Pre-Workout and Fat Burner supplement powders turning hard is a common problem, but it isn't always a bad thing. Most of these supplements in powder form contain hygroscopic ingredients.
Quick answer: 'Yes'. As we mentioned at the start, the powder in 4 Gauge can absorb moisture from the air (due to being hygroscopic). But this doesn't affect the safety or effectiveness of these supplements at all.
Is it safe to use clumpy pre-workout? Although it might feel strange, clumpy pre-workout can be expected — especially if you leave your pre-workout in a humid environment — yes, we're talking about your sweaty gym bag. But if the product is in date then it should be safe to use.
The answer to whether you should be dry scooping pre-workout powder is NO! As the concentrated ingredients of a pre-workout reach the bloodstream directly, they can have a lot of adverse impacts which can be as severe as a heart attack. So, always dilute your pre-workout powder with water before consuming it.
The quickest, safest and most effective way to deal with a clumpy pre-workout is to empty your clumpy pre-workout into a blender, and blitz until it's turned back into a fine powder.
Pre-Workout and Fat Burner supplement powders turning hard is a common problem, but it isn't always a bad thing. Most of these supplements in powder form contain hygroscopic ingredients. This means that the ingredients in the pre-workout and fat burners attract and hold water molecules at normal or room temperature.
If you notice your gummies have hardened significantly but still smell and look acceptable, you can gently break them apart before consumption. Just remember that while the hardened texture might not be as enjoyable, the benefits of creatine remain, making it a worthwhile supplement for your fitness regimen.
Some pre-workouts can begin to go off even before a printed expiry date, so if you notice mold, a bad smell or other signs your pre-workout has spoiled, do not consume it. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It's no fun to waste products or money but it's never worth the risk of getting sick.
The hygroscopic nature of these ingredients, especially when included in higher doses, means they draw and retain moisture. This moisture can cause the ingredients in your pre-workout supplement to stick together, forming clumps or a sticky texture.
Instead, the potency and efficacy of the ingredients in an expired pre-workout supplement might decrease over time, leading to subpar ergogenic effects. In the rare event you're dealing with a moldy pre-workout powder, or notice an extremely foul or stale smell when opening the container, do not consume it.
Always store creatine in a dry environment and cool to room temperature out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in your car — at least for long periods — and if you keep it in your gym bag, make sure to keep it dry and unzipped when not in the gym to allow adequate airflow.
The main or noticeable effects of a pre-workout, will last for approx 60-90 minutes, but they could last up to several hours depending on individual responses and caffeine content.
A: Creatine will sometimes become clumpy in humid climates (usually depends on how it's stored), but you're still good to use it.
Pre-workout supplements contain various ingredients designed to enhance performance. While these ingredients can benefit workouts, some may trigger acne in susceptible individuals.
To make sure that you're taking an effective supplement, check the label and look for ingredients that are scientifically proven to boost muscle growth, fat burning, and overall workout performance. Keep an eye out for creatine, L-carnitine, caffeine for added on-the-spot energy, and a testosterone boost if needed.
Typically, it takes a pre-workout between 30 mins to 90 mins to take effect. The greatest impact is seen 60 mins after taking caffeine and 60 to 90 mins after arginine consumption. To maximize the potential of a pre-workout, you want it to reach to their peak in your bloodstream.
Chemicals, preservatives, and sweeteners present in pre-workouts prevent the supplement from solidifying; however, these are not good for health. Hence even if a pre-workout hardens because of the lack of these three, it doesn't always mean that it is a forged supplement.
Some pump pre-workout ingredients by their nature come from its ability to increase the total volume of water in the body meaning they are very susceptible to water. However, with all pre-workouts; if left unused for periods, it's quite normal for them to turn clumpy or hard.
Taste and Smell
If your pre-workout looks moldy, changes color, has a bad smell, or tastes weird once you mix it, it's gone bad and needs to be thrown out. If you accidentally consume old pre-workout, you might experience digestive side effects, like an upset stomach or nausea.
Additionally, C4 contains some worrisome ingredients, sucralose & acesulfame potassium, both artificial sweeteners. Sucralose has been associated with several health concerns, including disruptions to gut bacteria, increased appetite leading to weight gain, and potential negative effects on blood sugar regulation.
Does Clumping Mean Protein Powder Has Gone Bad? While it's off putting, clumping in your creatine, or protein powder, does not necessarily mean it has gone bad. While it can be a sign that your protein powder is rancid, this is usually accompanied by other, more obvious signs, including foul smell and changes in color.
For the best results, however, it is suggested to use pre-workout about 3-4 times a week. Your body will become tolerant to caffeine over time, and you may mentally become too dependent on pre-workout if you use it every day, so it's recommended for workouts where you need more of a push.
Clumpy creatine isn't all that uncommon. If you notice hard spots in your creatine supplements, the powder was likely exposed to moisture at some point. This isn't typically a cause for alarm, but make sure it doesn't show signs of deterioration, like changes in smell, taste, or color.
Creatine is not an anabolic steroid, nor does it increase testosterone levels. Some people will retain a couple of pounds of fluid during the first week they start creatine supplementation. But this is temporary, and studies of long-term use do not show a persistent problem with holding onto extra water.