using blood thinners, antidepressants, non-steroidal inflammatory drugs or any other prescription drug.
So if you are starting out in the gym or want to boost up your existing performance, this product is worth a try.
We laid out the facts, will you buy Cellucor C4 Pre Workout? Comment below and tell us what you think!