Ever wondered, do pre-workouts really increase intensity and endurance? Many claim they have a massive impact, but what’s the reality?

Arnold Schwarzenegger has stepped forward with a reality check on supplements that promise better workouts.

“Supplements promise more reps, more power, and better endurance. A new controlled study took a hard look at two popular ingredients to see if they deliver when it counts,’ Arnie revels on his Newsletter ‘Arnold’s Pump Club.

Referencing a new study where 46 trained men participated to test the effectiveness of two ingredients, L-arginine and citrulline malate, they were split into three groups and tested themselves using the Wingate Test, CrossFit “Cindy,” and the Harvard Step Test.

Each participant took supplements based on their body weight. And the results? The supplements did not improve performance in CrossFit, cardio, or cycling sprints.

“There was no difference in rounds completed, heart rate, or overall performance between the CrossFit workouts. For the Harvard step test, there was also no difference in cardio fitness or recovery. On the Wingate sprints, no boost in peak or average power,” Arnold Schwarzenegger writes in his newsletter.

However, that doesn’t mean that Arnie is completely against the use of supplements.

Arnold Schwarzenegger explains the real reason to take pre-workouts

Explaining why the supplements never worked, Arnold expressed that the ingredients may not be ineffective, but potentially misaligned with the study’s goals.

Both L-arginine and citrulline malate increase the blood flow, which is good for workouts, but circulation alone doesn’t guarantee a better performance.

“Other studies have suggested the combination of arginine and citrulline could help with repeated-sprint performance, workouts that require more volume, and reducing the perceived effort of a workout,” wrote Schwarzenegger.

The 7-time Mr. Olympia winner further emphasized that the benefits are gradual and cumulative, and that their effects become more visible in the long term. Given that, what are your thoughts on Arnold’s opinion about pre-workouts?

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das