Bucked Up Pre-Workout promises not just to energize your sessions but to redefine them. But does it live up to its claims?
As a professional fitness trainer, I'm constantly on the lookout for reliable pre-workouts, so I tried Bucked Up for a month and interviewed sports experts to compile all the necessary information about the product.
So, if you’re searching for a performance enhancer, keep reading this pre-workout review to determine whether this supplement fits your routine and exercise goals.
What Is Bucked Up Pre-workout?
Bucked Up is a pre-workout supplement that may help strengthen the body, increase endurance, and relieve stress to promote a sound immune system. It's known for its one-of-a-kind deer antler velvet patented ingredient.
DAS Lab, the company that manufactures Bucked Up, may have recognized the significance of antler velvet extract in sports medicine.
Deer antler velvet is derived from the bones and cartilage of a male deer and is mixed in a before-workout supplement to improve workout performance.
Bucked Up has evolved over time to become a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
Originally introduced as a performance-enhancing supplement, the supplement has undergone refinement and optimization in its formulation.
According to various reviews I've read, the manufacturer has fine-tuned the ingredient blend to provide a balance of energy, endurance, and focus for users during their workouts.
This development has solidified Bucked Up's reputation as a reliable pre-workout option in the fitness supplement market.
Suitable for Men and Women
Bucked Up Pre-workout
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
Bucked Up Ingredients
DAS Labs' Bucked Up pre-workout uses high-quality ingredients to provide energy and focus when you need it.
Here's the list of ingredients in this popular supplement
1. Citrulline Malate (6,000 mg)
Bucked Up contains 6 g of this compound, which is responsible for increasing nitric oxide production in the blood.
According to a study posted on PubMed, the increase in nitric oxide levels widens the blood vessels, promoting muscle oxygenation and thus improving athletic performance [1].
Clients reported a slight increase in their endurance levels after taking Bucked Up. While I initially attributed the entirety of this effect to the citrulline, I realized that the caffeine content might have also played a role.
2. Beta-Alanine (2,000 mg)
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps reduce lactic acid accumulation in the muscles.
The 2000-milligram dosage of this ingredient in Bucked Up may help reduce fatigue and boost endurance for an excellent workout [2].
While clients experienced better endurance with Bucked Up, none of them reported a significant change in their fatigue levels.
3. Caffeine Anhydrous (200 mg)
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in several pre-workout supplements.
The 200-milligram dose in this pre-workout will give you extra energy and sharpened mental alertness during the workout, thus allowing you to pump in more reps.
As mentioned before, the supplement seemed to enhance workout endurance in many clients. However, I wouldn't recommend this product to caffeine-sensitive individuals.
4. AlphaSize® Alpha GPC (200 mg)
AlphaSize® Alpha GPC or L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a dietary supplement widely claimed to enhance mental focus.
A study from the National Library of Medicine suggests that a six-day supplementation of this ingredient at 600 mg a day may enhance sports performance in power athletes [3].
However, Bucked Up's dosage of this ingredient (200 mg) didn't seem to have the same effect on our clients as seen in studies.
5. Taurine (100 mg)
This ingredient is acclaimed by many supplement companies for its positive effects on enhancing energy levels during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
However, the research on this topic isn't conclusive [4].
While clients showed increased energy levels after taking Bucked Up, our dietician attributed this effect to the caffeine, especially when it came to first-time pre-workout users.
6. Himalayan Rock Salt With Trace Minerals (100 mg)
Himalayan Rock Salt is a natural compound with trace mineral sodium, known to regulate fluid-electrolyte balance.
A dose of 100 milligrams can also maximize blood flow and blood pressure, therefore reducing possible muscle cramps. However, these effects are no more special than what you can get from common salt [5].
7. Deer Antler Velvet Extract (50 mg)
Deer antler velvet extract at 50 milligrams may increase the growth hormone IGF-1 levels, which helps stimulate muscular hypertrophy to support bodybuilding [6].
"Deer antler has been a popular element of Eastern medicine for centuries. And—like red meat, eggs, or milk—deer antler contains small amounts of insulin-like growth factor 1 or IGF-1."
- Oliver Catlin, President of the Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG)
DAS Labs' line of supplements utilizes the addition of the deer antler velvet extract.
However, according to our dietician, the real potential may come from the two ingredients made by NuLiv Science: AstraGin and Senactiv.
8. AstraGin (Astragalus, Panax Notoginseng) (25 mg)
AstraGin is a natural patented ingredient that is known to increase nutrient uptake [7].
The 25 milligrams of this pre-workout ingredient may help boost the mRNA functions of your cells and increase citrulline absorption and other ingredients into the cells of your intestines.
9. Senactiv® (Panax Notoginseng, Rosa Roxburghii) (25 mg)
Senactiv® is a patented plant-based nutraceutical ingredient that is used in various dietary supplements and health products.
It is derived from Panax notoginseng and Rosa roxburghii, two plants known for their health-promoting properties.
However, the endurance effects of this ingredient lack proper research.
Does Bucked Up Enhance Athletic Performance?
Yes, Bucked Up may help enhance your athletic performance. However, the effectiveness and potency may vary depending on your strength level.
After using the product for a month, I can definitely say it boosted my stamina. But I guess I was hoping to exceed my maximum power output, so my expectations were much higher.
However, first-time pre-workout users seemed to report good results in terms of enhanced energy levels and increased workout endurance.
As a fitness trainer, I believe the potency level here is exactly what beginners can utilize.
However, clients who were used to better pre-workouts didn't seem to gain much from this supplement.
- May improve overall health because of its natural ingredients
- Delight yourself with the refreshing taste of flavorful assortments
- High-quality ingredients to boost workout performance
- Supports weight loss with no added calories
- Short in serving size
- Some more potent stimulants are not provided
Is It Any Good Compared To Other Pre-Workout Products?
Compared to other pre-workout products, Bucked Up ranks as excellent. It is one of the healthier alternatives in the supplement industry, considering it contains mostly natural ingredients.
But in my personal opinion, if you are a beginner, this may be the best pre-workout that can grace your way to start your strength training journey.
Other pre-workouts we've reviewed:
Where to Purchase Bucked Up Pre-Workout?
You can purchase Bucked Up pre-workout from its official website, where you can snag the best deals.
My experience ordering online was a breeze. I received the product in good condition, well packed, and right at my doorstep.
Fair warning. When browsing for Bucked Up online, I found it on many websites for a cheaper price. I highly recommend buying from the official website only since many outlets sell fake products for a discount to make a quick buck.
Trust me when I say no discount is worth taking the risk.
Suitable for Men and Women
Bucked Up Pre-Workout
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
Pre-Workout Alternatives
We tested Bucked Up against three popular before-workout supplements. Here’s what we found.
Gorilla Mode
Developed by Gorilla Mind Rush nootropic makers, this pre-workout delivers maximum doses of key ingredients like L-citrulline, creatine, and betaine to nitric oxide booster levels and improve muscle strength and endurance.
Our test group was amazed by how fast they felt the effects. They also noted that Gorilla Mode mixes better than many other pre-workouts they have tried.
A one-scoop serving of Gorilla Mode is 15.245 grams, which is larger than Bucked Up’s 9.68 grams. I liked that the ingredient label listed nutrition facts for single and two-scoop servings.
Gorilla Mode comes in 13 flavors compared to Bucked Up’s five, so you’ll likely find a flavor you like. Gorilla Mode mixes well, and our favorite was Tiger’s Blood.
Gorilla Mode costs just a bit more than Bucked Up, but if you order from the official website, you’ll find a 10% discount for using their subscribe and save program.
4 Gauge
The team at 4 Gauge collaborated with dietitians, nutrition experts, and serious athletes to formulate a pre-workout to deliver maximum effectiveness to enhance your workout experience.
In a trial conducted by our test group, users recorded their training sessions with and without 4 Gauge. Their feedback revealed increased focus and energy, enabling them to power through intense workouts.
After consulting our dietitians, I learned that our testers' workout success was likely due to the hefty L-citrulline DL-malate (6000 mg) and creatine monohydrate (1000 mg). Bucked Up also contains 6000 mg citrulline-malate but no creatine monohydrate.
Bucked Up contains 50 mg more caffeine than 4 Gauge, which is nearly too much for some users.
The 4 Gauge price is on par with Bucked Up, but ordering through the official website will get you bulk order discounts, free shipping, and other complimentary nutrition and fitness guides.
Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs PreSeries Bulk is a pre-workout designed to promote muscle mass growth. After speaking with our dietitians, I learned that it is a formula packed with ingredients that can boost physical and mental energy, increase endurance, and enhance muscle protein synthesis.
Both Transparent Labs and Bucked Up contain 6000 mg of Citrulline Malate. Bucked Up includes 200 mg of caffeine compared to the 180 in Transparent Labs.
Our test group felt the Transparent Labs mixed well and did an excellent job of increasing focus and energy, and most agreed the strawberry lemonade's great flavor was the best.
Transparent Labs is priced similarly to Bucked Up. However, you’ll find more great flavor options and a subscribe and save discount when you order directly from the official website.
FAQs
Does Bucked Up Pre-workout Have Side Effects?
Bucked Up pre-workout doesn't have any side effects. However, this product has caffeine, so if you're sensitive to it, you should first assess your tolerance to avoid mild headaches, agitations, or nausea.
How Do You Use Bucked Up?
You use Bucked Up by mixing one scoop with 4–6 ounces of cold water. Take it at least 30 minutes before your gym session, and stir the mixture well to ensure that the powder dissolves thoroughly.
Is Deer Antler Extract Safe To Take?
Deer antler extract is safe to take and has no known side effects. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy, so check with your doctor first to confirm if it might harm you, especially if you have a medical condition.
Does Bucked Up Build Muscle?
Yes, Bucked Up may build muscle when taken along with a strict weight-training regimen and high-protein diet. However, the rate of your muscle growth will depend on your genetics and lifestyle choices as well.
Our Verdict on Bucked Up
Based on our research and testing, we’ve concluded that while Bucked Up is an okay pre-workout supplement, you're better off spending your money on better products.
The results we observed from our experiment group just don’t quite match up with Bucked Up's marketing statements.
We’ve seen far better results with Gorilla Mode, which remains a client favorite to this day. I take it myself on days when I struggle to go to the gym.
We Recommend This Instead
Gorilla Mode
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- May improve overall health because of its natural ingredients
- Delight yourself with the refreshing taste of flavorful assortments
- High-quality ingredients to boost workout performance
- Supports weight loss with no added calories
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- You can only buy it on their website
About The Author
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I have tried a lot of different pre-workouts over the years. They all left me feeling lethargic and drained after I finished my workout. Bucked Up, on the other hand, gave me that extra boost of energy when I needed it. It was very easy to focus on my reps given how good I felt!
Is Bucked Up pre-workout safe– this is my question when I saw this product. Thanks for the informative article about it. Answered all my questions.