C4 Pre-Workout is a workout supplement line from Cellucor that people may take before exercise to help increase energy, alertness, and strength. They contain caffeine and creatine, which may help increase the effectiveness of a workout.
This article discusses C4 Pre-Workout supplements, what they do, and their efficacy in providing a more fulfilling, less exhausting workout.
A pre-workout supplement is a powder that people can mix with water. It may help delay muscle fatigue, provide energy, and optimize performance during a workout.
They contain various energy-boosting ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, and creatine. Different types of pre-workout supplements may help people personalize their training goals.
People may take pre-workout supplements before a workout and use them alongside workout and post-workout supplements.
Most pre-workout supplements contain the following ingredients:
- beta-alanine
- creatine nitrate
- arginine
- caffeine
Beta-alanine is an ingredient that delays the onset of lactic acid and muscle fatigue during training. It also improves endurance and recovery. A
Creatine nitrate may help increase strength and muscle size.
- the body adapt to high intensity exercise performance
- enhance post-exercise recovery
- prevent injury
- protect the neuro function of the spinal cord
- improve cognitive function
Arginine can increase nitric oxide production, which leads to the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation). This process increases blood flow to the muscles during a workout. A
Caffeine can help with energy levels and mental focus, leading to a more intense workout. A
C4 Pre-Workout supplements are a product line by Cellucor, a company that sells fitness equipment, drinks, and supplements.
Due to the high caffeine content, C4 Pre-Workout supplements are unsuitable for people who are pregnant or nursing. It is also unsuitable for under 18s and people with certain allergies or medical conditions.
Cellucor offers subscription savings and free shipping on orders over $55.
Below are some examples of C4 Pre-Workout products.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
C4 Original Pre Workout Powder
Cellucor claims that this pre-workout supplement takes training to the next level due to its high caffeine content and other active ingredients.
The company also claims that this product is suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. It comes in a variety of flavors:
- orange burst
- fruit punch
- cherry limeade
- icy blue razz
- watermelon
| Ingredient | Amount per 6.5 g serving (1 scoop) |
|---|---|
| beta-alanine | 1,600 mg |
| creatine nitrate | 1,000 mg |
| arginine | 1,000 mg |
| caffeine | 150 mg |
C4 Original Pre-Workout comes in two sizes: A 195 g (gram) tub provides 30 servings for $29.99, and a 390 g tub provides 60 servings for $49.99.
C4 Ripped Sport Pre Workout Powder
Cellucor claims this product is a hybrid supplement between a pre-workout supplement and fat burner. It comes in two flavors:
- fruit punch
- arctic snow cone
Unlike the C4 Original, this supplement includes green coffee bean extract, which is rich in
Although this supplement may be good for weight loss, people choosing supplements for muscle building may prefer a different product.
| Ingredient | Amount per 8.2 g serving (1 scoop) |
|---|---|
| beta-alanine | 1,600 mg |
| arginine | 1,000 mg |
| caffeine | 135 mg |
This product is available in a 255 g tub, which provides 30 servings and costs $25.99.
C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout Powder
Cellucor claims that this pre-workout powder combines fat loss and energy in a person’s workout. It is suitable for all types of training, including aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
Unlike Cellucor’s other supplements, C4 Ultimate Shred contains 300 mg of caffeine and cayenne to boost metabolism and speed up fat loss.
This product comes in four flavors:
- icy blue razz
- strawberry watermelon
- lemon Italian ice
- sour batch bros
This tub serving may not be sufficient for people who prefer to bulk buy.
| Ingredient | Amount per 17.5 g serving (1 scoop) |
|---|---|
| citrulline malate | 6,000 mg |
| beta-alanine | 3,200 mg |
| betaine anhydrous | 1,500 mg |
| arginine | 1,500 mg |
| caffeine | 300 mg |
This product is available in a 350 g tub, which provides 20 servings and costs $54.99.
C4 Ultimate Pre Workout Performance Powder
Cellucor claims that this product is suitable for people who aim to get the most from a workout. It is also suitable for all types of training, from muscular endurance to building muscle mass.
This pre-workout supplement comes in various flavors:
- icy blue razz
- strawberry watermelon
- orange mango
- sour batch bros
- cotton candy
| Ingredient | Amount per 16.3 g serving (1 scoop) |
|---|---|
| citruline malate | 1,000 mg |
| beta-alanine | 3,200 mg |
| creatine nitrate | 1,000 mg |
| betaine anhydrous | 1,500 mg |
| arginine silicate | 1500 mg |
| arginine alpha ketoglutarate | 1,000 mg |
| taurine | 1,000 mg |
| caffeine | 300 mg |
This product is available in two sizes: A 192 g tub provides 12 servings for $26.99, and a 320 g tub costs $44.99 for 20 servings.
C4 Sport Natural Zero Pre Workout Powder
Cellucor claims that this zero pre-workout powder is suitable for beginners to more experienced athletes. It may provide high energy levels, fight fatigue, and increase performance.
This product is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. It comes in two flavors:
- strawberry lemonade
- mango
The company states that each 8.5 g (1 scoop) serving of this product contains a total of 4.9 g of its C4 Sports Performance Blend and 1.135 g of its C4 Sports Energy Blend. These blends contain ingredients such as 135 g caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine.
This product is available in a 212.5 g tub, costing $19.99 for 25 servings.
The following table compares the five products in this article:
| Price | Size | Main benefit | Main drawback | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C4 Original | from $29.99 | from 195 g | muscle building for all levels of training | may be unsuitable for fat loss |
| C4 Ripped Sport | $25.99 | 255 g | fat loss | may be less suitable for building muscle mass |
| C4 Ultimate Shred | $54.99 | 350 g | anaerobic and aerobic exercise and fat loss | contains a high amount of caffeine, which some people may not tolerate |
| C4 Ultimate | from $26.99 | from 192 g | muscular endurance and muscle mass | may provide less focus and performance for muscle builders |
| C4 Sport Natural Zero | $19.99 | 212.5 g | no artificial colors, sweeteners, or additives | the exact amount of caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine on the label is unclear |
Cellucor has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB currently gives the company an A+ grade. There are currently no customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau.
Cellucor has an average of 2.2 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot. Positive reviews state that customers have noticed an increase in their energy and performance after using the company’s products. Additionally, some reviewers say that the products taste great and the shipping was fast.
However, negative reviews mention delays with shipping and receiving their purchases. Additionally, some people say that they experienced bloating after using the supplements.
A
- skin reactions, such as rash, irritation, and itching
- rapid heart rate
- palpitations
- nausea
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
People who experience side effects should discontinue use of the product immediately. If any side effects are concerning or long lasting, people should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Additionally, those who are pregnant or nursing, and children, should not consume pre-workout supplements due to the high caffeine content.
Learn more about the potential side effects of pre-workout supplements here.
Other alternatives to pre-workout powder supplements include:
Below are some common questions about C4 Pre-Workout:
Is C4 Pre-Workout good for beginners?
Cellucor states that C4 Pre-Workout is suitable for beginners.
However, people who have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients, such as caffeine, may wish to contact a healthcare professional before purchasing any products.
Can you take C4 Pre-Workout every day?
Cellucor states that C4 Pre-Workout is suitable for daily use.
However, people should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking any supplements.
How long does C4 Pre-Workout last?
Cellucor states that the effects of C4 may last from 1–2 hours, depending on the individual.
C4 is a pre-workout supplement line by Cellucor. There are many C4 Pre-Workout powder supplements covering all different training levels and goals. Cellucor claims these products can enhance workout performance and recovery by providing energy and preventing fatigue.
However, these pre-workout supplements have a high caffeine content. People who are pregnant, nursing, or sensitive to caffeine may wish to purchase different products.