Beyond Raw Preworkout

If you’re an avid gym-goer or athlete looking to take your workouts to the next level, you may have heard about pre-workout supplements like Beyond Raw. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which pre-workout is right for you and your fitness goals.

As a long-time fitness enthusiast myself, I’ve tried my fair share of pre-workouts over the years. Some gave me crazy energy and focus, while others didn’t seem to do much at all. However, Beyond Raw has become my go-to pre-workout for the past couple of years. I love the clean energy and tunnel-vision focus it gives me for my tough training sessions.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Beyond Raw pre-workout, including its ingredients, benefits, proper dosage, side effects, and where to buy it. Consider this your one-stop shop for deciding if Beyond Raw is the right supplement to take your workouts to the next level!

What is Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

Beyond Raw is a pre-workout supplement made by GNC. It’s designed to help boost energy, endurance, focus, and pumps during your workout. The “Beyond Raw” name communicates that it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

Unlike some mainstream pre-workouts that are loaded with tons of stimulants and proprietary blends, Beyond Raw keeps its formula relatively straightforward. It combines research-backed performance compounds like creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate with a precise caffeine-theanine combo for clean energy.

I particularly like Beyond Raw because it provides tangible benefits like:

• Increased energy and endurance – With precise doses of caffeine and supporting ingredients like ALA and tyrosine. You can power through long or high-intensity workouts.
• Better focus and concentration – The L-theanine and natural nootropics like lion’s mane keep you dialed in. No jittery feelings.
• Enhanced muscle pumps – Citrulline malate and glycerol help shuttle nutrients into muscles and expand vascularity.
• Reduced fatigue – Creatine and beta-alanine help delay the burning/fatigue during sets and boost intra-workout recovery.

For anyone looking to maximize their gym performance, these benefits check a lot of boxes. Let’s look more closely at how the ingredients inside Beyond Raw pre-workout make this happen.

How Does Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Work?

Beyond Raw doesn’t rely on huge doses of just caffeine for its effects. It uses precise ingredient amounts that complement each other for clean energy, pumps, and focus. Here’s a quick rundown of the compounds inside Beyond Raw and how each works:

• Citrulline Malate – This is an amino acid that enhances blood flow and nitric oxide levels for better oxygen/nutrient delivery and muscle pumps. It can also help reduce fatigue during training.
• Creatine Monohydrate – The most studied performance enhancing supplement. Creatine increases power output, builds muscle, and accelerates recovery.
• Beta-Alanine – This amino acid has been shown to increase muscular endurance and reduce fatigue. It helps you knock out more reps.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – A potent antioxidant that can enhance energy metabolism and blood flow for better performance.
• L-Tyrosine – An amino acid that boosts focus and mental alertness by supporting catecholamine neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine.
• L-Theanine – An amino acid that enhances the cognitive effects of caffeine, providing an alert but relaxed focus.
• Caffeine – precise doses provide clean energy, mental focus, and enhanced performance without jitters.
• Glycerol – Helps pull water into muscle cells for an enhanced “muscle pump” effect.

As you can see, Beyond Raw uses ingredients that complement each other to cover all the bases like energy, focus, pumps, endurance, and reduced fatigue. Now let’s look at the clinical doses inside.

What Are the Ingredients In Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

Beyond Raw keeps it straightforward with 9 core performance compounds:

• Citrulline Malate – 6,000mg
• Beta-Alanine – 3,200mg
• Creatine Monohydrate – 3,000mg
• L-Tyrosine – 2,000mg
• Alpha Lipoic Acid – 300mg
• L-Theanine – 250mg
• Lion’s Mane Extract – 500mg
• Caffeine – 180mg
• Glycerol – 1,500mg

These are doses backed by research to deliver results. For example, studies show that 3-6g of citrulline can boost performance and pumps. The 3g creatine is an effective dose for strength and body composition. And 180mg of caffeine paired with L-theanine is enough for energy, not jitters.

I also like that Beyond Raw uses vegan-friendly capsules. Many pre-workouts still use gelatin capsules. The 500mg of lion’s mane extract is a nice touch as an emerging nootropic to further enhance focus.

Overall, the ingredients label shows a transparent, well-dosed formula for clean energy, pumps, endurance, and mental drive. There are no proprietary blends or fancy “matrix” systems hiding the doses.

Is Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Safe To Use?

Safety should be a top priority when choosing any supplement. With Beyond Raw, there are no blatant safety issues or red flags that I found. The ingredients are backed by research when used appropriately, and the doses don’t seem excessive.

The 180mg of caffeine is on par with 2 cups of coffee. For most people, this is fine, but if you’re very caffeine sensitive, you may want to assess your tolerance. Some people feel BCAAs like beta-alanine cause a temporary “tingling” skin sensation. This is harmless but something to be aware of.

Lastly, I’d only recommend Beyond Raw for healthy adults over 18. As with any supplement, I’d speak to your doctor before using if you have any medical condition or are taking medication. Provided you are a healthy adult, Beyond Raw’s ingredients and dosages appear to be safe when used as directed.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

Based on the precise ingredient doses, Beyond Raw can offer a multitude of potential benefits:

• Increased Energy & Endurance – Key ingredients like creatine, ALA, caffeine/theanine provide a sustained energy boost to help power through long, intense workouts.
• Enhanced Focus & Concentration – L-theanine and nootropics like Lion’s Mane keep you dialed in on your workout without being jittery.
• Better Muscle Pumps – Citrulline malate, glycerol and ALA help shuttle blood and nutrients to your muscles for crazy pumps.
• Reduced Fatigue – Beta-alanine and creatine help buffer fatigue-causing acidosis and accelerate recovery between sets.
• Improved Power Output – Creatine in particular can help boost power, strength, and high-intensity performance.
• Mental Alertness – Ingredients like L-Tyrosine support catecholamine production for greater alertness and reaction time.
• Potential Body Composition Benefits – Some research shows pre-workouts can aid fat loss and muscle gains over time.

These benefits all work together to help take your training intensity to the next level session after session. I personally notice much better endurance and an ability to lift heavier when taking Beyond Raw vs. regular workouts.

How Should I Take Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

The recommended serving is 1-2 scoops taken 20-30 minutes before training. I typically do 1.5 scoops and like to take it about 25 minutes pre-workout.

I’d only recommend starting with 1 scoop if you’re newer to pre-workouts to assess tolerance. You can gradually increase to 2 scoops over time. I wouldn’t exceed 2 full scoops in a single dose.

In terms of combining with other supplements, I’ve stacked Beyond Raw with BCAAs, protein, and creatine with no issues. I’d just avoid taking it with other stim-based pre-workouts or fat burners.

And as far as timing, I only use Beyond Raw before my workout sessions, not as an anytime energy drink. I try not to take it too late in the day either so it doesn’t disrupt sleep. Overall, 1-2 scoops taken 20-30 minutes pre-workout is the best protocol.

How Long Does It Take Beyond Raw Pre-Workout To Kick In?

In my experience, Beyond Raw starts working within about 15-30 minutes of taking it. The initial effects I notice are increased alertness and focus, followed by steadily rising energy levels.

By the time I get to the gym around 25 minutes after taking it, I can really start to feel it working – good energy, concentration dialed in, and ready to hammer out my workout.

Beyond Raw has a balanced formula, so I never feel like I get some sudden rush or crash either. The effects are just smooth and sustained energy. I’m typically still feeling it by the latter part of my 60-90 min gym sessions.

So in summary, allow around 15-30 minutes for Beyond Raw to fully kick in before you train for the best results. Taking it too close to your workout may mean it doesn’t start working until the middle or end of your session.

Can I Use Beyond Raw Pre-Workout as an Energy Drink?

While Beyond Raw can definitely provide an energy boost, I don’t recommend using it as a general energy drink throughout your day. It’s really designed for pre-workout use about 20-30 minutes before your training sessions.

There are a few reasons I’d avoid consuming Beyond Raw outside of this window:

• It contains precise doses of stimulants like caffeine, so there could be side effects like jitters or crashes if you take it randomly.
• The energy and focus benefits are strongest when taken shortly before workouts.
• Some ingredients are better suited for pre-workout like creatine, citrulline, beta-alanine.
• Overuse could lead to building up a tolerance.
• It’s easy to forget how much you’ve taken over a day.

That being said, I don’t see any major issues with occasionally using half a serving (1 scoop) in the morning on non-training days if you need a pick-me-up. But in general, Beyond Raw is designed for pre-workout use so I’d stick to that protocol.

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Beyond Raw Pre-workout?

For most people, Beyond Raw should not cause adverse side effects when used as directed. However, some possible side effects include:

• Jitters – High doses of caffeine or taking it on an empty stomach can cause jitteriness in caffeine-sensitive individuals. Stick to 1 scoop if this happens.
• Energy Crash – Going over the 2 scoop limit may cause an energy crash later on. Again, stick to the recommended doses.
• Digestive issues – Pre-workouts with high doses of ingredients like beta-alanine may cause temporary digestive distress in some. Lower the dose if this occurs.
• Insomnia – As with any stimulant, take Beyond Raw earlier in the day and not at night to avoid sleep issues.
• Tingling Skin – Some people report beta-alanine causes a temporary tingling feeling on the skin called paresthesia. This is harmless for most.
• Dehydration – Creatine and caffeine can both be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after workouts.

Start with one scoop your first time using Beyond Raw to assess tolerance. Overall it has an excellent safety profile when used responsibly by healthy adults. And of course, consult your doctor with any concerns.

What Do Reviews Say About Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

Beyond Raw pre-workout has very solid reviews and ratings across the internet. On Bodybuilding.com, it averages an 8.6/10 based on over 1900 reviews. Many users mention clean energy, great pumps, and focus as the main benefits.

On Amazon, Beyond Raw currently has a 4 out of 5 star average from 850+ ratings. Positive reviews highlight excellent energy without jitters, good endurance, and smooth focus. Negative reviews seem to be in the minority and related to personal sensitivities.

Here’s a brief summary of common feedback:

• Provides long-lasting energy without feeling overly stimmed
• Noticeably increases stamina and endurance for longer workouts
• Helps users push harder and lift heavier during training sessions
• Gives strong muscle pump feeling and vascularity
• Enhances mental focus but doesn’t cause anxiety or jitters
• Mixes easily and tastes good when flavors like blue raspberry are chosen

Considering many top pre-workouts average 3-4 stars, Beyond Raw’s 4+ average is quite impressive. Clearly it’s a product that works based on the majority of user reviews.

Where Can I Buy Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

As a GNC exclusive supplement, Beyond Raw Pre-Workout can only be purchased either online or in stores at GNC. It is not available through other online retailers like Amazon or bodybuilding.com.

GNC.com – Buying directly from the GNC website allows you to take advantage of any promotions, discounts or sales on Beyond Raw pre-workout. You can have it conveniently shipped to your home.

Brick & Mortar GNC Stores – Walk into any GNC retail store and they should carry Beyond Raw pre-workout. This allows you to avoid shipping costs and pick it up immediately.

No matter where you choose to buy it, only purchase Beyond Raw directly through GNC retail channels. This ensures you’re getting the real, legit product and not some knockoff version. Buying directly also allows you to redeem any coupons or promo codes that pop up from time to time.

How Much Does Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Cost?

When bought directly through GNC, the 30 serving tub of Beyond Raw pre-workout costs between $25-$35. The exact price can vary based on any sales or promotions happening.

Here’s a quick rundown of the standard pricing:

• 30 Serving Tub: $35 MSRP Price // $25-$30 Sale Price
• 60 Servings (2 tubs): $60-$65

As you can see, when it’s not on sale Beyond Raw costs just over $1 per serving. But during periodic sales or with coupons you can often get it for $0.75 – $1 per serving range, which is very reasonable.

GNC also frequently does Buy One Get One 50% off sales on Beyond Raw, so that’s a great way to stock up and get the best bang for your buck. Signing up for their Gold Card membership can also get you free shipping and additional discounts.

Is Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Effective for Increasing Focus?

Absolutely. One of my favorite things about Beyond Raw pre-workout is the targeted focus complex containing ingredients like L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, and Lion’s Mane.

These natural nootropics are scientifically shown to increase cognitive function, alertness, and concentration. And unlike many pre-workouts overloaded with stimulants, the focus from Beyond Raw feels very “clean.”

I don’t get any anxiety or jittery feelings. Just enhanced clarity and motivation to crush my workout with zero distractions. The L-Theanine and Lion’s Mane in particular provide a sense of relaxed, yet intense focus.

Even during brutal training blocks where I’m tired, Beyond Raw helps me zone in and block out any fatigue or lack of motivation. No more going through the motions. With Beyond Raw, I’m dialed into every set and pushing my body to its limits.

So if you’re looking for more than just energy from your pre-workout, and want to optimize mental drive and gym focus, Beyond Raw is one of the best in my opinion. The nootropics make a big difference.

Can I Stack Beyond Raw Pre-Workout with Other Supplements?

Beyond Raw contains a solid formula on its own, but it can certainly be stacked with other common sports supplements for enhanced benefits. Some supplements I’ve personally stacked with Beyond Raw include:

• BCAAs – Branch chain amino acids provide intra-workout fuel and aid recovery. They stack very nicely with Beyond Raw’s ingredients.
• Creatine – Additional creatine (5 grams/day) on top of what’s in Beyond Raw can further boost strength and muscle-building.
• Beta-Alanine – Those looking for maximum muscular endurance may benefit from an added 2-4 grams of beta-alanine.
• L-Citrulline – Stacking an additional 3-6 grams of citrulline can really maximize the muscle pump effect.
• Whey Protein – Whey protein after training helps feed recovering muscles and enhances results long-term.
• Intra-Workout Carbs – Carbs during your workout (dextrose, cluster dextrin, etc) provides fuel to train harder for longer.

The only supplements I’d avoid stacking with Beyond Raw are other stim-based pre-workouts or fat burners. Other than that, you can definitely use Beyond Raw alongside most common sports supplements for optimal results.

What Flavors Does Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Come In?

Beyond Raw pre-workout comes in 6 different flavor options:

• Blue Raspberry
• Fruit Punch
• Watermelon
• Pineapple Mango
• Green Apple
• Unflavored

My personal favorites are Blue Raspberry and Fruit Punch. They mix up easily and taste great. The Watermelon and Pineapple flavors are also refreshing options.

If you don’t care for artificial dyes or flavors, Unflavored Beyond Raw is also a great option. You still get all the ingredients and benefits without the colors or sweeteners added.

I’d recommend buying a single tub your first time to test which flavor you like most. Once you find your favorite, you can buy 2-packs on sale to stock up on that flavor. The good news is you really can’t go wrong with any of Beyond Raw’s flavor options.

Does Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Contain Common Allergens?

After carefully looking at the ingredients label and nutritional facts, Beyond Raw pre-workout appears to be free of all major food allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, egg, shellfish, and peanut.

It contains no artificial sweeteners or food dyes either. The only potential consideration is if you have an allergy or sensitivity to tree nuts, as Beyond Raw contains coconut oil powder. However, this is likely present in very small amounts.

Overall, those with common food allergies or intolerances like gluten, dairy, or soy should have no issues using Beyond Raw pre-workout. It seems to be formulated to avoid ingredients that cause allergic reactions.

Of course, it’s always smart to review the ingredients yourself if you have known allergies. But in general Beyond Raw is free of major allergen concerns.

Who Should Not Take Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

While Beyond Raw is likely safe for most healthy adults, there are a few populations I would recommend avoiding it:

• Those under 18 – Beyond Raw has not been evaluated for safety or efficacy in teens or children.
• Pregnant or nursing women – Stimulants like caffeine may cause complications so it’s best avoided.
• Those with medical conditions – If you have an underlying health condition or take medication, check with your doctor before using just to be safe.
• Caffeine-sensitive individuals – The 180mg of caffeine may be too much for some people. I’d assess tolerance to caffeine before using.
• Those taking other stimulants – Avoid stacking Beyond Raw with other stim-heavy supplements to mitigate side effects risks.
• Late night use – Don’t use Beyond Raw too close to bedtime as the stimulants can disrupt sleep in some individuals.

Besides these populations, Beyond Raw should be perfectly safe for most healthy men and women looking to take their training to the next level. Just remember to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.

How Does Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Compare To Other Brands?

Compared to popular pre-workout supplements from brands like Optimum Nutrition, Cellucor, and MuscleTech, Beyond Raw holds up quite well for a few reasons:

• Precise Doses – No shady proprietary blends or underdosed key ingredients like some products use.
• Science-Backed – Core compounds like citrulline, creatine, beta-alanine in Beyond Raw are backed by extensive research.
• Clean Formula – Beyond Raw limits artificial ingredients and includes premium ingredients like L-theanine and Lion’s Mane other brands lack.
• Reviews – User feedback and online ratings for Beyond Raw are very positive compared to mediocre brands.
• Cost per Serving – During periodic sales and with coupons, Beyond Raw is very competitively priced vs. other top pre-workouts.

Could some competitors have slightly higher doses of say, citrulline or creatine? Perhaps. But Beyond Raw makes up for that via its extras like nootropics and a lack of junk fillers. Overall it stacks up very well against the top names and earns its reputation.

Is Beyond Raw Pre-Workout Vegan Friendly?

After inspecting the ingredients label, Beyond Raw pre-workout does appear to be vegan friendly. It contains no dairy, eggs, meat, or other animal derived ingredients.

The capsules are veggie caps made from hypromellose and water. And none of the additional ingredients seem to be animal-based or processed with animal products.

So if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, Beyond Raw is one pre-workout that can likely fit within your dietary restrictions. This makes it stand out from most pre-workouts that use gelatin capsules.

Just double check the ingredients for yourself if vegan products are an absolute must. But from my analysis, Beyond Raw fits the criteria for a vegan pre-workout supplement.

What Is the Clinically Effective Dosage for Beyond Raw Pre-Workout?

Based on my experience and what studies show for the key ingredients, the clinically effective dosage range appears to be:

• Citrulline Malate: 6,000-8,000mg
• Creatine Monohydrate: 3,000-5,000mg
• Beta-Alanine: 2,000-3,200mg
• Caffeine: 150-200mg

Doses on the higher end of these ranges may provide slightly greater effects. However, staying within the above optimal dosage zones should provide all the key benefits like pumps, endurance, strength, energy, and focus.

Exceeding 8,000mg of citrulline or 400mg of caffeine is unlikely to increase the benefits much more. It may simply raise the chance of side effects.

So in summary, to get the full clinically effective results from Beyond Raw while minimizing side effects risks, stick to 1-2 full scoops per serving. This keeps you within the ideal dosage range for each ingredient.

The Bottom Line on Buying Beyond Raw Pre-Workout

If you’re looking to take your workouts to the next level with enhanced energy, pumps, strength, endurance, and focus, Beyond Raw Pre-Workout deserves strong consideration.

It checks all the boxes in terms of precise doses of research-backed ingredients, addition of premium nootropics, and thousands of positive user reviews. Plus it comes at a reasonable price from a major brand like GNC.

Choose from 6 great flavors knowing you’re getting a high quality pre-workout powered by science. Just be sure to follow the proper dosing protocols and cycle off periodically.

For those seeking a clean, highly effective pre-workout that delivers results safely, Beyond Raw is one of the best options available in my opinion. Give it a shot before your next training block and get ready to break new performance barriers!