Is Bang A Good Pre Workout? A Comprehensive Review

Is Bang A Good Pre-Workout? | Is Bang Unique? | Ingredients | Benefits | Side-Effects | Alternatives

The energy drink Bang is now a household name. It has earned a reputation for its ability to provide a quick and effective boost of energy. But is Bang a good pre-workout? Here we answer this question objectively and comprehensively.

We will explore the pros and cons of using Bang as a pre-workout supplement to provide a comprehensive review, allowing you to make an informed decision. 

Is Bang a Good Pre Workout?

Yes, Bang can be a good pre-workout option.

While it is lacking in some ingredients that conventional pre-workout supplements include in their formulae, Bang can still provide a good boost of energy.

It has caffeine, creatine, essential amino acids, and several other ingredients that are known to provide immediate mental stimulation and physical energy. This makes it an ideal option for those who are looking for a quick and convenient per-made option for a pre-workout supplement.

How to consume bang as a pre-workout supplement?

If you wish to consume Bang Energy Drink as a pre-workout drink, you can do so by drinking it 15-30 minutes before a workout.

However, it’s important to note that Bang contains a considerable amount of caffeine.

One should not have more than one drink per day. Ideally, it should also be avoided after 4 pm due to its high caffeine content to prevent sleep disturbances.

What is unique about Bang?

One of the unique features of Bang is its proprietary Super Creatine: Creatyl l leucine. The creatine in bang was developed by Vital Pharmaceuticals. Super creatine is a synthetic blend that has creatine bonded to l-leucine, a branched-chain amino acid. 

This blend is different from naturally occurring creatine. The processing of creatine monohydrate in Bang modifies its texture to make it more water-soluble. 

A single 16 oz can of Bang energy drink has between 4-32.5 mg of Super Creatine.

Bang Energy ingredients

To understand the effectiveness of Bang as a pre-workout supplement, it is important to know what ingredients go into creating it. 

The following are the ingredients listed on the can of Bang energy drinks

• Carbonated Water
• Citric acid Anhydrous
• Caffeine Anhydrous
• Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
• Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
• Potassium Citrate Monohydrate
• Sucralose (artificial sweetener)
• Natural Flavours
• L-Leucine
• Potassium Phosphate Dibasic
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Acesulfame Potassium (sweetener) 
• Magnesium Chloride
• SUPER CREATINE (Creatyl-L-Leucine)
• L-Isoleucine
• L-valine
• Calcium Chloride
• Calcium Disodium EDTA

Note: Bang produces several flavors and varieties of energy drinks. The ingredients list vary slightly from one variety to another. 

Benefits of Bang energy drinks

Bang offers several benefits to people who consume it. Here are 6 proven benefits of Bang: 

1. Contains all essential amino acids

Bang energy drinks are formulated with a comprehensive blend of all the 9 essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in the body. 

These amino acids play a vital role in muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. They support the body’s protein synthesis processes, helping the process of optimizing muscle recovery and development.

2. Energy boost

With 300mg of caffeine per can Bang provides the highest caffeine kick among all other energy drinks. This rapid surge of energy is what makes Bang a viable pre-workout supplement for those who want to maximize their performance. 

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, reducing fatigue and increasing alertness and focus. This energy-enhancing effect can help individuals stay more energized and engaged during workouts or periods of prolonged physical or mental exertion.

3. Increased muscular endurance

Bang energy drinks contain the amino acid beta-alanine, which is particularly interesting as a dietary supplement for athletes. This is because beta-alanine is a precursor to yet another important compound known as carnosine. 

Studies have observed ^[1]National Library of Medicine: Carnosine, Small but Mighty—Prospect of Use as Functional Ingredient for Functional Food Formulation that any supplement with beta-alanine directly increases muscle carnosine and improves the effectiveness of exercise and stimulation and contraction in muscles.

4. Better Mental focus and alertness

Bang energy drinks contain a blend of caffeine and other compounds that can enhance cognitive health, mental focus, and alertness. Some varieties of Bang energy drinks also include nootropic ingredients like Alpha-GPC or L-tyrosine, which can improve brain function and boost mental clarity.

5. Potential muscle mass gains

Bang energy drinks contain a blend of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that can help with muscle protein synthesis. This helps improve muscle growth, maintenance, and post-workout recovery. 

Regular consumption of Bang energy drinks can thus help with faster muscle recovery and better performance in the gym.

6. Convenience

Unlike other pre-workout supplements, Bang energy drinks are ready to drink and require no mixing. This makes them a convenient option for individuals who are short on time and don’t want to spend it measuring out powders and mixing them with other liquids.

Moreover, Bang energy drinks are generally available at supermarkets, local stores, online sites, and even gas stations and convenience stores. This means that you can always find them close to your location, saving time and energy when you need a pre-workout boost. 

Potential Side Effects of Bang

We know by now that bang can function efficiently as a pre-workout energy drink to enhance workout performance. However, like all other energy drinks, Bang also comes with certain potential side effects. 

Let’s take a look at 3 of the most important risks associated with Bang.

Lacks many common pre-workout ingredients

While Bang energy drinks offer various benefits, it’s essential to note that they may lack certain ingredients commonly found in traditional pre-workout supplements. These may include taurine, citrulline malate, and arginine.

Too much caffeine content

As mentioned above, Bang energy drinks contain 300mg of caffeine per can, which is considered a high amount.  

According to the FDA ^[2]U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?,  the recommended daily limit for caffeine consumption is 400mg per day. So it’s important to note that drinking an entire can at once brings us dangerously close to this limit. 

This can lead to potential side effects like insomnia, restlessness, headaches, and heart palpitations. 

Cardiovascular problems

People with pre-existing heart problems or high blood pressure should avoid Bang energy drinks. This is because of the presence of caffeine and other stimulants, which can increase blood pressure and have a negative effect on cardiovascular health. 

If you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s essential to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor before consuming Bang energy drinks. 

Artificial sweeteners

Bang energy drinks have managed to develop a range of flavors while keeping the drink sugar-free. They achieve this by using artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. 

These sweeteners have been controversial, and their effects are hotly debated. They have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, weight gain, intensity of sugar cravings ^[3]National Library of Medicine: Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings, and dizziness. 

Pre-Workout alternatives to Bang

If you want to switch from using Bang Energy as a pre-workout, there are many other options that can improve your energy and performance during your workout. Here are some common and safer alternatives:

1. Beetroot juice

Beet juice has recently been gaining some fame as an ergogenic supplement and natural alternative to pre-workout supplements. It is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and anthocyanins. 

Red beetroot contains nitrates ^[4]MDPI: The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease which can help increase blood flow in the body, leading to improved exercise performance and better muscle contractions. Beetroot juice may also improve endurance performance by reducing fatigue levels during strenuous activities. 

2. Pre-workout supplements with balanced ingredients

There are several supplements that have been specifically formulated to function as pre-workouts. These often contain balanced doses of caffeine, BCAAs, and other compounds that can help increase energy and performance. 

Most pre-workout supplements also provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal nutrition for athletes. Many have also been tested for safety and efficacy, so you can be sure that they won’t cause any significant side effects. 

3. Salt as a pre-workout

Salt is an effective pre-workout supplement that can help improve performance by promoting better blood circulation during workouts and reducing the risk of dehydration.

Consuming salt as a pre-workout can enhance your energy levels, enhance blood flow, regulate muscle contraction, and help you exercise for a longer time.

4. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

Instead of energy drinks like Bang or some highly synthesized pre-workout mixes and supplements, look for BCAAs or Branched-Chain Amino Acids. They are usually found in some foods, like fish, eggs, and dairy products but can also be taken as supplements. 

BCAAs have been proven to increase energy levels and muscle gain with fewer side effects than other pre-workouts.

5. Creatine supplements

Creatine is a naturally occurring organic acid found in food and is also available in supplement form. It helps supply energy to muscle cells and increases strength, muscle mass, and performance. 

It can help with faster recovery times between sets, increased intensity during workouts, and improved power output. 

Research has even proven that creatine supplementation can increase the brain’s stores of phosphocreatine, a molecule that helps the brain create energy from ATP. This leads to better memory and focus in the short term and better neurological health in the long run.

6. Natural sources of caffeine

 Instead of relying on energy drinks to get a pre-workout boost, you can also opt for natural sources of caffeine such as unsweetened, dairy-free coffee or tea. These will provide you with the caffeine you need before a workout in just the right doses.

Green tea, in particular, is especially popular among athletes, as it contains different types of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and provide numerous other benefits.

Conclusion

Bang energy drinks are a great way to get an extra energy boost before you work out. However, it’s essential to consider the potential side effects of Bang and be aware that its high caffeine content can increase the risk of certain health problems. 

If you’re looking for a pre-workout solution, many different options are available. Natural sources of caffeine, BCAAs, and pre-workout supplements with balanced ingredients are all great alternatives that can provide you with the energy boost you need without the potential risks associated with Bang energy drinks. 

Whatever you choose, consult your doctor and discuss any potential health concerns before making any major dietary changes.