If you’re on a mission to hit the gym hard, the best pre-workout for women is a kit bag essential—period!
So now, let me ask you this.
Have you ever felt your “all-out” efforts don’t quite seem to give you the results you really want? You’re putting your heart and soul into your training, but the scales don’t make for pretty reading.
There’s an easy answer.
The best pre-workout for women can make all the difference between eventually reaching your goal—or totally obliterating it.
That’s where my top 10 fits in.
I’ve put together my hot picks to help you achieve that hot body—faster. You’re going to find out which cuts because they really work for women. So before you resort to one of those “which pre-workout is best for me quiz” apps—read my top 10, and all will be revealed.
Top 10 Pre Workout for Women
1. Prefierce

Prefierce is a pre-workout formula in powder form, and it contains every major ingredient you need before a workout in a generous serving.
In fact, one serving of Prefierce is 19.5-grams which is 2-3 times bigger than the standard pre-workout formula.
That’s also the reason why many users of this pre-workout only need half a serving to get a good kick out of this pre-workout.
The formula contains L-Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Caffeine, L-theanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and more.
It is designed to help increase energy, performance, stamina and focus while working out.
A hidden benefit from the pre-workout is that it also contains some ingredients that help with burning fat.
This is what you can expect:
- You’ll get more focused and energized before training
- Helps burn fat
- Half a scoop will do the trick for many so that the tub will last longer
- Hit your weight loss targets quicker.
- Ramp up your fitness levels—rapidly.
Pros:
- Large serving size with all the top ingredients
- Works to increase performance, blood flow, fat-burning potential and stamina
- Science-backed natural ingredients.
- Great taste
- Caffeine levels are not excessive—no jitters.
Cons:
- Only available for purchase on their official website.
How to Use
Take half a scoop – 1 scoop 15-30 minutes before exercise,
Where to Buy
The best pre-workout for women is available to buy directly from the Battle Ready Fuel website.Prefierce website
2. Lean Pre Workout by Transparent Labs

Lean pre-workout is one of the most effective supplements for women.
How does it work?
It uses clinically effective ingredients like citrulline, caffeine, and beta-alanine to boost endurance.5 6 7
But that’s not all.
One of its main priorities is to prevent the loss of muscle mass—a major downside when cutting. This is taken care of through BCAA’s action of stimulating protein synthesis, keeping your body in an anabolic state. 8
It also works to target stubborn areas of fat. Synephrine is a natural substance that has been shown to increase your metabolic rate. Whereas hordenine instigates the release of fat to burn for energy. 9 10
This combination makes it the best pre-workout for women who want to tone up and trim down simultaneously.
The benefits include:
- Reduction in appetite, courtesy of chromium. 11
- Increase in body strength.
- Your body becomes more efficient at burning fat.
- You’ll be able to sustain higher levels of intensity—for longer.
Pros:
- Dosage levels are proven to be effective.
- Zero artificial ingredients.
- Theanine will offset the negative effects of caffeine.12
- Focuses on preserving lean muscle.
Cons:
- Caffeine content is low
How to Take
One scoop should be mixed with 12–16 fluid ounces of water 20-30 minutes before your workout. If using for the first time, take half to assess your tolerance levels.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Lean pre-workout from the official Transparent Labs website.
3. 4 Gauge
4 Gauge is a pre-workout that has been well-researched and tested extensively. At only 5 calories per serving, it also appeals to women that want to lose pounds.
Sounds great, but what does it do?
Well, 6000 mg of l-citrulline will get the blood pumping through your whole body—including your muscles. As for energy and focus, studies suggest caffeine and l-theanine work well together—caffeine gives you the explosive power while l-theanine makes sure you’re totally in control.13 14
For mood and motivation, Rhodiola Rosea will boost your mind to keep mental fatigue at bay. Red beet works by opening up nitric oxide pathways and enhancing stamina.15 16
This is how it could work to your advantage:
- You can perform at a higher level—meaning faster gains.
- Achieve a leaner physique in less time.
- Your workouts will become awesome.
- Experience phenomenal energy levels—without the crash.
- Your focus will become sharp as a knife.
These benefits could potentially make it the best pre-workout drink on the market.
Pros:
- Research-based ingredients.
- Quality all-around dosage quantities.
- Great muscle pumps.
- Well researched and constantly updated.
Cons:
- Only one flavor is available.
How to Take
One serving of 4 Gauge is two scoops mixed with 10-12 fluid ounces of water. There is no set rule on when to take it—you find a time that works best. Generally, it’s between 15 and 45 minutes before your workout.
Where to Buy
It’s only available to purchase from 4 Gauge.
4. NLA for Her Uplift Pre Workout
Uplift pre-workout is a great formula designed specifically for women. Its main goal is to boost clean energy and help you attack your workouts—great for anyone hooked on HIIT.
By using beta-alanine, l-carnitine and BCAAs works to bump up your strength and help to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Caffeine encourages your energy levels to rocket—throughout your entire workout. 17. 18
One advantage is that it’s geared around clean energy, which means the post-workout crash won’t be on the cards.
Also, if you feel your mental attitude needs kicking into touch for those tough sessions, the nootropics combo will fine-tune your focus—so your mind is totally on your training.
Here’s the thing.
Although it works for women, it’s a combination of blends—meaning it may not be as effective as my previous picks.
Pros:
- Clean energy boost.
- Provides great focus.
- No jitters or crashes.
- Geared for women.
Cons:
- Includes proprietary blends.
- Some ingredients could be underdosed.
How to Take
Mix one scoop of Uplift pre-workout with 4–8 fluid ounces of water, and consume 20–30 minutes before exercise.
Where to Buy
This supplement is available from NLAForHer, as well as Amazon.
5. ENGN Shred by EVLUTION Nutrition
Whether you’re into lifting weights or a track star, ENGN Shred is for those to want to improve their performance and shed pounds.
The “Shred” blend will transform you into an efficient fat-burning machine. Here’s how:
- CLA—lowers levels of body fat.19
- L-carnitine—encourages the utilization of body fat for fuel.20
- Yohimbe extract—promotes the breakdown of fat.21
- Capsimax—increases energy expenditure through thermogenesis.22
With beta alanine delaying fatigue and betaine ramping up strength and power—what’s in store for you is nothing short of extreme endurance levels and quality performance.23
To sum it up.
Add in the typical energy providers, like caffeine, and you’re in an ideal position for unsurpassed training productivity.
Pros:
- No fillers.
- Contains effective fat loss ingredients.
- Includes more B-vitamins and antioxidants than most pre-workouts.
Cons:
- Includes proprietary blends—unquantified ingredients.
How to Take
Mix one scoop with water and consume 15–30 minutes before your workout.
Where to Buy
It’s available for purchase on the official website, as well as Amazon and Walmart.
6. PRE JYM
The PRE JYM philosophy is all about research-backed ingredients at effective dosage levels.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Muscle pumps—aren’t just for the guys; women want to show off their toned physique.
- Focus—you’ll feel like you’re the only one in the room.
- Energy—become a powerhouse—punching you to hit your workout hard.
- Stamina—less pain and more gains.
Here are the “how” highlights:
Its 6 grams of BCAAs will keep your muscles fed—preserving mass when cutting, as well as deterring fatigue. Nitric oxide gets a boost from 500 mg beetroot extract and 6 grams of citrulline, plus 2 grams of the king creatine are included to reinforce strength, power, and endurance.24 25
Be warned.
This formula packs in 300 mg of caffeine, which is great for energy and determination—not so great for the jitters!
Pros:
- Effective quantities of proven ingredients.
- No proprietary blend.
- Includes BCAAs.
- Successfully targets many different areas of your workout
Cons:
- Contains artificial sweeteners.
How to Take
Take one scoop mixed with water approximately 30 minutes before the workout.
Where to Buy
You can purchase from Amazon and GNC.
7. C4 Original
C4 Original has earned its reputation within the fitness community and is often the best pre-workout drink. This formula has become a top-selling supplement and ultimately the best pre-workout of 2018.
What does it do?
- Creatine—restocks ATP energy cells—creating power and strength.26
- Beta-alanine—fights lactic acid—reducing fatigue.27
- Caffeine—provides the all-out energy to take your workouts to the next level.
- Arginine—generates better oxygen efficiency through NO production, increasing endurance levels.
This means:
It’s geared more towards women who want to build up instead of skinny down.
Pros:
- Emphasis on gaining muscle.
- Additional vitamins included.
- Provides amazing endurance.
- A wide range of flavors is available.
Cons:
- Contains a proprietary blend.
- Includes artificial sweeteners.
How to Take
Prepare one scoop with 6 fluid ounces of water and drink 20–30 minutes before hitting the gym.
Where to Buy
C4 Original is available direct from Cellucor and on popular online stores, including Amazon, GNC, and eBay.
8. The Curse
The Curse might be the best pre-workout for women who want to lift.
Here’s why:
For heavy lifting you need serious power, strength, and endurance—creatine and beta-alanine solve this issue. Creatine keeps raw energy in positive supply—so you can execute those explosive moves. Beta-alanine is a fatigue fighter—allowing you to lift for longer and hit every rep in top physical form.
But that’s not all.
Citrulline and arginine promote blood circulation via nitric oxide—giving you that awesome feeling of the muscle pump. Then there’s caffeine for the crazy energy burst to power through and smash every set.
Pros:
- Ideal for women who want to lift weights.
- Provides explosive energy.
- Seven flavors are available.
Cons:
- Multiple proprietary blends.
How to Take
Take one serving (1 scoop) approximately 30 minutes before training. However, you can gradually increase this to a maximum of three if desired.
Where to Buy
The Curse can be purchased via various online stores—GNC, Amazon, and iHerb.
9. Gold Standard Pre Workout
This pick of the best pre-workout for women is said to be as “good as gold,”—but how does it make you a medal winner?
This formula follows the typical pre-workout theme, with the inclusion of creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline. The ample dosage levels will guarantee to help your performance reach the next level.
A moderate dose of caffeine will lift energy and drive, and l-tyrosine reduces reaction times, boost alertness and focus.28
Pros:
- Solid pre-workout ingredients.
- Six fruity flavors.
- Includes vitamins to help you meet the extra physical demands.
Cons:
- Energy levels might be lacking for some.
How to Take
The serving size is one scoop, which can be taken with water approximately 30 minutes before a workout.
Where to Buy
This product is widely available both online and in most major retail outlets.
10. Stim-Free Pre Workout

The name says it all; it’s a stim-free pre-workout. Many women often veer towards this, hence why it’s in this best pre-workout for women top 10.
With 13 ingredients, including betaine, creatine, and beta-alanine—it’s a great formula for women dedicated to a serious training regime—who also want to up their game.
6 grams of citrulline increases nutrient delivery—as a result, studies suggest athletes involved in high-intensity training could reduce post-exercise muscle pain by up to 40 percent and improve performance by over 50 percent.29
There’s more.
4 grams of BCAAs will stimulate protein synthesis—your body will be in an ideal place to gain lean mass. This will also spur on recovery before your workout has even begun—so you can come back stronger and faster. What’s more, BCAAs can reduce both mental and physical fatigue “barriers” during endurance sports.30 31
Pros:
- Doses are clinically effective and generous.
- All-natural ingredients.
- Stimulant-free but equally as effective as caffeine-based pre-workouts.
Cons:
- High beta-alanine content may be undesirable for some.
- Not for the newcomer.
How to Take
The ideal time is 30 mins before exercise. One scoop is the standard dosage. However, if you’re new to Stim-Free Pre Workout, start with half a scoop to assess tolerance.
Where to Buy
You will find it available for purchase at Transparent Labs.
Summary
The best pre-workout for women will kick your training up a gear—allowing you to push beyond your boundaries and reap even more spectacular returns.
To be honest, you can’t go wrong by choosing any one of my top 10—there’s something here to suit everyone. However, for me, the best pre-workout for women has to be Prefierce.
So, go out and grab one of my top 10 for your kit bag.
Best Pre Workout for Women FAQ
“What Is Pre Workout?”
It’s a supplement taken before exercise, designed to help you get the most out of your training sessions.
“How Does Pre Workout Work?”
By combining various ingredients that boost energy levels, enhance focus, and skyrocket stamina and endurance levels.
“When to Take Pre Workout?”
Pre-workouts should be taken pre-workout—in general terms, half an hour before exercise is the optimal time for best results.
“What Are the Best Pre Workout Ingredients?”
Creatine for strength and power, caffeine for energy and focus, and beta-alanine for stamina and endurance.
“Do You Need a Pre Workout?”
The best pre-workout for women can help you achieve your goals faster than diet and exercise alone—I’ll let you decide whether you need one or not.
Can You Drink Pre Workout and Coffee?”
It really depends on your state of health, how much coffee you drink, and the caffeine content in your pre-workout. If you’re a coffee junkie, it’s probably advisable to review your intake.
“Do Pre Workouts Help With Weight Loss?”
Pre-workouts aren’t a miracle pill—you have to work hard to hit your targets. Yet the combination of benefits they provide should point towards weight loss—if this is your goal.
“Will Pre Workouts Make You Build Muscle?”
Pre-workouts can promote muscle pumps, which is an easy way to increase muscle—albeit temporarily. However, these supplements help you to improve your performance—resistance moves included. So you should be able to gain mass if this is your aim.
“Do You Get Addicted to Pre Workout Supplements?”
Although suggestions have been made toward users getting hooked on pre-workouts, there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this is the case.
“What’s the Best Pre Workout for Women?”
As you can see from our top 10, there are some great choices available. In fact, we couldn’t fit them all in—Fitmiss Ignite Women’s pre-workout just missed out.
However, our #1 is Pre Workout Fat Burner from Battle Ready Fuel.
“What Are the Side Effects of Using Pre Workout?”
Common side effects include paresthesia (pins and needles), jitters, cramps, headaches, sleeplessness, and irritability.
References
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