For those looking to get the very best out of their gym time, the standard diet may not cut it. That’s why so many workout enthusiasts turn to supplements — specialized boosts that aim to give them that extra bit of oomph to put the workout over the top.
Of course, not all pre-workout supplements are created equal. Some are remarkably effective, others less so; some are natural and healthy, others… well, others may take a toll on the body that far outweighs the supplement’s purported benefits.
So it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body and what it has to offer your workout routine.
So what about taking kratom pre-workout? Is this a match made in heaven, or a crossover that’s best avoided?
What Makes For a Good Pre-Workout Supplement?
Let’s narrow down our criteria before we get into whether kratom is a good pre-workout supplement.
Just what makes a pre-workout supplement a stand-out? Here are a few stand-out effects of common pre-workouts, as well as the most common supplements that gym-goers use for them.
- Providing energy: Supplements like caffeine are widely used for pre-workouts, due to their ability to enhance energy, focus, and alertness. It can improve performance and help combat fatigue during intense workouts.
- Enhancing muscle growth: Creatine is widely used for its clinically-proven ability to increase muscle gains. It’s a naturally occurring compound that provides energy for muscle contractions and is known to enhance strength, power, and muscle endurance.
- Relieving muscle fatigue: Supplements like beta-alanine can reduce muscle fatigue and improve endurance. This allows gym-goers to get more volume out of their lifts, more length out of their runs, and generally go the extra mile in each workout routine.
How Does Kratom Stack Up?
Using kratom as a pre-workout supplement isn’t the most common reason to try this natural nootropic. But when you compare its effects to those of the most common pre-workout supplements, it’s easy to see why kratom is finding more and more of a place in the gym.
However, please note that kratom vendors like Kratom Spot are barred from talking directly about the effects of kratom strains. As such, we encourage you to start your research on strains’ effects at reputable sources like the American Kratom Association.
That said, most kratom-using gym-goers recommend using a white or green strain for pre-workouts. Red strains also have their place in the athletic lifestyle, but they’re usually recommended for post-workout use.
Granted, there’s zero reason to believe that kratom is going to increase your muscle gains — but given that it hits some of the criteria for common supplements, taking kratom for pre-workout boosts may just be the hidden gem that gym rats everywhere have been looking for.
Safety First: Working Out With Kratom
To maximize the benefits of your kratom workout, timing and dosage are crucial. Taking too-high a dose may result in unwanted effects that may actually work against your workout routine. For an optimal experience, you probably want to take your kratom 30 minutes before starting your workout. Stick to a low dosage to achieve optimal pre-workout experience.
Can You Lift Weights on kratom?
Absolutely! In fact, kratom has gained popularity among the bodybuilding and weightlifting communities online.
However, it is important not to overexert yourself since kratom can reduce sensations of discomfort, potentially dulling the true strain experienced during lifting. Take this into account to prevent injuries.
Best kratom Strains for Working Out – Kratom as a Pre-Workout Supplement
Different strains of kratom produce varying effects when ingested. The White kratom vein, in particular, offers benefits that are well-suited to enhance your wellness journey.
White Maeng Da: This popular kratom strain is often used as a substitute for coffee.
Green Thai: Hailing from Thailand, Green Thai is a highly potent strain with excellent pre-workout properties. Due to its high alkaloid content, it is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed.
White Sumatra: White Sumatra is another strain ideal for pre-workout use.
Best Kratom Strains for Post-Workout Recovery
Kratom is also commonly used for post-workout recovery. Here are the strains most often recommended for this purpose:
Red Maeng Da: Like other Maeng Da strains, this variety is potent and pleasant, offering a heightened version of traditional red kratom effects.
Bentuangie: This heavier red vein strain is most suited to end-of-day use, even more so than Red Maeng Da.
Red Bali: Red Bali offers similar effects to other red strains, but with a more mild, balanced experience.