C4 Pre Workout Review- Should You Buy It?

Welcome to my C4 Pre Workout review.

C4 is certainly one of the more popular pre-workouts among the hundreds out there. 

However, just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s effective or beneficial!

Fortunately, I’ll put any questions to rest as I go over the key aspects of C4 and its components. 

With my background in holistic health and research, as well as reviewing hundreds of other supplements, I know a good product when I see one.

Keep reading my C4 Pre Workout review to learn all about it, its potential benefits, and if it ultimately is worth putting in your gym bag. 

About Cellucor

C4 is made by a company called Cellucor. They’ve been around for 15 years in the fitness industry with the goal of delivering the most effective, best-tasting, and highest-quality sports supplements. 

They aspire to earn the title of “Best Sports Nutrition Brand in the World.” To achieve this, they evolve their products over time to continue meeting higher standards. 

What is C4 Pre Workout?

C4 Pre Workout is one of Cellucor’s most popular supplements. In fact, it’s the product that started it all for Cellucor and is the #1 pre-workout brand globally.

It’s designed to be an explosive pre-workout to enhance energy, focus, and endurance. C4 contains caffeine, B vitamins, and beta-alanine, plus others. We’ll go over those in more detail coming up, so stay tuned.

Things to Consider Before Buying C4 Pre Workout

Before you jump to get your hands on C4, there are some things to consider, including ingredient profile, safety, price, and taste. 

Stimulants

C4 Pre Workout doesn’t shy away from the stimulants. It has caffeine, TeaCrine, and high doses of B-complex vitamins. Mind your tolerance and sensitivity to stimulants when deciding to buy C4. 

Safety

Unfortunately, C4 does have artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, which may decrease its overall safety. This can be a turnoff for anyone who chooses to avoid anything artificial for health reasons or otherwise.

Price

C4 Pre Workout is priced right at a buck per serving, so it is definitely one of the cheaper pre-workouts out there. Therefore, this shouldn’t be a restricting factor for most people.

Taste

Lastly, C4 is advertised to have some incredibly tasty flavors. 

So, if you need a pre-workout that actually tastes good (and don’t want to plug your nose when chugging it down), C4 may be a potential option. 

C4 Pre Workout Features

C4 Pre Workout’s key features include its versatility, caffeine content, and delicious flavors.

It’s for Men and Women

Sometimes, pre-workouts are marketed either only toward men or women (with most cases being marketed only for men). 

This can understandably leave people frustrated, especially if they thought they found the right pre-workout. 

C4 can be used by both men and women. It has modest doses and ingredients that may help everyone increase energy and workout performance. 

Caffeine Sources

It’s almost a guarantee that a pre-workout will have caffeine. But not including any other stimulants can get kind of boring and redundant, especially for dedicated pre-workout users. 

C4 Pre Workout has 150mg of caffeine, plus additional energy ingredients such as TeaCrine that may upgrade your energy levels and boost strength and performance. 

Delicious Flavors

Have you ever been really excited to try a new pre-workout, only to find out that you need to gag it down? That can surely decrease the likelihood that you’ll supplement consistently. 

However, Cellucor claims to offer only the most delicious flavors, so you can actually enjoy your drink before getting C4 Pre Workout’s benefits.

Vitamins

Not all pre-workouts have vitamins, which can be a turnoff for people who want additional nutritional support.

Fortunately, C4 Pre Workout is said to include optimal doses of key vitamins, including vitamin C and some B-complex vitamins. These are added in here for a health and energy boost to complement the other ingredients. 

Does C4 Pre Workout really work?

Overall, it seems that C4 Pre Workout is at least moderately effective. Of course, different people respond to pre-workouts in different ways. Results are never guaranteed.

However, C4 contains pretty solid ingredients to enhance workout performance, even though some of these are dosed a bit low (as you’ll see later on). 

How effective is C4 Pre Workout?

C4 is likely mildly to moderately effective for most people. It probably isn’t a groundbreaking pre-workout, but most users may see at least some improvements in their workout performance. 

The most likely benefits are increased energy, but C4 may also help with strength, endurance, focus, and pumps for some people.

C4 Pre Workout Ingredients

Next up in my Cellucor C4 Pre Workout review, we’ll take a look at the C4 pre-workout ingredients. 

The ingredients in C4 original pre workout are:

• Ascorbic Acid
• Caffeine
• TeaCrine®
• Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Seed Extract
• NO3-T® Creatine Nitrate
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine
• Citrulline Malate

Ascorbic Acid (250mg)

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an important vitamin for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus, vitamin C is important for the immune system. 

Also, higher doses of vitamin C are sometimes used for immune support in athletes. But it doesn’t seem to benefit athletic performance in particular. 

Effective dosage (mainly for immune health): 2,000mg 

Explosive Energy Blend (215mg)

The Explosive Energy Blend consists of caffeine, velvet bean, and TeaCrine®. 

Caffeine (150mg)

C4’s caffeine content is made up of caffeine anhydrous, which is a common form of caffeine in many pre-workouts. 

When supplemented at a high enough dosage, caffeine ramps up the central nervous system. This can help increase energy, strength, and endurance, while also possibly decreasing fatigue. 

Effective dosage according to independent analysts: 3 to 6mg/kg of body weight (around 200 to 500mg for most people). 

Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) (N/A)

Velvet bean is known for its high concentration of L-Dopa, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. 

It’s often used to improve motivation, although claims are mainly unsubstantiated by research. 

Effective Dosage: N/A

TeaCrine® (N/A)

TeaCrine® is a trademarked form of theacrine, which is somewhat similar to caffeine in its effects. It is found in high amounts in Kucha leaves. 

Some research shows that TeaCrine can increase cognitive function and improve endurance during exercise. It may also help enhance energy levels and mental performance.

Effective dosage according to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: 200mg

NO3-T Creatine Nitrate (1g)

C4 Pre Workout also has creatine in the form of NO3-T, which is a trademarked form of creatine nitrate. 

Creatine is often effective because it can help restore energy levels in the muscles. It seems to be effective for increasing strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance. 

And one study on creatine nitrate showed that it was as effective as monohydrate for increasing strength and power. 

Effective dosage according to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: 3g

Niacin (30mg)

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential B-vitamin. It has many roles in energy metabolism and is theorized to increase energy during workouts. However, more research is needed. 

Effective dosage: N/A

Vitamin B6 (3.4mg)

Another B-vitamin in C4 Original Pre Workout is vitamin B6. It also plays a role in energy metabolism and can get depleted with exercise. 

But like vitamin B3, more research is needed to determine any pre-workout benefits. 

Effective dosage: N/A

Vitamin B12 (60mcg)

The last B-vitamin in C4 pre-workout is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays critical roles in brain health and metabolism, among other things. 

However, unless you’re deficient, supplementing is unlikely to do anything noticeable. 

Effective dosage: 1,000mcg for people who are deficient

CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine (1.6g)

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that can increase muscle carnosine stores. 

This is helpful since carnosine plays key roles in the muscles during exercise. Additionally, beta-alanine may help reduce fatigue while increasing strength and power in short-duration exercise. 

Effective dosage according to Examine: 3.2 to 6.4g

Citrulline Malate (1g)

Citrulline malate is made of the amino acid, L-citrulline and malic acid. It may enhance arginine and nitric oxide levels, which could increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles.

Plus, the malic acid in citrulline malate may enhance energy levels and reduce fatigue. 

Overall, citrulline malate seems to be effective for enhancing exercise performance and recovery, although it may not have much to do with blood flow enhancement as previously thought. 

Effective dosage: Generally 8 grams, but potentially up to 15g. 

Available Flavors

C4 pre-workout comes in five different flavors:

• Icy Blue Razz
• Fruit Punch
• Watermelon
• Cherry Limeade
• Orange Burst

C4 Pre Workout Pros and Cons

There are a few things to like about C4 pre-workout, but also a number of things that aren’t so great. Here’s the breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Pretty solid dose of caffeine
• High levels of B-vitamins
• Great taste (based on reviews)
• A few well-researched ingredients

Cons

• Most ingredients are underdosed
• Some ingredients aren’t well-researched
• Has artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners
• Some dosages aren’t known

How to Use C4 Pre Workout

You are instructed to take one serving (which is one level scoop) of C4 pre-workout with six ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before training. 

Different Sizes

C4 comes in 30- or 60-serving containers, so you can pick one you want depending on how often you use it and how much you need each time. 

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage is just one scoop. However, you may want to consider taking two scoops to get more effective dosages. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement. 

Stacking a Pump Pre-Workout

Also, some of you may want to consider stacking C4 pre-workout with a pump pre-workout for potentially greater results. This is particularly important given the relatively low dose of pump ingredients in C4 Original Pre Workout. 

What is a pump pre-workout?

A pump pre-workout is a supplement that contains only ingredients to maximize muscle pumps, such as citrulline and arginine. They don’t contain any stimulants and are usually recommended to stack with more standard pre-workouts. 

Why do people use this as a stack?

Gym-goers sometimes use this as a stack to try to get even better results. 

So, you may stack it with C4 if you want to get additional pump benefits alongside the potential boost in energy, focus, and endurance from C4 pre-workout.

Real Customer C4 Pre Workout Reviews

As we continue this C4 pre-workout review, let’s get into some real customer reviews and see what others have to say about it. 

On the Cellucor website, C4 original pre workout has a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 562 reviews. 

Here are some sample reviews from real customers:

“I love the taste of the watermelon pre-workout! Gave me a great pump before my workout and kept me moving throughout. Can’t wait to try out other flavors!”

Chelsea L. 

“C4 is the best pre-workout out there, tried many. Look forward to it every morning. I do wish they’d come out with more flavors though.”

-Julie R. 

“This product works very well, although it may be one of the weaker pre-workouts on the market, it is very reliable and cheap.”

-Marcus J. 

“I had a couple of friends tell me how good this product helps amp them up to work out. So I bought c4, tried it with no results. Tried double scoop, no results.”

-Bear

Alternatives to C4 Pre Workout

C4 pre-workout may not be for everyone, particularly people who want higher doses of effective ingredients. 

That’s why I want to introduce you to some alternatives, including 4 Gauge, Transparent Labs Bulk, and BlackWolf. 

4 Gauge

4 Gauge Pre Workout is a relatively new but popular pre-workout with a wide array of potential performance-enhancing ingredients. 

Pros

• Well-researched ingredients
• Solid dose of caffeine/theanine combo
• Fully transparent label
• Includes citrulline and beetroot for pumps
• No artificial ingredients

Cons

• Creatine is underdosed
• Somewhat expensive

Transparent Labs Bulk

Bulk is one of a few different pre-workouts offered by Transparent Labs. This one is known for its particularly potent dosages. 

Pros

• Loaded with well-researched ingredients
• Optimal doses for many ingredients (e.g. caffeine, citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine)
• Includes key vitamins and minerals
• Has many nootropics at solid doses
• No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives

Cons

• Pretty expensive

BlackWolf Pre Workout

BlackWolf is a pre-workout made by MuscleClub Limited and comes with over 10 active ingredients for workout performance. 

Pros

• Well-researched ingredients
• Clinical dosages for a few key ingredients
• Includes ingredients for strength, endurance, and power
• Caffeine-free option

Cons

• A few ingredients are underdosed
• Some ingredients need more research

Benefits of C4 Pre Workout

If you’re wondering what benefits of C4 Original Pre Workout you might get, we have you covered. 

While individual results vary, C4 may lead to the following benefits:

• Increased Focus and Motivation
• Energy Boosting
• Enhanced Performance
• Decreased Muscle Fatigue
• Better Endurance
• Fast Recovery

Increased Focus and Motivation

While it’s not entirely conclusive, some of the B-vitamins in here alongside stimulants like caffeine and theacrine could help improve focus and motivation. 

This might help you dial in so you experience greater mind-body harmony and drive for your workouts. 

Energy Boosting

Similarly, the caffeine, B-vitamins, and other stimulants C4 Original Pre Workout may also help give you a nice pick-me-up and increase your energy. In turn, you’re ready to take on your workouts at full force. 

Enhanced Performance

Cellucor C4 also has several well-researched performance enhancers, including caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline.

Ideally, the dosages would be higher for each of these, but they still may help with strength, power, and other performance aspects. 

Decreased Muscle Fatigue

CarnoSyn beta-alanine in C4 may help decrease muscle fatigue and allow you to work out harder, for longer. That means you can not only finish your workouts, but you may also dominate them. 

Better Endurance

C4 might also enhance endurance with caffeine, citrulline, and other endurance-boosting ingredients in there. 

Fast Recovery

Lastly, it’s possible that C4 could improve recovery time. It has the antioxidant vitamin C as well as citrulline, which could increase recovery by getting more blood flowing to the muscles. It’s not all about before your workout…after is vital, too!

Potential Side Effects of C4 Pre Workout

After looking over the ingredients in C4 pre-workout, there are a few possible side effects. 

With its high concentration of caffeine and other stimulants, it is possible to experience jitters, anxiety, faster heart rate, and trouble sleeping (if taken at night). 

Other possible side effects are headache, upset stomach, and tingling. 

C4 Pre Workout Price

C4 comes in 30-serving and 60-serving containers. 

The regular 30-serving price is $29.99 ($1/serving) and the regular 60-serving container costs $49.99 ($0.83/serving).

You can also choose the Subscribe & Save option to save 30% off your first order and then 20% off subsequent orders.

So, for the 30-serving container, this lowers the price to $20.99 ($0.70/serving) for the first order and $23.99 ($0.80/serving) for subsequent orders. 

And for the 60-serving container, the price drops to $34.99 ($0.58) for the first order and $39.99 ($0.67/serving) for subsequent orders. 

Overall, C4 is a highly affordable product and priced much lower per serving than some other popular pre-workouts.

But this is the way it really should be since their dosages of the ingredients aren’t that high. 

And this means you can likely still be well within your budget even if you need to take more than one scoop for more noticeable effects. 

Shipping and Returns

Cellucor offers free shipping on US orders that are over $55. 

Orders that are under $55 have a flat rate of $8. 

They currently do not ship international orders. 

Regarding their return policy, they have a 60-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Just let them know if you’re not satisfied with C4 within 60 days of purchasing the product. They may tell you to return any unused portion of the product. 

Cellucor Company Details

The main website for Cellucor is cellucor.com

They can be reached by email at [email protected]. 

Final Recommendations

Well, you’ve made it to the end of my C4 Pre Workout review. 

All in all, it’s pretty clear why C4 is a popular pre-workout. 

Sure, it doesn’t have the highest doses for its ingredients, but it comes at a very affordable price. So, you can easily get effective doses just by taking more than one scoop, while still staying within a normal price range. 

If you’re dealing with a lack of motivation or struggle with fatigue during your workouts, C4 could potentially be a very simple and affordable solution. 

No, it’s not magic. But it does have ingredients that may help you take your workouts back to the level you want them at. 

Some of the artificial ingredients might be a turn-off for some. But if this doesn’t bother you, then you should definitely consider trying it.

If you’re interested, you can buy C4 Cellucor on Amazon. If you try it, let me know what you think. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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