Yes, of course! Pre-workout supplements are formulated with a specific purpose in mind: to give you extra energy or endurance so you can attack your workout with focus and purpose. Other supplements are formulated to accomplish other, equally specific goals.
For example, if you're not getting enough protein in your diet, all the pre-workouts in the world won't help you see lasting results. Eat up, and if you can't eat enough, have a shake post-workout, or even alongside your pre-workout.
On the flipside, if your pre-workout of choice is a little low in certain ingredients, as many are, it's OK to soup it up with a little extra. Here are a few to consider:
- Beta-alanine: This ingredient needs to be taken nearly daily in order to work effectively, so taking an additional 3 grams outside of your pre-workout is a no-brainer.
- Creatine: Similar to beta-alanine, creatine should be taken daily to provide muscular recover and other benefits.
- Nitric oxide boosters: Some companies make non-stimulant "pump" blends that can be stacked with a caffeinated pre-workout or energy drink.
If you're taking a caffeinated pre-workout, just be careful not to take other stimulants on top of it. The dose in most pre-workouts is strong enough without any extra caffeine!
