Looking for a good pre-workout? How about VMI Sports KXR Pre-Workout! In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we will take a closer look at KXR, break down the ingredients, tell you how to use it, and what to stack it with. Ready? Let’s get going!

What Is VMI Sports KXR Pre-Workout

VMI Sports KXR Pre-Workout is a high-stim and high-focus formula with 400 mg caffeine coming from a 586 mg caffeine complex. There are also endurance ingredients. Above, I said it’s a unique pre-workout. Why? Because all KXR Pre-Workout has for pump boosters are two ingredients. The first is taurine, an osmolyte and cognitive enhancer, and the second is theobromine, a mild stimulant with vasodilation properties.

For me, that’s not a convincing combination, and if you love chasing the pump, it’s not a great combo for you either. But, no worries, I have a solution, which we will look at soon. In the meantime, let’s check out the ingredients!

Ingredient Breakdown

Power Performance Matrix Blend

Beta Alanine – 3,200 mg

This is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that combines with the amino acid histidine. This forms the dipeptide carnosine. Beta-Alanine is unique because it works indirectly. How? By increasing levels of carnosine in the body. Carnosine is the actual compound that lowers acid buildup and reduces fatigue. This allows you to knock out more reps and sets.

Beta-alanine also causes a short-term, harmless tingling effect. If this effect bothers you, try drinking a 8-10 ounce glass of water over and above the water used for your pre-workout. (1)

L-Taurine – 1,500 mg

Technically, taurine is an amino sulfonic acid found in high concentrations in the muscles, heart, eyes, and brain. It’s a popular cognitive enhancer, and it’s also important for hydration. For that reason it’s classified as an osmolyte which means it pulls water into the muscles, thereby promoting water-based pumps. Plus, it has a number of other benefits, including regulating minerals, promoting central nervous system health, and promoting good health. (2, 3)

Theobromine – 300 mg

When it comes to supplement reviews, if I’m anything, I’m honest. I don’t care what the product claims are. I’m not here to push the hype, which would result in a dishonest review. The ads for KXR Pre-Workout claim that “theobromine and amino acids” promotes “pumps, endurance, stamina, and hydration”.

My problem is that theobromine is not exactly the first ingredient I think of when I think of pump boosters. It’s a mild stimulant that is typically paired with caffeine. However, it does have vasodilation properties. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like this formula. But it needs a serious pump complex. That addition would make this Pre much more competitive. Therefore, I would stack this with a pump booster such as 5% Nutrition Full As F*ck. (4)

ElevATP® (Ancient Peat; Apple Extract) – 150 mg

Here’s one of the things that helps KXR stand out a little. While ElevATP is popular, it’s not in very many pre-workouts. So what is it? It’s a branded ingredient that does what the name suggests – elevates ATP production. ATP is, of course, the fuel that drives muscular energy. When it comes to energy, many lifters think of caffeine and/or other stims. But they provide central nervous system energy. Your muscles require energy, or fuel, from ATP. (5, 6)

Intense Energy Matrix Blend – Caffeine Blend – 586 Total mg, 400 mg Total Caffeine

This blend consists of the following. Since this is a prop blend, we have no way of knowing what the individual breakdown is. Would I prefer to see the individual dosages? Yes. However, even though I am not a fan of prop blends, it’s all caffeine, so I am not overly bothered by this approach. 

Caffeine Citrate

Caffeine citrate is a synthetic caffeine consisting of caffeine anhydrous and citric acid monohydrate. It’s 50% caffeine. 

Caffeine Anhydrous

This is a popular and very common form of caffeine. It has all the moisture removed, making it more concentrated. 

Infinergy™ Dicaffeine Malate

This is a trademarked complex containing 75% caffeine and 25% malic acid. This version of caffeine absorbs slower than regular caffeine, reducing  jitters and the  “crash” effect. (7)

Alpha Yohimbine Hydrochloride 90% – 1.5 mg

It’s nice to see that this shows the dose, rather than just dump it in with the caffeine sources. Alpha yohimbine is an ingredient that comes from rauwolfia and blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. This results in, among other benefits, more energy and enhanced mood. (8)

Cognition & Focal Enhancing Matrix Blend

VitaCholine® Choline Bitartrate – 500 mg

VitaCholine is a branded version of choline, a member of the B-complex vitamin family. This compound enhances focus, memory, and mood. As well, it supports muscle control, among other benefits. (9)

DMAE – 300 mg

This ingredient is thought to work by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter that supports cognitive function and muscular contractions. (10)

Huperzine A 1% – 3 mg

Huperzine A is an alkaloid that is isolated from the toothed clubmoss plant. It has an extended history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It improves cognitive function, memory and learning by blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. As you can see, this is a synergistic blend targeting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (11)

How To Use It

This is a high caffeine pre-workout. Unless you’re used to this much caffeine, assess your tolerance by using half a scoop mixed in 6-8 ounces of water. Consume 15-30 minutes before your workout. Once your tolerance has been determined, go up to a full scoop.

Stack It!

Earlier I suggested stacking VMI Sports KXR Pre-Workout with a pump-based, stim-free formula such as 5% Nutrition Full As F*ck. This combo will provide the one thing KXR Pre-Workout lacks – serious pump ingredients. From there, I suggest a protein powder, such as Hi-Tech Precision Protein. This is the one I advocate because of its ability to speed up leucine absorption. From there, I would add creatine monohydrate, such as AllMax Nutrition Creatine. Finally, if mass is your goal, how about prohormones, such as Hi-Tech Superdrol. If you need anything else, or want to stock up on these suggested products, stop by illpumpyouup.com!

Summary

If you’re ready for your next Pre, VMI Sports KXR Pre-Workout is mostly a solid pre-workout that could be at the top of your list. Add the supplements I suggested, and get ready to power through your workout with unbridled energy!

References:

1. https://examine.com/supplements/beta-alanine/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23170060/#:~:text=Taurine%20is%20an%20organic%20osmolyte%20involved%20in%20cell,retina%2C%20muscle%20tissue%2C%20and%20organs%20throughout%20the%20body.

3. https://www.botanical-online.com/en/natural-medicine/characteristics-properties-taurine#Taurine_as_osmolyte

4. Edo, G. I., Samuel, P. O., Oloni, G. O., Ezekiel, G. O., Onoharigho, F. O., Oghenegueke, O. … Igbodo, P. C. (2023). Review on the Biological and Bioactive components of Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao). Insight on Food, Health and Nutrition. Natural Resources for Human Health, 3(4), 426-448. https://doi.org/10.53365/nrfhh/174302

5. Reyes-Izquierdo T, et al. The effect of elevATP™ on whole blood ATP levels: a single dose, crossover clinical study. J Aging Res Clin Practice. 2014;3:56-60

6. Energy Systems in Action — PT Direct

7. Creative Compounds

8. Perry, B. D., & U’Prichard, D. C. (1981). [3H]rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine): a specific antagonist radioligand for brain alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. European journal of pharmacology, 76(4), 461–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(81)90123-0

9. https://balchem.com/vitacholine

10. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326649

11. https://www.braintropic.com/the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf