When it comes to pre-workout supplements, finding a product that delivers on both performance and quality can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and dig into the ingredient profiles. Factors like dosage levels, clinical effectiveness, and potential side effects play a crucial role in determining if a
pre-workout supplement
is worth adding to your routine.
In this review, I’ll break down the ingredients in Xwerks Ignite and explain how each one contributes to its potential performance-boosting benefits. I’ll also cover dosage levels and how the supplement performed during real-world workouts. As a certified sports nutrition coach, I put Xwerks Ignite to the test across multiple training sessions to see how well it enhances focus, workout stamina, and overall performance.
If you’re searching for a new pre-workout to elevate your fitness routine or simply wondering if Xwerks Ignite lives up to its claims, this review will help you decide if it’s the right product to help support your health and fitness goals.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Pros
You’re unlikely to experience any jitters, anxiety, or crash from the amount of caffeine in this pre-workout
Four tasty flavors to choose from
5% subscribe and save discount
30-day money-back guarantee
Third-party test results available on the Xwerks website
Cons
The citrulline malate and beta-alanine are underdosed
Contains artificial ingredients, including flavors and the sweetener sucralose
150 milligrams of caffeine is low for a pre-workout supplement
Our take on Xwerks Ignite
Xwerks is a performance-focused supplement company offering a range of products, including
protein powder
, electrolytes, creatine, and its Ignite pre-workout. This supplement lineup is designed to help optimize performance, promote muscle growth, and improve recovery for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Ignite pre-workout features 11 ingredients including vitamins B6 and B12, the minerals magnesium and calcium, and pre-workout staples like caffeine, L-citrulline malate, and beta-alanine. What sets Ignite apart, however, is its inclusion of two lesser-known but increasingly
popular nootropic
ingredients—rhodiola and DMAE bitartrate—which are backed by emerging scientific evidence supporting their potential to enhance athletic performance.
Rhodiola has been shown to improve power output and reduce post-exercise muscle damage, with benefits seen at doses over 200 milligrams for endurance activities. (
2
) Ignite contains 500 milligrams, meeting clinical standards for this ingredient. (
3
)
DMAE bitartrate has been shown to promote improvements in alertness, overall mood, and even sleep quality. (
4
) This is because DMAE bitartrate helps the body make more choline, which boosts the production of acetylcholine in the brain. (
4
) Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory, focus, and muscle control, making it a valuable compound for both mental and physical performance. (
5
) However, research indicates that an effective dose of DMAE bitartrate falls between 500-2,000 milligrams. (
4
) Ignite pre-workout contains only 200 milligrams per serving, which may limit its full potential in delivering these cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits.
Ignite also falls short in the dosages of key ingredients like caffeine, L-citrulline malate, and beta-alanine. Although these components are well-established for their effectiveness, the amounts in Ignite are below the levels recommended by scientific research for maximizing performance benefits.
For example, L-citrulline malate is typically dosed at 6-8 grams to fully support nitric oxide production and improve muscle pumps, but Ignite only provides 3 grams per serving. (
6
) Similarly, beta-alanine is most effective at doses around 4-6 grams to effectively buffer lactic acid and delay muscle fatigue, yet Ignite contains just 1.5 grams—about half of the clinically recommended dose. (
7
) Caffeine, while effective in smaller doses, is also on the lighter side, with just 150 milligrams per serving. This is significantly lower than the 250-300 milligrams of caffeine found in higher stimulant pre-workouts. (
8
) While these lower dosages may appeal to beginners or those sensitive to stimulants, Ignite may not deliver the full performance enhancing benefits sought by experienced athletes or bodybuilders.
I tested Xwerks Ignite over a week of workouts, which included several CrossFit classes and a cardio day featuring a three-mile run. Overall, I felt more engaged and focused during my training, which enhanced my overall performance. However, I found that the muscle pumps I usually experience with other pre-workout supplements were notably milder. As a result, Ignite may be better suited for athletes participating in skill-based sports rather than bodybuilders seeking intense muscle pumps.
In terms of taste, Xwerks Ignite comes in four distinct flavors, and the brand is known for delivering great-tasting products. Our team had the chance to test some of these flavors, including green apple and orange. While they are on the sweeter side, likely due to the inclusion of sucralose, we found the flavors to be authentic, closely matching their descriptions. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness in your pre-workout, Ignite delivers a flavorful experience without being overwhelming.
Xwerks Ignite ingredients
Caffeine (150 milligrams)
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that enhances alertness, focus, and overall energy levels, making it a staple in pre-workout supplements. (
9
) With 150 milligrams per serving, Xwerks Ignite provides a moderate dose that can help boost workout intensity without the risk of negative side effects like jitteriness. For reference, the FDA recognizes 400 milligrams of caffeine per day as the safe upper intake level for most healthy adults. (
10
) People who ingest caffeine in sports supplements like pre-workouts should consider the amount they take in through other sources, such as coffee, tea, and soda.
L-citrulline malate (3 grams)
Citrulline is known for its ability to increase endogenous nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow and increase endurance during workouts. (
11
) Citrulline malate is a compound that combines the amino acid L-citrulline with malic acid. The malic acid may contribute to the overall benefits of citrulline malate by assisting in energy production and enhancing exercise performance. (
6
) The scientific research suggests that a dose of around 6-8 grams of citrulline malate is recommended to see the performance enhancing benefits. (
6
)
CarnoSyn beta-alanine (1.5 grams)
CarnoSyn beta-alanine is included for its ability to increase muscle carnosine levels, helping to buffer acid in muscles and delay fatigue. (
12
) The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends a dose of 4-6 grams per day for at least two to four weeks to improve exercise performance. (
12
)
BioPerine black pepper extract (5 milligrams)
BioPerine is a patented black pepper extract that helps enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, improving absorption and effectiveness. (
1
) The inclusion of 5 milligrams in Ignite may help the body utilize the supplement’s other active ingredients more efficiently.
L-tyrosine (2 grams)
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that supports cognitive function by increasing neurotransmitter levels, which can improve focus and mental clarity during workouts. (
13
) The 2 gram dose in Ignite is intended to help athletes maintain peak mental performance, even during intense training sessions.
DMAE bitartrate (200 milligrams)
DMAE bitartrate is a source of choline that is believed to enhance cognitive function, mood, and overall mental performance. (
4
) At 200 milligrams, it aims to promote alertness and concentration, although the dosage level may be too low to elicit its full benefits.
Rhodiola (500 milligrams)
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb known for its potential to reduce fatigue and improve endurance by modulating the body’s stress response. (
2
) The 500 milligram dose in Ignite is aimed at supporting stamina and recovery, making it a valuable addition for athletes engaged in demanding workouts.
Xwerks Ignite potential side effects
While adverse effects are generally uncommon with a
moderately dosed pre-workout
like Xwerks Ignite, it’s important to be aware of any potential side effects. For example, some users may experience a side effect known as paresthesia, a tingling or prickly skin sensation associated with beta-alanine. (
12
) Although harmless, this feeling can be somewhat uncomfortable for certain individuals. Additionally, it’s possible the caffeine content in Ignite could result in an increased heart rate or jitters, especially for those who are sensitive to stimulants. However, with only 150 milligrams of caffeine per serving, most people should find this amount of caffeine manageable.
If you’re worried about any negative side effects, it’s smart to start with a half serving to assess your tolerance. If everything goes well, you can advance to the recommended serving size, ensuring a safe and side effect-free experience.
What customers are saying
Xwerks Ignite has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with customers saying they enjoy the taste and overall effectiveness of the product. However, there are mixed opinions on the overall value Ignite provides for the money.
Another reviewer with the username “Amazon customer” wrote, “I opted for XWERKS Ignite because I wanted a more natural and mild pre-workout supplement. Ignite delivered how I had hoped: good boost of energy, light tingling from the beta alanine (which I like), and I wasn’t left feeling nauseous or like my heart was in overdrive. No artificial coloring either! Green apple flavor is good, but it’s more sweet than sour which was a small letdown for me. Overall, I like the product and plan on sticking with it.”
Justin Gurr purchased the blue raspberry flavor and said, “Need minimum two scoops to get the focus. Average and pretty pricey for what you get.”
Specs
Key ingredients |
Caffeine, L-citrulline malate, CarnoSyn (beta-alanine), L-tyrosine, rhodiola, DMAE bitartrate, BioPerine (black pepper extract) |
Servings per container |
30 |
Serving size |
10.36 grams |
Price per serving |
$1.63 |
Caffeine per serving |
150 milligrams |
Flavors |
Green apple, orange, blue raspberry, watermelon |
Third-party testing |
Yes |
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