What is a Nootropic Pre-Workout? A Guide for Athletes

Until recently, nootropics were best known among gamers, chess players, and students for their brain-boosting effects. But now, these powerful ingredients are making waves in the fitness world, with athletes, bodybuilders, and competitors claiming they help them focus better, push harder, and perform at their peak like never before. Household names like NBA player Kevin Love, Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix, and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton use nootropics to achieve new heights.

This rise in popularity has given way to a new category of supplements: nootropic pre-workouts, which combine the mental clarity of nootropics with the endurance and energy of traditional pre-workouts. But what are nootropic pre-workouts, and how are they different than regular pre-workouts? 

In this blog, we’ll break down what nootropic pre-workouts are, how they’re different from both traditional pre-workouts and standard nootropics, and answer some of the most common questions about them. Read on to hear if nootropic pre-workouts are worth the hype—and if they deserve a spot in your gym bag. 

What is a Nootropic Pre-Workout?

Nootropics are a new trend in the health world, but what are they? And what makes a “pre-workout” nootropic? 

A nootropic pre-workout is a pre-workout with added nootropic ingredients. Nootropic pre-workouts help support brain function during athletic performance, enabling athletes to train harder, faster, and longer. Unlike normal pre-workouts that prioritize enhancing physical energy, nootropics focus on mental resilience and cognition. 

Nootropics are ingredients and formulas designed to enhance cognitive function, including aspects such as focus, memory, and mental sharpness. Common ingredients include Alpha-GPC, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, and more. These compounds were initially popularized by gamers, students, and biohackers—until recently, when nootropics have become all the rage in the fitness industry. 

However, many companies use the term “nootropic” loosely in their pre-workouts. The dosage of the ingredients and the ingredients themselves matter immensely when it comes to nootropic pre-workouts that actually help you focus and train smarter. 

When finding a nootropic pre-workout, here’s what to look for to ensure it’s legitimate: 

• Several cognitive enhancers at clinically-studied dosages
• Clear, transparent labeling that shows the exact ingredient amounts—don’t let them hide behind an exclusive blend
• Synergistic combinations like caffeine and L-Theanine, which are proven to enhance each other’s effects
• Evidence-backed ingredients with studies showing cognitive benefits

A bonus qualification to look for is nootropics with an NSF-certified for Sport® designation, which verifies that the product has been independently tested for quality, purity, and safety, and is free from banned substances and contaminants commonly screened for in athletic organizations.

If you look for the criteria mentioned above, you’ll find a nootropic pre-workout that actually works and is scientifically proven to support your athletic performance. 

Nootropic vs. Pre-Workout

Keep in mind that nootropic supplements differ from both nootropic pre-workouts and traditional pre-workouts. Pre-workouts and nootopic pre-workouts prioritize physical energy and endurance, while standalone nootropic supplements aim to boost cognition and mental performance. 

Nootropics aren’t like a classic pre-workout or nootropic pre-workout, often containing different ingredients and dosages that prioritize mental agility over physical performance. 

Can a Regular Nootropic Double as a Pre-Workout?

So, can you take a simple nootropic for pre-workout? You can, but there are a few things to consider when doing so:

1. Don’t combine nootropic supplements with a pre-workout. Most pre-workouts already contain stimulants like caffeine or other focus-enhancing ingredients. Mixing them with a separate nootropic supplement can lead to overstimulation, jitters, or increased heart rate. If you’re going to take one, stick with either a nootropic or a pre-workout, not both.
2. Nootropic pre-workouts or pre-workouts will be better for physical activity. While standalone nootropics can improve focus and mental clarity, they usually don’t provide the same energy boost or endurance support needed for intense workouts. Nootropic pre-workouts or traditional pre-workouts are designed to enhance both cognitive and physical performance, making them a more balanced option if you’re hitting the gym.
3. Consider your workout goals. If your primary goal is mental focus for lighter activities (such as yoga or stretching), a basic nootropic may be sufficient. However, if you’re lifting heavy or engaging in high-intensity workouts, a pre-workout supplement with nootropic benefits will likely serve you better.

Nootropic Pre-Workout vs. Pre-Workout

If you want the cognitive benefits of a nootropic combined with the energy and endurance boost of a pre-workout, a nootropic pre-workout is your best choice. But what exactly sets it apart from a traditional pre-workout? The key differences stem from the ingredients and the primary goals of each formula.

Regular Pre-Workout

Traditional pre-workouts have one main goal: to maximize physical performance, endurance, and agility during your workout. Here are some of the key ingredients commonly found in traditional pre-workouts:

• Caffeine Anhydrous is the primary energy-boosting ingredient in most pre-workout supplements. It blocks adenosine receptors in your brain, the ones that make you feel tired, so you feel more energized and alert. Studies show that 3–6 mg per kilogram of body weight is the sweet spot for improving strength and endurance.

• Citrulline Malate, also known as L-Citrulline, helps increase nitric oxide (NO) production in the body by converting into arginine in the kidneys. Higher nitric oxide levels promote better blood flow to the muscles, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery during exercise. When comparing forms, L-Citrulline is the purer option—it’s more concentrated than Citrulline Malate. For reference, 6 grams of L-Citrulline provides roughly the same amount of active ingredient as 8 grams of Citrulline Malate.

• Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that helps your body produce carnosine, a compound that buffers acid in the muscles. This buffering effect reduces fatigue, enabling you to maintain high-intensity performance for more extended periods. Research suggests that consuming 2–5 grams of protein daily can improve endurance and delay muscle fatigue during intense exercise.

• Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements for improving strength, power, and muscle growth. It works by increasing phosphocreatine stores in the muscles, which helps regenerate ATP—your body’s primary source of energy during short, explosive movements. A typical dosing approach is a loading phase of 20 grams per day (split into 4 doses) for 5–7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 3–5 grams per day. However, many people skip the loading phase and still see results with consistent daily use.

Nootropic Pre-Workout

Nootropic pre-workouts prioritize mental performance, giving you the focus and drive to push through even the most challenging workouts. Here are some key ingredients to look for in a high-quality nootropic pre-workout:

• L-Tyrosine supports the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve focus, alertness, and mood under stress or fatigue. It’s beneficial for maintaining mental clarity during long or intense training sessions. Studies show cognitive benefits with a dosage of 1,500–2,500mg. Many products claiming to be nootropic pre-workouts only include 300–500mg, which won’t provide the same benefits. 
• Alpha-GPC (Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline) boosts acetylcholine levels, enhancing focus, memory, and mind-muscle connection. It’s a go-to ingredient for sharper mental performance during workouts. While many products contain 100–200mg and claim to have nootropic benefits, research indicates that 300–600mg is more effective. The higher doses, around 600mg, are often used for strength and power output.
• L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, promotes calm, sustained focus and helps reduce jitteriness associated with caffeine. When paired with caffeine, it creates smoother, more balanced energy. Research supports a 1:1 to 1:2 ratio of caffeine to L-theanine, meaning that if your nootropic pre-workout contains 75 mg of caffeine, you’ll want 75–150 mg of L-theanine for optimal balance.
• nooLVL is a patented, non-stimulant ingredient designed to enhance mental focus, energy, and reaction time during exercise. It combines inositol-enhanced bonded arginine silicate, which helps increase nitric oxide production and enhances blood flow to the brain, resulting in improved cognitive performance. The recommended dosage is 1,600 mg, taken approximately 15–30 minutes before training.

Nootropic Pre-Workout vs. Pre-Workout: Which is Better For You?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of nootropic pre-workouts vs. traditional pre-workouts: 

So, what’s best for you—a nootropic pre-workout or a regular pre-workout? Here are a few things to consider for each: 

If you experience jitters or anxiety from traditional pre-workouts, choose a nootropic pre-workout. These supplements, which contain L-theanine and caffeine, provide enhanced energy without overstimulation or crashes. 

If you’re doing strength or hypertrophy training in short bursts, like powerlifting, bodybuilding, or workouts focused on maximizing muscle growth, a traditional pre-workout is your best choice. These types of workouts rely more on physical endurance, strength, and power output than on mental focus, which means a regular pre-workout will give you the energy and performance boost you need.

If your physical performance requires mental focus and precision, such as in Olympic weightlifting, martial arts, rock climbing, CrossFit, or gymnastics, you may benefit from nootropic pre-workouts that enhance cognitive functioning to boost your performance. 

If you have a tighter budget, consider a traditional pre-workout or an affordable nootropic, such as Wavi COMPETE. Traditional pre-workouts are less expensive since they don’t include premium nootropic ingredients or standardized adaptogens. Some nootropic drinks, like Wavi COMPETE, are an affordable option that’s not as expensive as other nootropic pre-workouts out there. 

If you’re training for an extended period of time, around 90 minutes or more, a nootropic pre-workout can help you stay mentally sharp from start to finish. Ingredients like Alpha-GPC support focus and concentration, allowing you to stay focused even during longer, more demanding sessions.

The bottom line is that a traditional pre-workout is best for you if physical performance alone is your goal. Pre-workouts are a good fit for individuals who respond well to conventional formulas and do not need to prioritize mental focus during training. On the other hand, nootropic pre-workouts are ideal for you if your physical activity requires mental focus or if you experience jitters from regular pre-workouts. Nootropic pre-workouts are also great for those who value mind-muscle connection, helping you prioritize both cognitive and physical endurance. 

3 FAQs About Nootropic Pre-Workouts

1. What nootropics build muscle?

Nootropics primarily target cognitive performance, but some ingredients can also support muscle growth and training endurance. Because muscle-building workouts are both mentally demanding and physically strenuous, the added focus and stress-resilience that nootropics provide can help athletes power through intense sessions and stay consistent in their training. Here are a few ingredients to look for if you want to have support while building muscle: 

• Caffeine, especially when paired with L-Tyrosine, helps boost energy, focus, and power output, making it easier to push through intense sets. It also enhances fatigue resistance and supports strength performance, which can indirectly aid in muscle growth.
• L-Tyrosine supports the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that help maintain mental focus and motivation during challenging workouts.
• L-Theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, helping you stay focused without feeling overstimulated. When paired with caffeine, it balances out the jitters and supports smoother, sustained energy—ideal for longer, muscle-building sessions.
• Alpha-GPC increases acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and the mind-muscle connection. Research also suggests it may help improve power output and strength when taken consistently.

2. Is it bad to take nootropics every day?

If you use well-researched, scientifically backed ingredients at recommended doses, daily use is generally fine. However, the frequency at which you take nootropics is dependent on several things, including your health, the type of nootropic, and the dosage. Some nootropics are better suited for occasional use, including synthetic nootropics like Modafinil or Racetams. If you suspect your body may respond negatively to daily use, consult with a medical professional.

If you use a nootropic pre-workout with moderate stimulants and research-backed ingredients that support cognitive function, taking it periodically or only on training days can be both helpful and safe. Targeted use is best—reserve nootropics for workouts or mentally demanding days, and include low-stimulant or rest days to prevent tolerance and maintain long-term effectiveness.

3. Are nootropics banned in sports?

Many nootropics are not explicitly banned by the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) as long as they don’t fall under the banned category, including “stimulants” or “non-approved substances.” One drug, Modafinil, is banned because it acts as a powerful wakefulness-promoting agent (a stimulant) and is categorized as a stimulant. Even if the nootropic ingredient list is allowed, many products include contaminants or additional banned stimulants without listing them. 

If you’re worried about nootropics that are banned in sports, find supplements that are third-party certified for sport, such as NSF Certified for Sport®. 

Wavi COMPETE: A nootropic pre-workout that’s certified and backed by research-based ingredients.

Now that you’ve learned what a nootropic pre-workout is, it’s time to find one that is scientifically backed and includes ingredients that actually fuel your workout and brain power. 

Wavi COMPETE is an excellent choice for athletes seeking to enhance both mental focus and physical endurance, enabling them to push past their limits and perform at their best. Wavi COMPETE is an NSF Certified for Sport® nootropic drink mix designed to fuel your brain when it matters most. 

COMPETE features a blend of clinically backed ingredients at research-supported dosages, including 2,000 mg of L-Tyrosine and a 1:1 ratio of L-Theanine (75 mg) to Caffeine (75 mg) derived from green tea extract. Our nootropic pre-workout also includes 500 mg of Alpha-GPC, along with beetroot powder and saffron extract, to support cardiovascular health, focus, and endurance during high-intensity workouts.

Our nootropic pre-workout isn’t just talk—it’s backed by science and formulated with clinically effective dosages of research-supported ingredients. Additionally, the NSF Certified for Sport certification ensures that every batch is tested for quality, purity, and safety, allowing you to train with complete confidence. Order Wavi COMPETE to experience cleaner energy, sharper focus, and stronger performance in every workout.