​Best Pre-Workout with Creatine: 5 Must-Try Picks

Pre-workout supplements with creatine are a great way to improve your strength, energy, and endurance during exercise. Creatine is well-known for its ability to help build muscle and enhance performance, making it a popular ingredient in fitness supplements.

In this article, we’ll explore the top pre-workout supplements with creatine, their benefits, and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals. Let’s dive in!

[Related Article] Creatine Vs Pre-Workout: Which One is Better?

Short Summary

• What is Creatine? A natural compound that helps your muscles produce energy.
• Top Picks: This article lists the top 5 pre-workout supplements with creatine.
• Why Use a Pre-Workout with Creatine? Boosts energy, strength, and muscle growth.
• Key Benefits: Better workouts, faster recovery, and more muscle growth.
• How to Choose: Tips on picking the right pre-workout based on your needs and preferences.
• Try Our Recommended Pre-Workout: Get our top pre-workout with creatine, Wild Thing, and experience enhanced energy and performance during your workouts!

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a substance that is naturally found in our bodies, mainly in our muscles. It helps provide energy during high-intensity activities, like weightlifting or sprinting. 

When you take creatine as a supplement, it increases the amount of creatine in your muscles, which can lead to better performance.

How Does Creatine Work?

When you exercise, your body uses a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy. During short bursts of intense activity, ATP gets used up quickly. Creatine helps replenish ATP, allowing you to work out harder and longer.

Benefits of Pre-Workout With Creatine

• Increased Strength: Creatine helps your muscles produce more energy, allowing you to lift heavier weights and perform more reps.
• Improved Power: By increasing your muscle's energy production, creatine can help you explode with power during short, intense bursts of exercise.
• Faster Muscle Recovery: After a hard workout, creatine helps your muscles recover faster, so you're ready for the next session sooner.
• Improved Endurance: It helps you keep going longer during intense activities, like running or cycling.
• Increased Muscle Growth: Creatine helps your muscles grow bigger and stronger, especially when combined with strength training.
• Improved Focus: Many pre-workouts with creatine also contain ingredients that improve focus, so you stay sharp and motivated during your workout.

Our List of the Best Pre-Workouts with Creatine

1. Wild Thing by Assault Labs – Best Overall + No 1 Pre-workout
2. Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind – Best Creatine Pre-workout for Increasing Nitric Oxide + Focus + Endurance.
3. Gorilla Mode Nitric Stimulant Free Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind – Best Creatine Pre-workout for Pump + Hydration + Power.
4. N.O. Overload by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals – Best Creatine Pre-workout for Increasing Nitric Oxide + Muscle Size + Vascularity + Strength.
5. Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine – Best Creatine Pre-workout for Muscle Growth + Recovery + Strength + Overall Performance.

1. Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing by Assault Labs is a pre-workout supplement designed to enhance your performance and energy during workouts. It combines amino acids, creatine, and other nutrients to support muscle strength and recovery while you train.

This pre-workout powder also includes advanced nootropics that improve focus and concentration, helping you stay engaged and energized throughout your workout. With its unique caffeine blend—featuring ZumXR®, Infinergy®, and two additional forms of caffeine—it provides an initial boost of energy along with a sustained release for longer-lasting effects. 

Wild Thing enhances vascularity and delivers strong muscle pumps, making it a suitable choice for those looking to elevate their training sessions.

Key Ingredients of Wild Thing

Creatine Anhydrous: A highly effective supplement for muscle building, creatine plays a key role in regenerating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – the primary energy source used by all cells in the body. By replenishing ATP levels, creatine helps enhance strength, power, and overall workout performance.

DiCitrulline Malate: DiCitrulline malate is an amino acid that helps increase muscular energy and improve both anaerobic and aerobic performance. It boosts nitric oxide production, which enhances blood flow to the muscles, reducing fatigue and soreness during and after workouts.

Beta-Alanine: Beta-alanine is known for its ability to increase muscle carnosine levels, which helps buffer acid in muscles during high-intensity exercise. This can lead to reduced muscle fatigue, allowing for more extended and more intense workouts.

Agmatine Sulfate: Agmatine is a byproduct of arginine that plays a role in nitric oxide production. It is believed to enhance blood flow and support hormone release, contributing to improved muscle pumps and overall performance.

L-Glutamine: L-glutamine is an amino acid that is crucial for muscle recovery. It helps prevent muscle breakdown and supports growth, making it beneficial for athletes looking to enhance recovery after intense training sessions.’

Choline Bitartrate: Choline bitartrate converts into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports memory, cognition, and muscle control. This ingredient can help improve focus and coordination during workouts.

Caffeine Anhydrous: Caffeine anhydrous is a concentrated form of caffeine that provides a quick energy boost. It enhances thermogenesis (the process of heat production in organisms), which can help with fat burning while also improving endurance and mental alertness.

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-GPC): A natural compound found in the brain, Alpha-GPC helps improve mental focus, boost mood, and support brain cell development. It quickly delivers choline to the brain, enhancing mental energy and concentration.

Huperzine A: Known for its benefits to brain health and cognitive function, Huperzine A supports mental clarity and may offer both physical and mental health advantages.

Infinergy® (DiCaffeine Malate): A combination of caffeine and malic acid, Infinergy® provides sustained energy by extending caffeine’s effects and enhancing energy production through its role in metabolism.

L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine is an amino acid that supports cognitive function and mood enhancement. It helps maintain mental clarity during stressful situations, such as intense workouts, reducing the risk of burnout.

L-Norvaline: L-norvaline is a form of the amino acid valine that promotes nitric oxide circulation in the body. It helps enhance nutrient delivery to muscles during workouts, supporting better performance and recovery.

ZumXR®: ZumXR® is a patented extended-release caffeine blend that provides sustained energy without the crash typically associated with regular caffeine consumption. This allows for prolonged focus and energy throughout your workout.

Cocoabuterol®: Derived from natural cocoa extract, this ingredient is rich in bioactive compounds that improve mood, promote fat loss, and support muscle growth. It also stimulates thermogenesis and enhances insulin sensitivity for better energy and metabolism.

Thinkamine®: A patented nootropic designed to enhance cognitive performance. Thinkamine® improves focus, mental clarity, and alertness, helping you stay sharp and energized during demanding workouts.

Key Benefits of Wild Thing

• It increases your energy levels.
• It enhances your focus.
• It improves your strength.
• It helps improve your muscle pumps.
• It boosts your muscle endurance.
• It helps enhance your mood.
• It reduces muscle fatigue.
• It increases muscle control.
• It helps boost your cognitive functions.
• It fuels your overall workout.

Customer Reviews: Wild Thing

 Wild thing

“Was provided with last order the stuff worked great planning on purchasing next order”

-Al P.

 Precisely Crafted

“Excellent preworkout. Assault labs created this one perfectly! Great pump, energy that lasts the duration of my workout. Fantastic flavor and taste.”

-Will D.

 Great Pre workout

“Definitely a great Pre workout supplement. Gives you the energy needed to push through those intense workouts.”

-Donald J.

2. Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind

Gorilla Mode is a pre-workout supplement formulated to improve workout performance and results. It aims to increase nitric oxide (NO) levels, boost intramuscular hydration, and enhance energy, focus, strength, and endurance—all within the limits of a legal, non-hormonal pre-workout. 

This pre-workout delivers a high dose of performance-enhancing ingredients, including L-Citrulline, GlycerPump, Agmatine, Creatine, and Betaine. These compounds work together to improve blood flow and hydrate muscles for better pumps and sustained endurance.

Gorilla Mode also features a strong stimulant complex, combining a high dose of caffeine with N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate, to provide powerful energy and focus. Additionally, nootropic ingredients like L-Tyrosine, Kanna, and Huperzine A enhance mental sharpness, helping you stay focused and energized throughout your workout.

Key Ingredients of Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

L-Citrulline: L-Citrulline is an amino acid that plays a significant role in increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body. This leads to improved blood flow and muscle pumps during workouts. A higher dose of L-Citrulline can enhance endurance by reducing fatigue and increasing performance in high-intensity exercises.

GlycerPump™ (Glycerol Powder): GlycerPump is a highly concentrated form of glycerol that helps with hydration and vascularity. It draws water into the muscles, promoting intramuscular hydration and enhancing muscle pumps. This ingredient supports improved endurance and overall performance during workouts.

Agmatine Sulfate: Agmatine is derived from arginine and is known for its ability to enhance nitric oxide production. It may also improve nutrient delivery to muscles and support better recovery post-exercise. Agmatine has potential benefits for both physical performance and muscle growth.

Creatine Monohydrate: Creatine is one of the most researched supplements for improving strength and muscle mass. It helps replenish ATP levels in muscles, providing quick bursts of energy during high-intensity activities. Creatine is effective for increasing strength, power output, and overall workout performance.

Betaine Anhydrous: Betaine is an amino acid that supports muscle endurance and power output. It is believed to help with hydration and may improve overall performance during workouts by enhancing strength and reducing fatigue.

L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine is an amino acid that supports cognitive function and can help reduce stress during intense workouts. It promotes mental clarity and focus, making it easier to concentrate on your training.

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum): Kanna is a herb known for its mood-enhancing properties. It may help reduce anxiety and improve focus during workouts, contributing to better mental performance.

Caffeine Anhydrous: Caffeine anhydrous is a concentrated form of caffeine that provides a quick energy boost, enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue during exercise. It is effective for improving endurance and overall workout intensity.

N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate: This stimulant is included for its potential to increase energy levels and improve mood during exercise, contributing to enhanced motivation and performance.

Huperzine A: Huperzine A is a compound that supports cognitive function by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. This ingredient can enhance mental sharpness during workouts.

Bioperine® (Black Pepper Extract): Bioperine enhances the bioavailability of other ingredients in the formula, ensuring better absorption and effectiveness of the active compounds.

Key Benefits of Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

• This pre-workout increases your energy levels and motivation.
• It helps improve your muscle pumps.
• It increases your vascularity.
• It promotes your mental focus.
• It helps boost your endurance.

Customer Reviews: Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

 Amazing pumps

“On my 2nd jar of Gorilla Mode now and I've been loving the pumps and energy I get from it. I started with one scoop for the first few days then increased to 2 scoops. The difference from 1 to 2 scoops is very noticeable. Way more energy, way better pumps, and I felt a lot stronger during my training sessions. Love that it doesn't have any beta alanine because I personally hate the tingly sensation it causes.”

-Jason

3. Gorilla Mode Nitric Stimulant Free Pre-Workout by Gorilla Mind

Gorilla Mode Nitric is a non-stimulant nitric oxide booster that enhances workout performance by increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels, vasodilation, and intracellular hydration. It includes L-Citrulline, Nitrosigine, and Agmatine Sulfate, which work together to significantly increase nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow.

This formula also contains Creatine Monohydrate, GlycerPump, and Betaine Anhydrous to support muscle volume, hydration, and overall workout performance.

Key Ingredients of Gorilla Mode Nitric

• L-Citrulline: A key ingredient that significantly boosts nitric oxide production, leading to improved blood flow and muscle pumps during workouts. It helps reduce fatigue and enhances endurance.
• Nitrosigine: This patented ingredient combines arginine and silicon to promote sustained increases in nitric oxide levels. It supports better vascularity and enhances overall performance.
• Agmatine Sulfate: Derived from arginine, agmatine is known for its ability to enhance nitric oxide production and improve nutrient delivery to muscles. It also supports recovery after intense exercise.
• Creatine Monohydrate: A well-researched ingredient that boosts strength and muscle mass. Creatine replenishes ATP levels in muscles, providing energy for high-intensity workouts.
• GlycerPump: A highly concentrated form of glycerol that enhances hydration and vascularity by drawing water into the muscles. This leads to improved muscle pumps and overall performance.
• Betaine Anhydrous: This compound supports muscle endurance and power output while aiding in hydration. It can improve overall workout performance by enhancing strength and reducing fatigue.

Key Benefits of Gorilla Mode Nitric

• It improves pumps and muscle volume.
• It increases nitric oxide levels.
• It enhances your muscle strength.
• It increases your endurance and overall performance.
• It boosts nutrient delivery to your muscles.
• It helps reduce muscle soreness.

Customer Reviews: Gorilla Mode Nitric

 good one

“Hard to find a good non stim pre workout - this one delivers. Good pumps and help me to be less sore.”

-T.L.

4. N.O. Overload by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals

N.O. Overload is a powerful pre-workout formula featuring over 30 advanced compounds. This unique blend is designed to create an optimal metabolic environment in the bloodstream, where key ingredients work together to enhance nitric oxide (NO) production. The result is more intense and longer muscular contractions during your workout.

Nitric oxide plays a vital role in cellular communication, especially in the blood vessels. When L-arginine reaches the cells in the inner layer of the arterial walls, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) helps produce nitric oxide.

As N.O. levels rise, blood vessels expand, leading to increased blood flow and better muscle pump. This formula is aimed at improving blood volume, endurance, and overall workout performance.

Key Ingredients of N.O. Overload

Nitric Oxide Blend: The proprietary blend focuses on increasing nitric oxide levels to enhance blood flow and muscle pumps.

• L-Arginine AKG (Alpha-Ketoglutarate): A form of L-arginine that improves nitric oxide production and enhances blood flow.
• L-Arginine Ethyl Ester Dihydrochloride: A more bioavailable form of arginine that supports increased nitric oxide levels.
• L-Arginine HCl: Another form of arginine that aids in nitric oxide synthesis, promoting better vascularity.
• L-Arginine Malate: Combines L-arginine with malic acid to improve energy production and reduce fatigue during workouts.
• Glycine-L-Arginine-Alpha-Ketoisocaproic Acid: A compound that supports nitric oxide production and may enhance muscle performance.

Arginase Inhibitors: These ingredients help prevent the breakdown of arginine, allowing for more effective nitric oxide synthesis.

• 2(S)-Amino-6-Boronohexanoic Acid (ABH): An arginase inhibitor that enhances the availability of L-arginine for nitric oxide production.
• S-(2-Boronethyl)-L-Cysteine HCl (BEC): Another arginase inhibitor that supports increased nitric oxide levels.
• L-Norvaline: An amino acid that inhibits arginase activity, further promoting nitric oxide synthesis.

Muscle Cell Volumizing and Performance Technology: This blend includes ingredients that enhance muscle hydration and performance.

• Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate, A source of creatine that helps replenish ATP levels for energy during high-intensity exercise.
• Creatinol-O-Phosphate: A creatine derivative that aids in energy production and improves endurance.
• Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl: A form of creatine known for better absorption and effectiveness in boosting strength.
• Creatine Monohydrate: The most researched form of creatine, proven to increase strength and muscle mass.
• Di-Creatine Malate: Combines creatine with malic acid to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue.
• Inosine Ethyl Ester HCl: Supports ATP production and may improve endurance during workouts.
• Adenosine Triphosphate Sodium (ATP): Directly provides energy to muscles, enhancing performance during exercise.
• Taurine Ethyl Ester HCl: An amino acid that supports hydration and may improve exercise performance.
• Guanidinopropionic Acid: A compound that enhances creatine uptake in muscles.

Thermo-Rx® and Energy Complex: This complex includes stimulants to boost energy levels during workouts.

• Acacia Rigidula Extract (as Thermo-Rx): A stimulant that may enhance energy levels and focus.
• Yerba Mate Extract: Contains caffeine and other compounds that provide energy and improve mental clarity.
• Theobromine Anhydrous: Similar to caffeine, it provides a mild stimulant effect and may enhance mood.
• Quebracho Blanco Extract (Bark): Contains compounds that may support increased energy levels.

Recovery-Rx™: This blend includes branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) for recovery.

• L-Leucine Ethyl Ester HCl: Promotes muscle protein synthesis and recovery post-exercise.
• L-Isoleucine Ethyl Ester HCl: Supports energy production during workouts.
• L-Valine Ethyl Ester HCl: Helps reduce muscle breakdown during exercise.
• L-Glutamine Ethyl Ester HCl: Supports recovery by reducing soreness and muscle fatigue.

Additional Ingredients

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl): Important for energy metabolism.
• Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin): Supports energy production and red blood cell formation.

Key Benefits of N.O. Overload

• This pre-workout increases your nitric oxide levels.
• It helps increase your strength.
• It increases your strength.
• It increases your blood flow.
• It boosts your endurance.
• It enhances your lean muscle mass.
• It helps improve your athletic performance.
• It accelerates your muscle recovery.

Customer Reviews: N.O. Overload

 Works well for me

“Works well for me, I only use scoop because I use other forms of caffeine, but it makes a big difference in my lifts”

-R. D.

 Strongest I have used

“Pumps are Crazy”

-Rednek

5. Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine

Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine is formulated to boost strength, aid in muscle recovery, and improve endurance. This blend of creatine and glutamine helps fuel your workouts, allowing you to train harder and recover faster. 

Whether you're working out or recovering after a tough session, this creatine pre-workout provides support to help you reach your fitness goals. With a scientifically supported combination of different types of creatine and glutamine, Buck Build enhances strength, supports hydration, and speeds up muscle repair.

Key Ingredients of Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine

• Creatine MagnaPower®: A form of creatine bonded with magnesium to improve absorption and support ATP production, helping to provide energy for muscle performance.
• Creatine Citrate: A highly absorbable form of creatine that helps increase muscle energy output during intense exercise.
• Di-Creatine Malate: Known for its better solubility, this form of creatine may also reduce stomach discomfort commonly associated with creatine supplements.
• L-Glutamine: An important amino acid for muscle recovery, L-Glutamine also supports immune function and gut health.
• BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous: Helps increase cellular hydration, supporting better physical performance, endurance, and muscle resilience.

Key Benefits of Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine

• It increases your muscle mass and strength.
• It accelerates your muscle recovery.
• It enhances your performance.
• It increases power output, strength, and stamina.
• It enhances your endurance.
• It improves your hydration.
• It increases your energy levels.
• It helps reduce workout fatigue.
• It helps reduce your gut health.

What to Look for in Pre-Workout With Creatine

When choosing a pre-workout with creatine, there are a few important things to consider to get the best results:

Types of Creatine: Different forms of creatine can have varying effects. Look for products that include well-researched forms like:

• Creatine Monohydrate: The most common and effective form.
• Creatine HCL: Known for better absorption and less bloating.

Dosage: Check the amount of creatine per serving. A typical effective dose is around 3 to 5 grams of creatine. Make sure the product provides enough creatine to support your workout goals.

Stimulants: If you prefer a pre-workout with energy-boosting effects, look for caffeine or other stimulants.

Other Beneficial Ingredients: Consider supplements with additional ingredients like beta-alanine, citrulline malate, or BCAAs, which can further enhance performance.

Taste and Mixability: Choose a pre-workout that tastes good and mixes easily in water.

Brand Reputation: Consider brands that are known for quality and transparency. Look for products that have been tested by third-party organizations to ensure safety and effectiveness.

[Related] Does Creatine Help You Lose Weight? The Truth Revealed

Potential Side Effects of Creatine Supplements

While creatine is generally safe for most people, some potential side effects may occur:

• Water Retention: Creatine can cause your muscles to hold more water, which may lead to temporary weight gain or a bloated feeling.
• Digestive Issues: Some people may experience stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea, especially if they take too much creatine at once.
• Muscle Cramps: Although rare, some users may experience muscle cramps or strains when taking creatine. Staying well-hydrated can help reduce this risk.
• Kidney Strain: In rare cases, high doses of creatine may strain the kidneys. However, this is typically only a concern for those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
• Dehydration Risk: Because creatine draws water into the muscles, there’s a potential risk of dehydration if you don’t drink enough fluids during workouts.

[Related] What Are The Side Effects of Creatine?

FAQs: Best Pre-Workout with Creatine

Q: Is creatine safe to use in pre-workouts?

A: Yes, creatine is generally safe when used as directed. It’s one of the most researched and effective supplements available.

Q: How much creatine should be in a pre-workout supplement?

A: Most pre-workouts with creatine contain around 3-5 grams per serving, which is the recommended dose for optimal effectiveness. However, some pre-workouts may offer more or less, so always check the label to make sure you’re getting the right amount.

Q: When is the best time to take a pre-workout with creatine?

A: It’s generally recommended to take a pre-workout supplement containing creatine about 30-45 minutes before your workout for optimal results.

Q: Should I take a pre-workout with creatine on rest days?

A: You can take a pre-workout with creatine on rest days if you'd like to maintain creatine levels in your muscles. However, many people prefer to skip it on rest days or take creatine separately to help with recovery.

Conclusion

Pre-workout supplements and creatine are both well-researched sports nutrition supplements. Pre-workouts with creatine are a great option for improving your workout performance, increasing strength, and supporting muscle growth. 

Creatine helps provide energy to your muscles, allowing you to train harder and recover faster. When choosing a pre-workout with creatine, it’s important to consider the types of creatine used, the dosage, and any additional ingredients that may benefit your training. 

While creatine is generally safe for most people, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and to stay hydrated. Always follow the recommended dosages and consult a healthcare expert if you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions.

Sources:

https://barbend.com/best-pre-workout-with-creatine

https://www.garagegymreviews.com/best-pre-workout-with-creatine

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/wild-thing-by-assault-labs

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/gorilla-mode-pre-workout-by-gorilla-mind

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/gorilla-mode-nitric-stimulant-free-pre-workout-by-gorilla-mind

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/n-o-overload-by-hi-tech-pharmaceuticals

https://www.strongsupplementshop.com/bucked-up-buck-build-creatine-glutamine