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Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout: Full Review & Expert Rating

Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout: Full Review & Expert Rating

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Oct 10, 2025

Intro

Walk into any gym today and you'll see athletes chugging neon-colored drinks before crushing their training sessions. But most pre-workout formulas just throw caffeine at you and call it a day.

Bucked Up Black Ant takes a different approach. This formula combines ancient performance secrets with modern sports nutrition science to deliver sustained energy, laser focus, and muscle-swelling pumps that last through your most brutal workouts.

Whether you're chasing new strength gains or trying to push past a plateau, this pre workout brings together exotic ingredients like black ant extract and deer antler velvet, with proven performance enhancers to help you dominate every training session.


Short Summary:

  • The science behind Black Ant Pre Workout and why this formula stands out from typical pre workouts on the market

  • How the key ingredients work together to boost energy levels, mental focus, and power output during high-intensity exercise

  • Detailed breakdown of every ingredient on the supplement facts panel and what each one does for your body

  • Expert strategies for timing your doses and maximizing results based on your training style and tolerance level

  • How to stack Black Ant with other supplements like Rut, Buck Build, and creatine gummies for even better performance

  • Real references to studies backing up the performance benefits of ingredients like l citrulline, beta alanine, and creatine monohydrate

  • Ready to experience the swarm? Buy Black Ant Pre Workout at Strong Supplement Shop and experience the power of combining traditional ingredients with modern sports nutrition science


Jar of Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout

Bucked Up Black Ant: Ancient Strength Meets Modern Science

Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout takes a bold approach while most companies stick to the same tired formulas. Founder Ryan Gardner looked to traditional Chinese medicine, combining legendary black ant extract with cutting-edge performance ingredients.

Black ant extract from Polyrhachis vicina (Roger) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support vitality and endurance. It provides trace minerals and amino acids that may aid in overall stamina and recovery.

The formula delivers clinical doses of proven performers—6g L-Citrulline, 5g Creatine Monohydrate, 4g Beta-Alanine, and 300mg Caffeine Anhydrous. Combined with Fulvic Acid for nutrient absorption and Himalayan rock salt for electrolyte balance, it’s a complete pre-workout formula designed to help you push harder and recover faster.


The Performance Benefits of Black Ant Pre Workout

You don't take a pre workout to feel slightly better. You take it to lift heavier, push harder, and outlast everyone else in the gym. Bucked Up Black Ant hits all five performance markers that actually matter—energy, focus, pumps, strength, and endurance.

Each ingredient plays a specific role in enhancing your ability to perform — from sustained energy and focus to greater endurance capacity and recovery.

Here's what happens when you stop messing around with weak formulas and start using one that actually works:

  • Energy Enhancement That Lasts - The 300mg of Caffeine Anhydrous delivers clean, sustained energy without jitters or mid-workout crashes. You'll feel energized and motivated from your first warm-up set to your final burnout, with support for natural energy metabolism that keeps you dialed in throughout your entire training session.

  • Focus and Mental Clarity - The 2 grams of L-Tyrosine supports neurotransmitter production for better focus, motivation, and mental clarity. You'll experience a powerful mind-muscle connection where every rep feels deliberate and controlled—energized but not scattered, focused but not tunnel-visioned.

  • Pump and Vascularity - The 6 grams of L-Citrulline boosts nitric oxide production for enhanced blood flow to working muscles. Bigger pumps, better nutrient delivery to muscle cells, and improved oxygen transport mean better performance during high-intensity exercise, not just cosmetic benefits.

  • Strength and Power Output - The 5 grams of Creatine Monohydrate plus 2.5 grams of Betaine Anhydrous help muscle cells produce more ATP for power-based movements. More weight on the bar, more reps before failure, and better power output whether you're hitting heavy squats or box jumps — regardless of your body weight or experience level.

  • Endurance Capacity - The 4 grams of Beta Alanine increases carnosine levels to buffer the acid buildup that causes that burning sensation during intense exercise. Push through the burn, complete more reps, maintain intensity longer, and recover faster between sets for more total volume per training session.


Key Ingredients and Formulation in Black Ant Pre Workout

Every ingredient in Bucked Up Black Ant is here for a reason, and every dose is built to actually work. This isn't a label designed to impress beginners who don't know better—it's a formula designed by people who understand what it takes to perform at a high level. No fluff, no filler, no proprietary blends hiding underwhelming doses.

Let's break down exactly what you're getting in each scoop of Bucked Up Black Ant:

  • L-Citrulline - Converts to l-arginine to boost nitric oxide production, leading to enhanced blood flow, better nutrient delivery to muscle cells, and massive pumps during training.

  • Creatine Monohydrate - Helps muscle cells regenerate ATP faster for increased strength gains, power output, and lean muscle mass. One of the most researched and proven supplements available.

  • Beta-Alanine - Increases carnosine levels to buffer acid buildup in muscles, delaying muscle fatigue and improving muscular endurance during high-intensity exercise.

  • Betaine Anhydrous - Supports cellular hydration and energy metabolism while enhancing power output and working synergistically with creatine for better strength gains.

  • L-Tyrosine - Precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine that helps maintain mental clarity, focus, and motivation even during intense, stressful training sessions.

  • RIPFACTOR® - A patented blend of Mangifera indica (bark) and Sphaeranthus indicus (flower head) extracts shown in studies to support strength, endurance, and muscle development when paired with resistance training.”

  • Black Ant Extract - Derived from Polyrhachis vicina (Roger), provides essential minerals, trace elements, and amino acids that support muscle tissue repair and energy metabolism.

  • CreaSOL® SSAT (Tyrosol) – Supports nutrient delivery and cellular energy by aiding mitochondrial activity and enhancing overall bioavailability of performance ingredients.

  • Himalayan Rock Salt - Provides essential minerals and electrolytes to support hydration, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling during intense training.

  • GPCgold™ (Alpha GPC 50%) - Supports cognitive function and the mind-muscle connection for better mental clarity and focus throughout your workout.

  • Caffeine Anhydrous - Pure, fast-acting caffeine providing clean sustained energy and mental focus without jitters. Equivalent to roughly three cups of coffee.

  • Fulvic Mineral Complex (as Rejen™) - Functions as a nutrient transport system, supporting ingredient uptake and overall utilization.

  • Dynamine™ (40% Methyliberine) - Works synergistically with caffeine to enhance alertness and focus, helping sustain clean, fast-acting energy.

  • Huperzine A from Huperzia serrata (leaf) - Supports focus and mental clarity by helping maintain acetylcholine levels through acetylcholinesterase inhibition, improving mind-muscle connection.

  • Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate) - Essential mineral supporting muscle contraction, energy metabolism, and helps prevent cramping during exercise.

  • Sodium - Key electrolyte that supports hydration, muscle contraction, and fluid balance for optimal performance and pumps.

Here are the Full Supplement Facts:

Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout Full Supplement Facts Panel


How Black Ant Pre Workout Compares to Other Pre-Workouts

Bucked Up Black Ant separates itself from typical pre workouts in several key ways:

✓ Ingredient Transparency - Many pre workouts hide behind proprietary blends. Black Ant shows every ingredient and dose on the label with nothing to hide.

✓ Complete Formula - Most formulas focus only on stimulants or only on pumps. This delivers both, plus strength, endurance, and recovery support in one comprehensive system.

✓ Unique Ingredients - The black ant extract and deer antler velvet set this apart from every cookie-cutter formula using the same basic ingredients everyone else uses.

✓ Clinical Dosing - Budget pre workouts severely underdose key ingredients to save money. Black Ant includes clinical doses of L-Citrulline (6g), Creatine (5g), and Beta Alanine (4g) that research shows actually work.

✓ Moderate Stimulants - At 300mg of caffeine, this sits in a sweet spot. It's stronger than beginner formulas but not so extreme you develop tolerance quickly or can't sleep after evening workouts. Compare this to high-stimulant options like Woke AF, which contains around 333mg of caffeine plus additional stimulants for maximum intensity.

The main trade-off is price. Quality ingredients at clinical doses cost more than underdosed formulas. You're paying for effectiveness, not just marketing hype. Athletes who've tried both cheap pre workouts and premium options consistently report better results with properly dosed formulas like Black Ant.


When and How to Use Black Ant Pre-Workout for Maximum Results

Optimal Timing Before Training

For best results, mix one scoop or two scoops (depending on your tolerance) with 8-12 ounces of cold water about 20-30 minutes before your training session. This gives the ingredients time to enter your bloodstream and start working right as you begin your warm-up. The Beta Alanine tingles usually kick in around 15-20 minutes after consumption—a good signal that the formula is activating.

If you train early in the morning, you might want to take your pre workout as soon as you wake up, then do your mobility work or drive to the gym while it kicks in. For afternoon or evening workouts, make sure you're at least 6-8 hours from bedtime since the 300mg of caffeine can interfere with sleep in sensitive individuals.


Dosing Strategies for Different Tolerance Levels

Beginners or Caffeine-Sensitive Users: Start with one scoop (half serving) to assess your tolerance. Most users feel noticeable energy and focus even from their first scoop, a clear sign of the formula’s potency. This gives you 150mg caffeine and half doses of all other ingredients—still enough to feel the benefits without overwhelming your system. Use one scoop for 1-2 weeks before considering an increase.

Intermediate Users: After building tolerance, most athletes do well with 1.5 scoops or the full two scoops (one full serving). This delivers the clinical doses listed on the label and provides the complete experience the formula was designed to deliver.

Advanced Users: If you're a stimulant veteran coming from high-intensity pre workouts, two scoops of Black Ant should hit right. Some experienced athletes report great results stacking one scoop of Black Ant with other Bucked Up formulas for specific goals, but this should only be attempted if you know your body well.

Important: Never exceed two scoops in a single day. More isn't always better with pre-workout supplements. Taking more than recommended can lead to uncomfortable side effects without improving performance.


Training Style Considerations

The beauty of Black Ant is its versatility, but you need to match your approach to your workout.

Here's how to dial in your strategy based on what you're actually doing in the gym:

  • Strength Training: Take your full dose 20-30 minutes pre-workout. The creatine monohydrate and betaine anhydrous work best when your muscles are loaded with them during heavy compound lifts.

  • High-Volume Bodybuilding: Same timing works well. The pump ingredients and endurance boosters shine during high-rep sets and multiple exercises per muscle group.

  • Circuit Training or CrossFit: You might want to sip half your dose 30 minutes out, then finish the rest 10 minutes before starting. This provides sustained energy throughout longer, varied workouts.

  • Cardio or Endurance Work: While primarily designed for resistance training, many athletes use black ant pre before longer cardio sessions. The energy and endurance benefits translate well to sustained efforts. Just start with one scoop since you might not need the full dose for steady-state cardio.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Black Ant Experience

  1. Stay Hydrated: Pre workouts with creatine and beta alanine pull water into your muscle cells. Drink at least 16-20 ounces of water with your pre workout and keep sipping throughout your training session to support hydration and nutrient delivery.

  1. Cycle Your Usage: Don't use pre workout every single day. Your body builds tolerance to caffeine and other stimulants. Use it for your most important training sessions (3-5 times per week) and take occasional tolerance breaks every 8-12 weeks.

  1. Eat Smart: Take your pre workout on a relatively empty stomach for faster absorption, but make sure you've eaten a small meal 60-90 minutes before. A little food helps prevent stomach upset without slowing down ingredient absorption too much.

  1. Load Creatine Properly: Since Black Ant contains 2.5 grams of creatine per scoop (5g total per full serving), using it consistently helps maintain saturated creatine stores in your muscles. For faster results, consider adding extra creatine during your first week.

  1. Time Your Last Dose: Avoid taking pre workout within 6-8 hours of bedtime. Poor sleep crushes recovery and performance. If you train late, consider using one scoop instead of two, or try a lower-stimulant option on those days.

  1. Mix Thoroughly: Give your shaker bottle a good 20-30 seconds of mixing. Some ingredients like creatine can settle at the bottom if you don't mix well enough.

  1. Track Your Response: Keep notes on how different doses affect your energy, focus, and performance. Everyone responds slightly differently to pre workout ingredients. Adjust your timing and dosing based on what works best for your body.

  1. Don't Stack Stimulants: If you drink coffee or energy drinks, account for that caffeine when deciding on your pre workout dose. Too much total caffeine causes jitters, anxiety, and diminishing returns on performance.


Stacking Black Ant Pre Workout with Other Supplements

RUT by Bucked Up

RUT by Bucked Up is a testosterone support formula that uses deer antler velvet, ashwagandha, and other natural ingredients to support healthy hormone levels and recovery. Taking Rut daily (usually in the morning) while using Black Ant for training creates a powerful combination.

Key Benefits of Stacking with RUT:

  • Supports healthy testosterone production with Tribulus Terrestris, Tongkat Ali, and Zinc
  • Promotes stress resilience and cortisol balance with clinically backed KSM-66® Ashwagandha
  • Enhances energy, mood, and drive through optimal Vitamin D3, Iron, and Folate levels
  • Aids hormonal balance and estrogen metabolism with DIM (Diindolylmethane)
  • Contributes to improved strength, recovery, and overall vitality for active men

RUT complements Black Ant through its testosterone-supporting ingredients like Tongkat Ali, Tribulus, and KSM-66® Ashwagandha, which pair well with Black Ant’s performance-enhancing formula to support strength, recovery, and overall vitality.


Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine

Buck Build by Bucked Up

Buck Build is a comprehensive muscle-building supplement that combines essential amino acids and growth-supporting nutrients. Taking Buck Build post-workout or between meals complements Black Ant perfectly.

Key Benefits of Stacking with Buck Build:

  • Provides 2.5 g of advanced creatine blend (MagnaPower®, Citrate, Malate, AKG, Pyruvate) to enhance power, strength, and muscle fullness
  • Delivers 2.5 g of multi-source glutamine blend to support protein synthesis, recovery, immune health, and muscle repair
  • Supports lean muscle growth and protein utilization for improved training performance through BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous
  • Promotes cellular hydration and endurance via magnesium creatine chelate
  • Ideal post-workout or between meals to accelerate recovery and replenish muscle energy stores for optimal protein-driven muscle recovery

Using Black Ant before training and Buck Build after creates a complete pre- and post-workout system that covers all your performance and recovery bases.


Bucked Up Creatine Gummies

If you want to maximize your creatine intake beyond what's in Black Ant, Bucked Up Creatine Gummies provide a convenient way to load or maintain saturated creatine stores. Each serving delivers additional creatine monohydrate in a tasty, easy-to-take format.

Key Benefits of Stacking with Creatine Gummies:

  • Supplies a full 5 g of pure Creatine Monohydrate per serving for proven strength and power gains
  • Helps maintain full muscle creatine saturation for faster recovery and consistent performance
  • Enhances muscle volume and fullness through intracellular water uptake
  • Simple, delicious, and travel-friendly alternative to creatine powders
  • Perfect for daily use on both training and rest days to sustain elevated creatine levels

Taking creatine gummies throughout the day (on both training and rest days) combined with the creatine in your pre workout ensures your muscles stay fully loaded for maximum strength gains and performance benefits.


Bucked Up Deer Antler Spray Premium Deer Antler Velvet

Deer Antler Spray by Bucked Up

Bucked Up's Deer Antler Spray provides a concentrated dose of deer antler velvet extract in a sublingual spray for rapid absorption. This supplement supports recovery, growth factors, and overall athletic performance through a unique delivery method.

Key Benefits of Stacking with Deer Antler Spray:

  • Provides deer antler velvet extract and L-Arginine HCL to support circulation, endurance, and recovery
  • Includes Glutathione Tripeptides and Aloe Vera Extract for antioxidant and tissue support
  • Supports natural vitality, libido, and performance with Epimedium and Tribulus terrestris
  • Fast-absorbing sublingual delivery system ensures rapid uptake of active compounds
  • Complements Black Ant’s adaptogenic and nutrient-rich formula for enhanced overall recovery

Using the spray daily (particularly before bed for overnight recovery) while taking Black Ant pre-workout creates a comprehensive performance and recovery system. The combined deer antler velvet content from both supplements amplifies the traditional benefits athletes have sought from this ingredient for centuries.


Training Style-Specific Strategies with Black Ant

Different training demands different strategies. Whether you're moving heavy weight for low reps or crushing high-volume bodybuilding sessions, here's how to get the most out of black ant pre workout for your specific goals.

1. Strength Training and Powerlifting

Bucked Up Black Ant excels for athletes focused on heavy compound movements. The creatine monohydrate and betaine anhydrous support maximum power output during low-rep, high-load sets. Take your full two-scoop serving 30 minutes before your session.

Key Strategy Points:

  • Use consistently on heavy training days (squat, bench, deadlift)

  • Allow the formula to fully kick in before attempting max attempts

  • The Beta Alanine helps during longer rest periods and volume work

  • Creatine content supports strength gains when used consistently

  • Mental focus ingredients help maintain technique under heavy loads

2. Bodybuilding and Hypertrophy Training

For athletes chasing muscle growth through high-volume training, black ant pre provides everything needed to dominate extended gym sessions with multiple exercises and high rep ranges.

Key Strategy Points:

  • Full serving supports energy through 60-90 minute sessions

  • L citrulline delivers sustained pumps across multiple exercises

  • Beta alanine prevents burnout during high-rep sets

  • Maintained mental focus during long workouts targeting multiple muscle groups

  • Hydration support through minerals helps with muscle cell volumization

3. CrossFit and Functional Fitness

The varied demands of CrossFit—mixing heavy lifts, gymnastics movements, and conditioning—require a pre workout that delivers across multiple energy systems. Black Ant's balanced formula handles this challenge well.

Key Strategy Points:

  • Take 20 minutes before the warm-up to have full effects during the WOD

  • The endurance benefits help maintain intensity through longer metcons

  • Strength support carries over to heavy lifting portions

  • Mental clarity helps with complex movement patterns under fatigue

  • Consider starting with 1.5 scoops if you're doing multiple sessions per day

4. Endurance Training

While designed primarily for resistance training, many endurance athletes use black ant pre workout before longer cardio sessions or race-pace efforts.

Key Strategy Points:

  • Start with one scoop to assess how your stomach handles it during movement

  • The sustained energy helps maintain consistent effort over longer durations

  • Beta alanine delays fatigue during threshold efforts

  • Electrolyte support helps maintain hydration balance

  • Take 30-40 minutes out to allow digestion before starting intense cardio

5. HIIT and Circuit Training

High-intensity interval training demands explosive energy repeated multiple times with short rest. This is where pre workouts prove their worth.

Key Strategy Points:

  • Full serving supports repeated high-intensity efforts

  • Short rest periods benefit from the recovery-supporting ingredients

  • Mental focus helps maintain intensity even as fatigue builds

  • Power output stays higher across multiple rounds

  • The pump and endurance benefits combine perfectly for this training style


Expert Opinion and Overall Rating

Bucked Up Black Ant pre workout earns high marks for its unique approach to sports nutrition and commitment to clinical dosing.

After reviewing hundreds of supplements and testing countless formulas personally, this one stands out for several reasons.

Strengths:

  • Genuinely innovative ingredient profile with black ant extract and deer antler velvet setting it apart from typical pre workouts

  • Clinical dosing on key ingredients—6g l citrulline, 5g creatine monohydrate, 4g beta alanine all at research-backed amounts

  • Clean, sustained energy delivery from 300mg caffeine anhydrous combined with dynamine and focus ingredients

  • Legitimate pump and vascularity effects from high-dose l citrulline

  • Complete transparency with no proprietary blends hiding weak doses

  • Supports multiple performance aspects—energy, focus, strength, endurance, and recovery

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Higher price point than budget pre workouts due to quality ingredients at clinical doses

  • Flavor profile may taste earthy to some users from the black ant and deer antler velvet extracts

  • Two scoops for a full serving means 20 servings per container instead of more

  • Optimized for resistance and strength training rather than pure endurance activities like distance running or cycling.

  • Not ideal for stimulant-sensitive individuals due to 300mg caffeine content

The Bottom Line

Bucked Up Black Ant delivers where it matters—energy, focus, pumps, and performance. The unique ingredient profile sets it apart from the dozens of me-too pre workouts flooding the market. Athletes who want something different, something that works, and something backed by both traditional use and modern science will appreciate what this formula brings to the gym. It's not perfect for everyone, but for strength athletes, bodybuilders, and functional fitness enthusiasts looking to maximize their training sessions, it's definitely worth trying.

Bucked Up Black Ant Pre Workout Overall Rating: 9 out of 10

Overall Rating: 9.0/10


Unleash the Swarm and Dominate Your Training

Black Ant Pre Workout delivers where it matters—sustained energy, laser focus, massive pumps, and real strength gains. The formula works because it combines clinical doses of proven ingredients with unique performance enhancers you won't find anywhere else.

Stop wasting money on weak formulas that hide behind proprietary blends. Choose a pre workout built by athletes, for athletes, with ingredients and doses that actually deliver results.

Your next workout is waiting. Make it count. Experience the power of the swarm.

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References

  • Pérez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P. M. (2010). Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(5), 1215–1222.
  • Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., Candow, D. G., Kleiner, S. M., Almada, A. L., & Lopez, H. L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18.
  • Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30.
  • Hoffman, J. R., Ratamess, N. A., Kang, J., Rashti, S. L., & Faigenbaum, A. D. (2009). Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 6, 7.
  • Goldstein, E.R., Ziegenfuss, T., Kalman, D. et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 7, 5 (2010).
  • Fernstrom, J. D., & Fernstrom, M. H. (2007). Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain. The Journal of nutrition, 137(6 Suppl 1), 1539S–1548S.
  • Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Immunomodulatory effects of edible Chinese black ant (Polyrhachis vicina) extract in mice. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 56(6), 411–418.
  • Hobson, R. M., Saunders, B., Ball, G., Harris, R. C., & Sale, C. (2012). Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino acids, 43(1), 25–37.
  • Glenn, J. M., Gray, M., Wethington, L. N., Stone, M. S., Stewart, R. W., Jr, & Moyen, N. E. (2017). Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females. European journal of nutrition, 56(2), 775–784.

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.