Still reaching for an energy drink before a gym session or run?
It might be time to reconsider. What seems like a convenient boost to you can backfire and lead to sugar crashes, dehydration, or a racing heart right when all you really needed was focus and control.
Did you know that more and more UK athletes and everyday gym-goers are switching to purpose-built pre-workout formulas that support the body’s natural performance, not just stimulate it?
What’s the Problem with Energy Drinks Before Training?
Energy drinks are everywhere. You’ll find them in vending machines, supermarket shelves, and gym fridges. But most of them were never designed with athletes in mind.
Let’s break it down:
- A 250ml energy drink typically contains 27g of sugar and 80mg of caffeine.
- Larger cans (500ml) can reach 160–200mg of caffeine plus over 50g of sugar, sometimes combined with other synthetic stimulants.
- The result? Fast blood sugar spike, followed by a drop in energy: the infamous crash.
What you end up with is a buzz, not performance. The caffeine might help you feel alert for a few minutes, but it doesn’t help you lift heavier, go longer, or recover better.
Worse, too much sugar or stimulant stacking can cause dehydration, jitteriness, or interfere with sleep. All these things can set back your long-term progress.
Why Switch to Pre-Workouts?
Where energy drinks stimulate, a proper pre-workout supports.
For instance, MOVE Pre-Workout is built around science-backed ingredients that align with what your body actually needs under training stress. The MOVE Original pre-workout formula contains
- L-Tyrosine (1,500-2,000mg) to support mental focus and stress resilience
- L-Arginine (2,000 mg) + Vitamin C to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery
- 228mg natural caffeine to provide clean energy without the jitters
Instead of chasing a sugar high, these ingredients work together to keep you steady and mentally switched on during warm-ups up until cooldowns.
Want to understand how each ingredient supports performance? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Pre-Workout.
Choosing Energy Stability Over Sugar Spikes
One of the biggest differences between energy drinks and pre-workout is how they manage energy release.
Energy drinks hit hard and fade fast. A well-formulated pre-workout, on the other hand, is designed to support consistent output. That matters, especially in workouts that demand endurance, skill, or multiple sets.
When your blood sugar swings or your heart rate spikes too quickly, you’re more likely to fatigue early, feel lightheaded, or burn out mid-session.
With a clean pre-workout like MOVE, you get:
- More stable heart rate
- No tingles or overstimulation (no beta-alanine pre-workout)
- Steady mental focus throughout the session
Pre-Workout Supports the Mind-Body Connection
Training isn’t just physical. If you want to stay sharp under fatigue, your neurotransmitters matter. That’s where L-Tyrosine shines. It supports dopamine production, which is key for motivation and focus. Unlike caffeine alone, it helps you stay dialled in through heavy lifts, tough intervals, or long runs.
It’s not about more buzz. It’s about more clarity.
Also Read: Does Pre-Workout Improve Performance?
What You Use Matters More Than You Think
When your goal is to train better, perform consistently, or recover smarter, the fuel you choose matters.
- Want to support VO2 max? You need endurance formulas with nitric oxide boosters like L-Arginine.
- Want to avoid gut issues mid-session? You need clean, naturally sweetened options.
- Want peace of mind? You need an Informed Sport Certified product that’s batch-tested.
Energy drinks don’t offer any of these. MOVE Pre-Workout does.
The Verdict: Ditch the Energy Drink
You deserve more than just a caffeinated buzz. Whether you train in the gym, on the pitch, or on the trails, pre-workout formulas like MOVE give you more than energy. They also give you control, focus, and extra fuel to go miles ahead.
No sugar spikes. No unnecessary additives. Just clean fuel, grounded in research.
If you’ve been relying on energy drinks to get through your workouts, it might be time to upgrade to something designed for the job.
Explore MOVE Pre-Workout Formulas today.