As an avid consumer of pre workout, and protein shakes. I can tell you the differences between pre workout vs protein powder!
The main difference is pre workout is used to give you more energy and focus in the gym. In comparison, protein powder is for muscle growth and muscle recovery by supplying your body with the protein it needs.
That’s the main difference between the two. But, you should know some important things if you plan on using them in the gym especially if you want to maximize your progress.

Are Pre Workout And Protein Powder The Same Thing?
Nope, they are not the same thing.
And you should know by now (if you were paying attention) that there is a big difference between a pre workout supplement and protein supplements.
But now let’s dive deeper. I’ll explain in more detail what each one does, how they can benefit you, when you should be taking them if you need to take them, and more!
By the end of this article, you should be a pre workout and protein powder wizard!
Here’s What You Need To Know About Pre Workout Vs Protein Powder
Now on to the nitty-gritty. Make sure you buckle up. Take some pre workout so you have some energy to read on, and focus to digest all this information. (See what I did there)

What Is Pre Workout Differences
Like the name suggests a pre workout supplement is meant to be taken before your workout. But there is more to it than that.
Pre workouts help by giving you energy before your gym session, helping increase blood flow, giving you more endurance throughout your workout, and helping with muscle fatigue during exercises.
The Two Types Of Pre Workouts:
But, it’s important to know two different types of pre workouts on the market.
- Stimulant Free
- Stimulant
Also, each company creates a unique blend of ingredients within their pre workout supplements. Giving each pre workout a different “feel” and added benefits.
Check out this article if you want a deeper dive into pre workout supplements

What Is Whey Protein Powder Differences
Protein powders and protein shakes are supplements to help you get in your dietary protein. You usually want to get your protein from actual whole foods like chicken, beef, eggs, etc.
But drinking a protein shake can definitely help if you need to bump up your protein intake.
People take protein powder to help build muscle mass and promote muscle growth when they are in trying to bulk.
But people also take protein powders on a cut to maintain muscle mass and help retain as much muscle as possible.
Do You Need To Take Pre Workout Supplements Or Whey Protein Powders?
This is an interesting question I always hear. Many people ask me if they “need” to take pre workout or protein powder.

Do You Need To Take Pre Workout
There is no need to take pre workout supplements or protein powders.
If you already have plenty of energy in the gym and don’t need an additional boost. Then feel free to work out without any pre workout supplement.
On the other hand, people argue that pre workout allows them to push for extra reps and have a better workout. But there is no need to take one if you don’t feel like you need to.
Also if you do end up using a pre workout supplement, especially one with stimulants. It’s a good idea to take a break for a few weeks to give your body a break from the bombardment of constant stimulants.
Do You Need To Take Protein Powders
Just like pre workout. And contrary to what the health and fitness industry might tell you. There is no need to take protein powders or protein supplements if you can get all the protein your body needs through your regular diet.
But if you are worried about your protein intake and don’t get enough protein through regular whole foods. Then it might be a good choice to supplement your diet with protein powders.
This is especially true if you have certain fitness goals like muscle growth, putting on muscle mass, etc.

What Is the Best Time to Take A Pre Workout Or Protein Shake?
Let’s talk about timing.
The best time to take pre workout is going to be before your workout duh! All jokes aside the best time would be 20-30 before your workout starts.
Protein can be taken as you would any other meal. 2-3 hours before or 2-3 hours after your workout would be ideal for taking your protein powder.
What Are The Benefits Of Pre Workout Vs Protein Powder?
So we’ve covered the difference between a pre workout and protein powder. Now let’s discuss their benefits and how they can help you with your fitness goals.

Benefits Of Taking Pre Workout
Depending if you taking stimulant-free pre-workouts or not. Then one of the main benefits would be the increased energy the caffeine provides.
Some pre workouts on the market help give you a better pump and endurance in the gym.
This can lead to pushing harder in the gym and gives people a little boost in performance.
Benefits Of Taking Whey Protein
Protein powders and a protein shake help give your body amino acids and essential amino acids for muscle growth, retention, and recovery.
You should aim to get most of your protein intake from real food. But as I’ve mentioned before. If it is hard for you to get your source of protein from food alone.
Then drinking a protein shake or buying some protein powders can definitely help. Especially if you are on high protein diets for muscle gain or trying to promote muscle gain.
Protein powder is also good if you are on a cut and looking to preserve as much muscle mass as much as you can.

Common Questions About Pre Workouts And Protein Powders
Below are some of the most common questions I see being asked on the forums and fitness communities.
Can You Mix Pre Workout And Protein Powder?
Now, I would mix the two into one drink and drink it at once. But yes you can mix pre workout and protein powder at separate times throughout the day. You’d want to drink your pre workout 20-30 mins before working out.
And you can drink your protein powder whenever you get hungry, or 2-3 hours before or after your workouts.

Why And When To Take Pre Workouts
You should take pre workouts if you want a little boost in energy, endurance, and performance in the gym.
Make sure you find out which pre workout is right for you. If you are sensitive to caffeine then I’d suggest getting one that is stimulant-free, but if you like your stimulants then go for one that has them in there.
The important thing to take note of is. If you are taking pre workouts with stimulants in them. Then be sure to take a tolerance break every few weeks to give your body a break from them.
Also, you should aim to drink your pre workout 20-30 minutes before your actual workout.
Does Pre Workout Contain Protein Powder?
No pre workouts do not contain any protein powder in them.
Some Final Thoughts On Pre Workout Vs Protein Powder
Thank you for reading this article.
Now you should have a better understanding of protein powder and pre workouts.
You should also know what the benefits are between the two. Why you should take them and when you should take them.
Now go out there, and crush those goals!
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