In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’re looking at Kaged Pre-Workout. This is a somewhat older formula and therefore might be overlooked by lifters searching for the latest and greatest. But let me be clear, it’s not just another pre-workout. I strongly suggest you take a minute and check this one out, it screams innovation!
What Is Kaged Pre-Workout?
Kaged Pre-Workout is a pre-workout that was cutting-edge and ahead of its time when it first came out way back in 2015 (it has seen some mixability, flavor, and performance upgrades since then). This is a complete, well-balanced formula that is effectively dosed using innovative ingredients. It also includes several branded ingredients and Kaged Pre-Workout features full disclosure labeling – not as big of a thing back in 2015 as it is today!
Brand and Product Name Change
Kaged was originally known as Kaged Muscle, and Pre-Workout was originally called Pre-Kaged. Why? Well, Kris Gethin was a co-founder of the brand. The original name was tied to him. After a decade with the company he co-founded, they decided to part ways. Therefore, the company decided to streamline the name and break off a bit from the influence of Kris Gethin. Therefore, “Kaged Muscle” became “Kaged”, and “Pre-Kaged” became “Pre-Workout”. (1)
Ingredient Breakdown
This pre-workout is worth taking a closer look at!
Serving size – 1 Scoop (20 Servings)
Total Carbohydrate – 1 gram
Total Sugars – 1 gram
Sodium – 80mg
PUMP
L-Citrulline (fermented) – 6.5 grams
This is, of course, one of the most popular and effective nitric oxide boosters on the market. This is a solid dose. It should be noted that this pre-workout predates the “Citrulline Wars” ignited by Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode by several years. When this pre first came out, 6.5 grams was a hefty amount.
MUSCLE FUEL MATRIX
L-Leucine (fermented) – 1750 mg
L-Isoleucine (fermented) – 875 mg
L-Valine (fermented) – 875 mg
This is a 3.5 g BCAA complex.
ANABOLIC ACTIVATOR
L-Leucine (fermented) – 3 grams
This is what sets this pre-workout apart. There are not many pre’s that include leucine and the other two BCAA’s. That’s a shame since leucine stimulates protein synthesis, a direct trigger of muscle growth (more on this later). Looking at this powerful anabolic amino acid, Kaged Pre-Workout gives you an impressive 4750 mg total per serving. This is innovation in action, folks! (2)
STRENGTH & POWER MATRIX
BetaPower® Betaine Anhydrous – 2.5 grams
Another thing that sets this pre-workout apart from the crowd is the liberal use of branded ingredients. Betaine promotes hydration, water-based pumps, and overall performance. It’s often suggested that betaine is similar to creatine and works well when combined with creatine, as it is in Kaged Pre-Workout. (3)
CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine – 1.6 grams
While this is half of the typical dose of 3.2 grams, this is another branded ingredient. Beta alanine is an interesting ingredient that blocks the buildup of lactic acid which in turn increases endurance. The thing is, it does it indirectly by increasing the body’s carnosine levels. It is actually carnosine, not beta alanine, that blocks acid buildup. (4)
Patented Creatine HCL (Creatine Hydrochloride) – 1.5 grams
This is a patented form of creatine that is designed to absorb much better than creatine monohydrate. Therefore, a smaller dose is all that’s required. For me, I would have been happy with micronized creatine monohydrate dosed at 5 grams, but this version is in keeping with the innovation that created this product.
HYDRATE & DEFEND
Coconut Water Powder – 500 mg
Both creatine and betaine are osmolytes, meaning they pull water into the muscles. This promotes water-based pumps and dramatically improves hydration. Adding Coconut Water Powder takes hydration even farther.
SPECTRA Total ORAC Blend – 100 mg
(Coffee extract, green tea extract, broccoli sprout concentrate, onion extract, apple extract, acerola extract, camu camu concentrate, quercetin, tomato concentrate, broccoli concentrate, acai concentrate, basil concentrate, cinnamon concentrate, garlic concentrate, oregano concentrate, turmeric extract, carrot concentrate, elderberry concentrate, mangosteen concentrate, blackberry concentrate, blackcurrant extract, blueberry extract, chokeberry concentrate, raspberry concentrate, sweet cherry concentrate, spinach concentrate, kale concentrate, bilberry extract, brussels sprout concentrate).
SPECTRA is another branded ingredient with research that backs up its effectiveness. It is an antioxidant blend consisting of 29 natural super foods. This is definitely not a typical pre-workout ingredient. (5)
NEURO-FOCUS MATRIX
Taurine – 2 Grams
Here’s another osmotic ingredient that supports water-based pumps. Taurine is a type of amino acid that also supports cognitive function, including focus and mental engagement. Plus, it aids hydration.
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – 1 Grams
Tyrosine is an amino acid known for its cognitive enhancement properties. Kaged Pre-Workout contains not one, but two forms of this powerful amino acid. The N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine form means enhanced absorption of this impressive compound and promotes mood elevation, focus, and overall cognitive function. (6)
L-Tyrosine (fermented) – 850 mg
N-acetyl-l-tyrosine is in a complex with l-tyrosine, the standard form of this amino acid. That means it will work synergistically with n-acetyl-l-tyrosine for optimal focus and cognitive function. (7)
PurCaf® Organic Caffeine – 274 mg
The final branded ingredient is a natural source of caffeine. This is organic caffeine from green coffee beans. It’s 95% caffeine and features a neutral taste profile. (8)
As you can see, this is a very impressive pre-workout. The only downside I see is that it’s light in caffeine content. If you want more, you could double-scoop it, or stack it with a caffeine/stim capsule or powder.
Why Leucine And The BCAAs Should Be In Your Pre-Workout
Leucine is one of nine EAAs (essential amino acids) and one of three BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). Leucine is also considered a ”signaling” amino acid. That means it directly signals or stimulates the process of protein synthesis. We know that protein synthesis is a biological process which allows individual cells to build their specific proteins. When protein synthesis stimulation occurs as the result of intense workouts (and proper nutrition), it’s a direct trigger of muscle growth. What about your workout? That’s a critical time for a pre-workout that contains the BCAAS and a high dose of leucine, such as Kaged Pre-Workout. the BCAAs/EAAs. (9, 10)
Stack It!
As mentioned, Kaged Pre-Workout is a little low in caffeine for some tastes (including mine). Therefore, my first stack suggestion is:
Stack # 1 – More Stims!
- Kaged Pre-Workout
- Celsius On-The-Go Powder Sticks – You have the flexibility to use a whole stick or half, depending on how strong you want it to be.
- Hi-Tech Precision Protein – This could be the perfect protein to use with Kaged Pre-Workout since it optimizes protein synthesis.
Stack # 2 – Mass Stack
For some lifters, Kaged Pre-Workout has the perfect amount of caffeine. Here’s a stack geared for optimal mass that takes this into account.
- Kaged Pre-Workout
- Raw Nutrition Pump2 – This product is glycerol powder (6g per serving). It is, for me, the most exciting newer ingredient since creatine first hit the market. This alone will take Kaged Pre-Workout to the next level.
- Hi-Tech Precision Protein
- Halodrol Full Cycle Stack – If mass is what you’re after, there’s no stronger approach than a good prohormone stack.
Summary
Kaged Pre-Workout is not like most other pre’s you will see. It’s one of those rare formulas that stands the test of time as a premium example of what a great pre-workout should be. If you haven’t tried it, now’s the time. If you have tried it, give one of the Stacks a try. Stop by illpumpyouup.com and get yours today!
References:
- https://blog.priceplow.com/industry-news/kris-gethin-kaged
- Leucine Health benefits, dosage, safety, side-effects, and more | Supplements – Examine
- https://healthsciences.iff.com/our-products/betapower
- https://www.carnosyn.com/
- https://www.futureceuticals.com/spectra
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine
- https://www.braintropic.com/the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf, p.111
- https://appliedfoods.com/ingredients/purcaf/?utm_source=google-ads&utm_medium=Search+Ad&utm_term=PurCaf
- What Is Protein Synthesis. (2015, December 27). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from http://www.proteinsynthesis.org/what-is-protein-synthesis/
- Protein synthesis. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/protein synthesis