Pre-workout supplements are exactly what they sound like: something you take before working out to help you have a better session. Companies often design pre-workout supplements to support energy, focus, and endurance, all with the goal of helping you progress further in your workout.
For people who work all day and squeeze in early-morning gym sessions (which may include plenty of yawns), or those who swing by the gym after a long day at work, even when energy is low, a pre-workout supplement can theoretically make for a more energized, effective workout.
But do they actually work? We asked our testing team to analyze Legion Pulse Pre-workout, a popular option in this category, to learn more. Here’s what we liked, what could have been improved, and who should and shouldn’t take this supplement.
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Product HighlightsPros & Cons
Our thoughts: We like how easy it is to mix with water
Who it’s for: People who are looking for a workout boost and don’t mind consuming caffeine
What makes it different: There are 27 different flavors, including strawberry blast, pineapple whip, red gummy fish, blue raspberry, and more
Available in 20+ flavorsThird-party testedExcellent flavor and mixabilitySlightly pricier than some other optionsContains caffeine, which some people may not preferUsage instructions could be more thorough
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Specs
SpecsDetailsPrice$49.99Cost per serving$2.50Key ingredients Caffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, betaine Third-party testingYesPriceDetails$49.99Cost per servingDetails$2.50Key ingredients DetailsCaffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, betaine Third-party testingDetailsYes
Our Experience with Legion Pulse Pre-Workout
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is designed to boost energy and strength during workouts, all without the jitters or crashes that often accompany these products. The company says the formulation is well-balanced and “enhances every type of workout—strength, cardio, HIIT, and endurance.” Key ingredients include caffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, and betaine. The product is made without sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, food dyes, or fillers.
Pulse Pre-Workout can be used daily, and you simply mix one or two scoops with 10 to 12 ounces of water about 15 to 30 minutes before exercising. Kayla, from our testing team, tried Legion Pulse Pre-Workout. Here’s what she had to say about it.
What We Liked
Kayla rated this product highly in three of the most important categories.
Mixability (5 out of 5): After mixing one scoop of the product with water, Kayla said, “The product mixed in perfectly. Sometimes, when shaking for too long, the product can get overly foamy, and you have to wait for it to settle. However, this pre-workout performed well in the 60-second shake test. The mixture wasn’t gritty, and it was fully incorporated into the water.”
Taste (5 out of 5): Kayla said she mixed the powder with 12 ounces of water because she doesn’t like overly sweet drinks, and the resulting beverage tasted great. She said it tasted “just like a normal pink lemonade drink with a little extra kick of caffeine.”
Sweetness (3 out of 5): Legion Pulse Pre-workout’s sweetness was just right for Kayla, who rated it as moderately sweet—indicating it was well-balanced. She did taste the stevia, but she says that’s hard to mask. Kayla blended the powder with 12 ounces of water, which resulted in a “light and refreshing” beverage. She noted that people who prefer more sweetness could reduce the water to 10 ounces.
Kayla felt that this pre-workout was effective, saying, “When doing just one scoop of product, I feel great, just enough caffeine to get me going, and the beta-alanine tingles are present. With two scoops, I am buzzing and feel like Superwoman, ready to take flight.”
Overall, said Kayla, “This is by far my favorite pre-workout for several reasons. I like the transparency Legion has with third-party testing, that they focus on natural ingredients, and it’s made in the USA.” She added that it can be “a little pricier than other brands,” but that it’s worth it to her.
Our tester also commented positively on the packaging, saying it’s “simple and clean, and the bottle is small enough that I can take it with me on the go.”
What We Would Change
There was also a minor drawback, according to our tester.
Instructions (3 out of 5): The product instructions say to mix one or two scoops with 10 to 12 ounces of water, and the lack of specificity was problematic, said Kayla. She would have preferred if the directions gave specific ratios of powder to water, because “I think 10 to 12 is the optimal amount for one scoop, but with two, it can be a little thick. I get slightly annoyed when fitness supplements call for more than one scoop because I think it can be confusing for users, and it can also be too much product to mix. I gave it a 3 for this reason.”
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
As with any supplement, it’s not recommended for everyone. We also suggest speaking with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine. Here’s who this product may be best for.
Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is best for:Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is not for:People looking to improve their workouts Someone who isn’t too serious about gym gains AdultsChildren Individuals who like caffeine in the morning or afternoonThose who prefer evening workouts Gym goers who need extra “umph” after work Those who are sensitive to caffeine People looking to improve their workouts Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is not for:Someone who isn’t too serious about gym gains AdultsLegion Pulse Pre-Workout is not for:Children Individuals who like caffeine in the morning or afternoonLegion Pulse Pre-Workout is not for:Those who prefer evening workouts Gym goers who need extra “umph” after work Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is not for:Those who are sensitive to caffeine
Comparing Legion Pulse Pre-Workout to Other Pre-Workouts
Pre-WorkoutKey Ingredients Caffeine Per ServingBeta-alanine Per Serving Citrulline Per Serving Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Caffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, betaine350 mg3600 mg 8000 mgTransparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout L-citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine 325 mg4000 mg8000 mgSwolverine Pre-Workout L-citrulline, beta-alanine, trimethylglycine, L-carnitine, L-taurine 0 mg3200 mg5000 mgLegion Pulse Pre-Workout Key Ingredients Caffeine, L-theanine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, alpha-GPC, betaineCaffeine Per Serving350 mgBeta-alanine Per Serving 3600 mg Citrulline Per Serving 8000 mgTransparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout Key Ingredients L-citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine Caffeine Per Serving325 mgBeta-alanine Per Serving 4000 mgCitrulline Per Serving 8000 mgSwolverine Pre-Workout Key Ingredients L-citrulline, beta-alanine, trimethylglycine, L-carnitine, L-taurine Caffeine Per Serving0 mgBeta-alanine Per Serving 3200 mgCitrulline Per Serving 5000 mg
Frequently asked questions
What does Legion Pulse do?
Legion says its pre-workout supplement offers clinically effective doses of six key ingredients that have been shown to increase energy, focus, strength, and pump—but without the jitters or crashes that sometimes occur after consuming this kind of product.
How much caffeine is in Legion Pulse?
Legion Pulse Pre-workout has 350 mg of caffeine per serving. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or usually work out in the evening and don’t want a supplement with stimulants, consider some of the non-stim pre-workout options available on the market instead.
Does Legion Pulse have creatine in it?
Legion Pulse Pre-workout doesn’t contain creatine, but if you’re curious about the possible benefits of creatine for strength and muscle growth, here are some of our top-rated creatine supplements.