Pre Workout Near Me: Pros and Cons of Buying Local vs Online

When searching for a pre-workout, you want a quick, reliable way to get a supplement that helps you perform at your best.

Although you can find pre-workout supplements at your local gyms, nutrition stores, and big-box retailers nearby — this guide will help you learn why many serious lifters prefer ordering online, and why it’s often the smarter choice.

When you order pre-workout online from a specialized supplement store like Strong Supplement Shop, you get access to trusted brands, personalized expert guidance & support, as well as fast shipping straight to your door.

Regardless of whether you plan to buy locally or online, the key is to choose a pre-workout that fits your goals and is able to power up your performance for every training session.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find pre-workout near you, what to look for when choosing one, and how to make sure you’re getting the best quality and value — whether you’re picking it up locally or ordering it online.

[Related] Pre Workout Drink: Top 5 Picks for Energy and Performance

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Quick Summary

• Convenient Local Options: You can find pre-workout supplements at gyms, local supplement stores, and big-box retailers near you, offering quick access whenever you need them.
• Trusted Quality Matters: Whether buying local or online, choosing pre-workouts from trusted, well-tested brands ensures you get safe, effective products that help you reach your fitness goals.
• Personalized Guidance Available: Some stores, including ours, provide one-on-one supplement suggestions tailored to your health and workout needs to help you make the best choice.
• Fast and Reliable Delivery: When you shop online, you can often get your pre-workout shipped quickly, with convenient options like same-day shipping on orders placed before 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
• The Strong Supplement Shop Advantage: We offer a wide selection of top pre-workout brands, personalized support, fast and insured shipping, and subscription options—all designed to give you the best experience, right at your fingertips.

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What to Look for in a Pre-Workout

Identify Your Primary Goal

First, ask yourself what you want to get out of your workout. This will help you narrow down your focus:

• Are you looking for explosive energy and focus? Look for formulas with robust stimulant blends featuring ingredients like caffeine and Dynamine.
• Do you want an insane muscle pump? Seek out products rich in nitric oxide boosters like Citrulline and Glycerol.
• Need a boost for fasted training, or are you sensitive to stimulants? A high-quality stimulant-free option might be your perfect fit.

Quality and Brand Reputation

Choose pre-workouts from trusted brands to ensure the product is tested and authentic. This helps you avoid fillers or unsafe substances. At Strong Supplement Shop, we guarantee every product meets high-quality standards.

Check the Label for Key Ingredients

Don't be intimidated by the label! Knowing just a few key ingredients can help you spot an effective product. Look for:

• Citrulline Malate: For muscle pumps and blood flow. Look for a dose of 6-8 grams per serving for maximum effect.
• Beta-Alanine: For muscular endurance. You’ll know it’s working by the harmless, trademark "tingle."
• Betaine Anhydrous: For power output and muscle hydration.
• Glycerol: For enhanced muscle fullness and vascularity.
• Caffeine: For energy and focus. Always check the dose to make sure it matches your tolerance.

Transparency on Labels

Avoid products that hide behind “proprietary blends.” You should be able to see exactly how much of each ingredient you’re getting.

Consider Your Caffeine Tolerance

This is crucial. If you’re new to pre-workout, starting with a lower-stimulant formula is a smart move. If you’re a seasoned veteran, you might need a stronger hit to break through plateaus. This is where our 1-on-1 personalized guidance really helps. You can tell us your goals and tolerance, and we’ll point you toward the perfect product.

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Where to Buy Pre-Workout Supplements

Buying Pre-Workout Locally

Shopping at a physical store is the classic "see it and grab it" approach. Here are the common places you can check.

• Gyms and Fitness Centers

  • Pros: Immediate access, advice from trainers who understand supplements, and no waiting for shipping.

  • Cons: Limited brand selection, often higher prices, and may not have personalized supplement guidance.

• Supplement Stores Near You

  • Pros: Wide range of popular brands, chance to ask questions in person, and see the product before buying.

  • Cons: Prices can be higher than online, stock may vary, limited availability of new or niche products.

• Big-Box Retailers & Pharmacies

  • Pros: Easy to find, often open late, and you can grab pre-workout while doing other shopping.

  • Cons: Very limited selection, mostly entry-level or basic pre-workouts, not great if you’re looking for high-performance options.

Buying Pre-Workout Online

Shopping online opens up a lot more possibilities. You’re not limited to one or two formulas—we carry the strongest and most popular pre-workouts on the market, all in one place. Each listing includes detailed supplement facts so you can confirm ingredient transparency before buying.

Pros:

• Huge selection of brands and formulas.
• Easy to compare ingredients and reviews before buying.
• Usually better pricing and regular deals.
• Delivered to your door in just a few days.
• Greater peace of mind when buying from a trusted shop.

Cons:

• You can’t take it home immediately like a local purchase.
• You can’t physically hold the tub before buying.
• Slight wait time for delivery (usually 2-3 business days in the USA).
• Some sites may sell knock-offs if you don’t choose carefully.

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Why Consider Ordering Pre-Workout Online

Why spend your time and gas dealing with the inconvenience of driving from store to store when you can have your pre-workout delivered directly to your door?

• More Choices: Local shops usually carry only a handful of brands. Online, you can explore a much bigger range, from everyday options to the strongest formulas available.
• Better Prices: Since online shops don’t have the same overhead costs as local stores, you’ll often find lower prices and special deals.
• Trusted Quality: When you buy from a reliable online store, you know you’re getting authentic products. No fillers, no knock-offs. Just the real thing.
• Fast and Easy: With same-day shipping and quick delivery, you often get your pre-workout in just a couple of days. That’s almost as fast as driving to the store, but without the extra time and effort.

If you’ve ever shopped at a local nutrition store, you’ve probably noticed that most of their retail workers don’t have much training or real knowledge about the supplements they’re selling. Their only goal is to make a quick sale and whatever happens after that isn’t their concern.

Here at Strong Supplement Shop, we believe you deserve expert guidance from people who actually understand how these ingredients work AND care enough to help you get the best results from them.

We’d like to apologize on behalf of these underqualified individuals for turning your supplement shopping experience into a guessing game.

At Strong Supplement Shop, we help you eliminate the guesswork by providing top-tier support from a team that’s highly trained, genuinely knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about helping you reach your goals.

We go above and beyond to make sure you get REAL support... The kind that actually helps you achieve the results you’re after.

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Where to Buy Pre Workout Online

When you shop online for pre-workout, you’ll find plenty of websites selling supplements. Some are well-known, while others can be risky if you’re not sure about their reputation. That’s why it’s important to buy from a trusted shop that guarantees quality.

Here are your main options online:

• Big Online Retailers: Sites like Amazon or eBay may have pre-workouts, but the problem is you can’t always be sure about freshness, authenticity, or who the seller really is.
  
  
• Brand Websites: Some supplement brands sell directly from their own sites. This guarantees authenticity, but you’re limited to only one brand and usually pay full retail price.
  
  
• Specialized Supplement Shops: These are the best places to buy pre-workout online. A trusted supplement store like Strong Supplement Shop can offer a wider selection of brands, better pricing, fast shipping, and knowledgable customer support if you need help choosing.

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Why Strong Supplement Shop is the Best Choice for Your Pre-Workout

At Strong Supplement Shop, we pride ourselves on human-centered customer service, ensuring you never face confusion or inconvenience during your purchase.

Here is why you should consider ordering from us:

Personalized Support Just for You

We understand that everyone’s fitness goals and needs are different. That’s why we offer one-on-one personalized supplement suggestions to help you find the perfect pre-workout based on your health and workout plan. You don’t have to guess which product suits you best—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Fast, Reliable Shipping

When you place your order before 2 p.m. Pacific Time, we ship your pre-workout the same day. Most orders arrive quickly (usually within 2 to 3 business days in the USA). This means you get your products fast and efficiently.

Free Shipping and Subscription Options

You can enjoy free shipping on all orders over $100 within the USA, saving you more. Plus, we offer convenient automatic subscription options for select supplements so you never run out of your favorites. Just set it and forget it!

Trusted Quality and Authenticity

We only sell pre-workouts that our team has thoroughly tested for effectiveness and are 100% authentic. You can trust that every product on our site meets high-quality standards. This helps you avoid fillers and low-quality supplements that don’t deliver.

Wide Selection of Top Brands

You’re not limited to one or two formulas—we carry the strongest and most popular pre-workouts on the market, all in one place.

Package Insurance for Peace of Mind

Your order is fully protected with package insurance provided by Route. If anything happens during shipping, we handle it quickly so you’re never left without your pre-workout.

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Best Pre-Workouts from Strong Supplement Shop

1. Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing is a high-stimulant, pump-focused pre-workout built to combine energy, focus, and vascularity in one scoop. It blends strong pump agents (l-citrulline), endurance support (beta-alanine), and several stimulants and nootropics for mental drive.

This formulation includes creatine anhydrous and agmatine for recovery, muscle volume, and pumps. Because it mixes multiple stimulant sources and nootropics, it’s best for serious gym enthusiasts who want an intense training boost. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, start with a half scoop to test your tolerance.

Key Ingredients:

• L-Citrulline Malate: A non-essential amino acid that increases nitric oxide production for better muscle pumps, improves power and strength, and helps reduce fatigue and soreness.
• Beta Alanine: A non-essential amino acid that raises muscle carnosine concentrations to reduce fatigue and increase the amount of work you can perform at high intensities.
• Agmatine Sulfate: A byproduct of Arginine that aids in the production of Nitric Oxide for skin-stretching pumps.
• Alpha-GPC: A natural choline compound that increases mental focus and cognitive function, helping you hone in on your workout goals.
• Creatine Anhydrous: Works to regenerate ATP in the body, supporting muscle volumization and preventing muscle fatigue.
• L-Glutamine: Supports muscle growth and recovery.
• Choline Bitartrate: Converts to acetylcholine, improving brain function and muscle control.
• Huperzine A & Thinkamine®: Nootropics for sharper focus and mental clarity.
• Caffeine Anhydrous: A pure and potent form of caffeine that increases training intensity, enhances focus, and boosts thermogenesis.
• ZumXR® & Infinergy®: Patented caffeine blends providing sustained, crash-free energy.
• L-Tyrosine: A non-essential amino acid that promotes smooth brain function, mood enhancement, and lowered anxiety.
• L-Norvaline: An amino acid that helps heighten nitric oxide production and improve nutrient delivery to muscles.

Key Benefits:

• Boosts energy and workout intensity
• Improves mental focus and alertness
• Enhances strength and muscle pumps
• Increases endurance to delay fatigue
• Speeds up muscle recovery
• Supports overall mood and cognitive function
• Provides sustained, balanced energy release

Customer Reviews

Best Pre Workout

“My husband and I have tried many types of preworkout and always come back to this one. The flavor is good, and texture is smooth, and we get the best the focus and energy when we take it. I wish they brought back the original tropical flavor, but their new ones are still amazing!”

-Rachel R. 

 

Best on Market

“Gives you the right amount of kick, without any of the drawbacks. Perfect”

-Tyler R.

 

Wild Thing

“Good flavor and great energy boost.”

-Paige T.

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2. Seismic Surge by Hard Rock

Seismic Surge is a high-stim, heavy-pump pre-workout made to push intensity. It focuses on classic pump agents (citrulline/beta-alanine), stimulants for energy, and mood/euphoria agents for extra drive.

That profile makes it a popular pick for high-intensity or advanced lifting sessions. You’ll want to test tolerance (start with a smaller dose) because formulas lean toward the stronger-stim side.

Key Ingredients:

• L-Citrulline Malate 2:1: The key to maximizing your pumps, this compound boosts nitric oxide production, ensuring superior blood flow, vascularity, and muscle fullness during training.
• Beta Alanine: This amino acid works to buffer lactic acid in your muscles, helping to delay fatigue and giving you that characteristic tingle and the ability to squeeze out extra reps.
• Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): A nootropic ingredient that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which can help promote a sense of calm focus and reduce mental clutter without causing drowsiness.
• 1,3,7 Trimethylxanthine (Delayed Caffeine): This is a unique form of caffeine designed to release over time, helping to prevent the sudden energy crash often associated with traditional caffeine.
• Caffeine Anhydrous: The fast-acting form of caffeine that delivers an immediate jolt of energy, increasing alertness, mood, and overall exercise performance.
• 3,7 Dimethylxanthine (Theobromine): A naturally occurring alkaloid found in cocoa that provides smoother, longer-lasting energy and supports cardiovascular health and blood flow.
• Yohimbe Hydrochloride & Alpha Yohimbine Hydrochloride (Rauwolfia Vomitoria): These potent compounds are powerful stimulants often used to target stubborn fat cells and increase adrenaline, leading to intense energy and thermogenesis.

Key benefits:

• Strong immediate energy for heavy training
• Better muscle pumps and vascularity
• Enhances mental focus and clarity
• Improved endurance for repeated sets
• Aids hydration and muscle function
• Enhanced mood/drive for intense sessions
• Works well for advanced lifters who tolerate stimulants

Customer Reviews

Love this.

“Clean energy and focus.”

-Tunde S. 

 

WOW - Amazing Experience

“I call this an experience becusae thats what it feels like! Take a scoop or if you want to fly take 2 and go on a journey thats like no other and oh yea when the ship finally lands you completed the workout of your life.”

-Josesph

 

Great Products

“I have been using all Hardrock Supplements for over 10 years and their phenomenal.”

-John C. 

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3. Mesomorph by APS

Mesomorph is a long-standing “hardcore” pre-workout focused on raw energy and performance. It typically combines strong stimulants (2-aminoisoheptane/DMHA), creatine forms, and pump ingredients like citrulline. Mesomorph’s formula is built to deliver quick energy plus pump and strength support—so it’s popular with lifters who want immediate intensity.

Key Ingredients:

SYNTHENOX-CARNOSINE/NITRIC OXIDE COMPLEX (6,500mg):

• Beta Alanine: Directly combats muscle acidity to delay fatigue, allowing you to increase your workout volume and capacity.
• L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1: Drastically boosts nitric oxide levels, leading to superior blood flow, pumps, and endurance.
• Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate 2:1 (AAKG): An effective arginine form that enhances nitric oxide production, further supporting muscle pumps and nutrient delivery.

MESOSWELL-CELL VOLUMIZING ATP MATRIX (4,500mg):

• Di-Creatine Malate: A highly absorbable form of creatine that increases muscle cell volume and supports rapid ATP (energy) production for explosive strength.
• L-Taurine: This amino acid draws water into muscle cells, enhancing cell volume while supporting nerve function and reducing muscle cramps.
• Creatine Nitrate: Known for its high water solubility, this creatine form improves absorption while providing power and strength benefits.
• Creatinol-O-Phosphate: Helps buffer lactic acid and assists in maintaining cellular energy, protecting your muscles from fatigue during intense exercise.
• Agmatine Sulfate: A powerful compound known to promote massive and sustained muscle pumps by helping regulate nitric oxide.

NEUROMORPH-NEURO ENERGIZED STIMULANT MATRIX (1,860mg):

• Methylxanthine Anhydrous (Caffeine): Provides the powerful, fast-acting energy and alertness boost necessary for an intense session.
• Theobromine: Provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy lift compared to caffeine and supports healthy blood flow.
• Quebracho Blanco Extract (bark): Often used for its potential stimulatory and fat-burning properties, increasing overall energy output.

Key Benefits:

• Rapid, high-level energy for intense lifting sessions
• Improved short-term strength and power (creatine forms)
• Strong muscle pumps from citrulline and agmatine
• Better focus and drive from stimulant/nootropic mix
• Supports endurance during long sessions
• Improves mood and mental clarity
• Delays muscle fatigue
• Promotes muscle pumps and vascularity

Customer Reviews

Mesomorph

“Love this stuff. Can’t find anything else that touches it. Definitely works everytime”

-Ben

Great

“This was probably the best pre workout I've ever taken, only downside was that I always had hard crashes and loss of appetite but was worth it lol. so sad to see that they've discontinued the one with ****”

-Umar

 

Mesomorph

“Best pre workout ever!”

-Daniel

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4. SuperHuman Elite by Alpha Lion

SuperHuman Elite is an advanced pre-workout designed for serious lifters wanting extreme performance. It is designed to be a comprehensive formula that supports intense workouts by maximizing energy, focus, and endurance. The product is structured into distinct matrices targeting performance, energy, pumps, and nootropic benefits, providing a full-spectrum pre-workout experience.

It also includes a high dose of caffeine along with clinically researched ingredients for endurance, strength, and mental clarity. It provides a balanced energy boost that avoids jitters and post-workout crashes, making it perfect for pushing limits.

Key Ingredients:

The formula is broken down into several proprietary matrices:

• Elite Performance Matrix: Contains 10,000 mg of L-Citrulline for pumps and endurance, 3,200 mg of Beta Alanine to combat muscle fatigue, 3,000 mg of Malic Acid, and 2,000 mg of L-Taurine.
• Elite Energy Matrix: Features an SXT™ Energy System with 368 mg of caffeine from three sources (including rapid-release and extended-release forms) for sustained energy, alongside 2,000 mg of L-Tyrosine and 1,000 mg of Choline Bitartrate.
• Elite Pump Matrix: Includes ElectroPrime® (a glycerol-based complex) and other ingredients to enhance hydration and muscle pumps.
• Elite Nootropic Matrix: Comprises Cognizin® Citicoline, DMAE Bitartrate, Nutricog®, and Huperzine A to support razor-sharp focus and cognitive function during training.

Key Benefits:

• Delivers extreme energy and power output
• Provides long-lasting, jitter-free focus
• Increases muscle pumps and vascularity
• Enhances endurance and delays fatigue
• Supports cognitive function and mental clarity
• Promotes hydration and electrolyte balance

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5. Mother Bucker by Bucked Up

Mother Bucker is one of Bucked Up’s flagship, high-stimulation pre-workouts, built for advanced users. It’s crafted to deliver a strong energy hit, pumps, and sustained intensity through its stimulant blend and advanced pump agents. Because of its potency, it’s not recommended for novice users or those highly sensitive to stimulants.

Key Ingredients:

• Beta-Alanine (6,400mg): This is the maximum clinical dose, ensuring you get the full benefit for neutralizing muscle acid and boosting training volume and stamina (and the intense tingle!).
• L-Citrulline (4,000mg): A powerful nitric oxide booster that dramatically enhances blood flow, giving you superior muscle pumps and nutrient delivery to working muscles.
• Nitrosigine® (Inositol-Stabilized Arginine Silicate) (1,500mg): A patented ingredient shown to work synergistically with Citrulline to enhance blood vessel relaxation, leading to a faster and stronger pump.
• Caffeine Anhydrous (300mg) & Microencapsulated Delayed-Release Caffeine (100mg): This two-part system provides an immediate energy jolt followed by a sustained release to prevent the mid-workout crash, totaling a powerful 400mg of caffeine.
• L-Tyrosine (1,500mg): This nootropic is a precursor to dopamine, boosting mood, confidence, and cognitive function to fight mental fatigue during long sessions.
• Alpha GPC (300mg): A premium ingredient that sharply enhances mental focus and strengthens the crucial mind-to-muscle connection, ensuring every rep is effective.
• HydroPrime® Glycerol Monostearate (500mg) & Himalayan Rock Salt (300mg): These ingredients pull water into the muscle cells, creating a "hyper-hydration pump" and supporting electrolyte balance for better endurance.
• Theobromine (100mg): Provides a smoother, milder source of sustained energy that complements the caffeine blend while supporting cardiovascular health.
• AstraGin® (50mg): A patented blend that supports the body's ability to absorb the other ingredients, ensuring you maximize the effectiveness of this premium formula.
• Senactiv® (50mg): A patented compound that supports athletic performance by increasing VO2 max and helping to accelerate muscle recovery after exercise.
• Rauwolscine (2mg) & Huperzine A (200mcg): These powerful central nervous system compounds work together to provide intense energy, focus, and thermogenic effects.

Key Benefits:

• Boosts high-intensity energy quickly
• Increases mental focus and alertness
• Enhances muscle pumps and vascularity
• Delays fatigue during tough workouts
• Supports hydration and recovery
• Helps improve workout motivation

Customer Reviews

bucked up

“This one will get you bucked up for sure if you know what I mean lol. Lots of energy, sweating and focus in the gym. I lasted longer to before gassing out. Highly recommend.”

-JOEY G.

 

Exciting

“Super excited about this one, formula looks good and the flavors too. Let's go!”

-F.T.

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FAQs: Pre-workout Near Me

Q: I’m new to pre-workout. How do I know which one is right for me?

A: This is a great question, and it’s exactly why we offer 1-on-1 personalized guidance. The best pre-workout for you depends on your goals and caffeine tolerance. Tell us what you're looking for—more energy, bigger pumps, better focus—and we'll help you find your perfect match from our curated selection.

Q: Is it better to buy pre-workout online or in-store?

A: Both have benefits. Local stores offer instant access and personal advice, while online shops provide a wider selection, competitive pricing, personalized guidance, and fast shipping.

Q: When is the best time to take my pre-workout?

A: You should mix your pre-workout with water and consume it about 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising. This allows enough time for the key ingredients, especially stimulants like caffeine, to be absorbed and start working in your system.

Q: Can these supplements affect my sleep?

A: Yes. Taking a high-stimulant pre-workout too late in the day will likely interfere with your sleep. A general rule is to avoid taking them within 6 hours of bedtime. For evening workouts, you should opt for a stimulant-free (non-stim) pre-workout option.

Q: What if I want to keep receiving my favorite pre-workout regularly?

A: We make it easy! You can set up a convenient automatic subscription so you never have to remember to add it to your cart again.

Q: Should I "cycle" off my pre-workout?

A: Yes, absolutely. Cycling is highly recommended for high-stimulant pre-workouts. To prevent your body from building up a tolerance and making the product less effective (or requiring constantly higher doses), we suggest taking a break for 1-2 weeks after every 8-12 weeks of continuous use.

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Final Thoughts

Finding pre-workout near you can be simple, whether you pick it up from a local store or order online. Local shops give quick access, but the options are often limited. Online stores open up more choices, better prices, and trusted brands.

Strong Supplement Shop combines convenience with reliability, offering same-day shipping, package protection, and personal guidance. It makes getting the right pre-workout easier, safer, and more effective for your training.

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References

• 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.
• 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.
• Gough, L. A., Sparks, S. A., McNaughton, L. R., Higgins, M. F., Newbury, J. W., Trexler, E., Faghy, M. A., & Bridge, C. A. (2021). A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology, 121(12), 3283–3295.
• Grgic, J., Grgic, I., Pickering, C., Schoenfeld, B. J., Bishop, D. J., & Pedisic, Z. (2020). Wake up and smell the coffee: caffeine supplementation and exercise performance-an umbrella review of 21 published meta-analyses. British journal of sports medicine, 54(11), 681–688.
• Barbagallo Sangiorgi, G., Barbagallo, M., Giordano, M., Meli, M., & Panzarasa, R. (1994). alpha-Glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks. An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 717, 253–269.