Redcon1 Total War pre-workout was my first and I believe the first for many others in the fitness community. I found it to be much better than other pre-workouts on the market that most beginners in the gym would use. Granted, not much research was done when I bought Total War, but enough people said it was good enough to try and it became the first pre-workout I bought and I have zero regrets.
You are getting ready to read my full review of the Total War pre-workout. From the taste to the ingredients and overall effectiveness, my goal is to cover everything there is to Total War. You deserve to be informed about what you are putting in your body.
My Opinion on the Total War Pre-Workout Powder
With Redcon1 Total War being my first ever pre-workout when I started my fitness journey, there is a lot I remember. The only thing that I ever drank that gave me energy was a cup of drip coffee with half and half in the morning. I had never had an energy drink prior to having pre-workout and all I knew was coffee. I did light research and knew what pre-workout to not buy once I learned about proprietary blends.
My first taste…
Being new to preworkout flavors, I got the tiger’s blood flavor thinking it was blood orange, and found out quickly they are not the same. I very much dislike tiger’s blood. So, my opinion on taste cannot be trusted as much as everything else I will provide you but I will say the flavor was not pure and the taste of the supplements within the pre-workout powder were there.
My Experience Using Total War Pre-Workout
My experience with Total War from Redcon1 was great. They describe this product as “the ultimate preworkout supplement that packs a powerful combination of endurance, pump, energy, and focus factors” and this is true. Total War is a complete pre-workout with everything that you would need.
During my workout, I noticed a long-lasting energy power that kept me going and sustained me even when I would normally tire out. I got a great pump that made me feel twice as big with the enhanced blood flow. I had laser focus from the focus factors in the preworkout. I’m guilty of sometimes being on my phone for too long in between sets and Total War kept me wanting more sets and reps. Through the workout, I thought I had increased strength due to better muscular endurance from the beta-alanine.
Having a complete preworkout supplement complimented my training very well. It is like running with shoes on. Sure, you can run without the shoes but they sure do enhance performance.
My Rating: 7/10
Total War is a good pre-workout. It is reliable, but there are some things that I am not the biggest fan of. I took some points off for flavor and high caffeine content. I have tasted pre-workouts with solid flavors that you can enjoy at any time and Total War is not one of them.
For a pre-workout built for daily use, I find the caffeine content to be too high since I also consume caffeine in my morning coffee.
If you are someone who does not mind the high caffeine content or has a strong tolerance, Total War is a great product and arguably a great first pre-workout as well. If you are someone with a low -caffeine tolerance, maybe a low-stim or stim-free pre-workout will be good for you.
Fully Transparent Label: Preworkout Formula
When you take a look at the clinically researched ingredients that are in Total War, all of this makes sense. From the first ingredient to the last Total War delivers on what they promise.
You will know why you notice intense energy, enhanced blood flow, mental clarity, and muscular endurance. Knowing this information will help you know what preworkouts are good or bad. This will make you smarter and perform better than your average gym goer.
Full Label Transparency
Ingredients | Amount |
Calcium | 30mg |
Sodium | 25mg |
Potassium | 260mg |
L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1 | 6g |
Beta-Alanine | 3.2g |
Agmatine Sulfate | 1g |
Taurine | 1g |
Caffeine Anhydrous | 250mg |
Juniper (Juniperus communis) (berry) Extract | 150mg |
Di-Caffeine Malate | 100mg |
Theobromine | 50mg |
Green Tea (leaf) Extract (providing 98% polyphenols, 45% EGCG) | 45mg |
Naringin (Citrus grandis) (fruit) | 25mg |
BioPerine® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract) | 10mg |
What Does This Do For Me?
We will go through each of the pre workout supplements starting with L-Citrulline and work our way down the list.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1
This compound combines L-Citrulline, an amino acid, with malate, from apple acid. L-Citrulline turns into L-arginine in the body, boosting nitric oxide levels, which increases blood flow and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise. This helps improve endurance, reduces fatigue, and allows for longer workouts. Citrulline malate also decreases muscle soreness after exercise, leading to quicker recovery and more consistent training.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that boosts athletic performance. It combines with histidine to form carnosine, which helps reduce muscle acid during intense exercise. This prevents fatigue, allowing for longer and stronger workouts. A side effect of the beta-alanine is itchiness.
Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine, made from arginine, boosts nitric oxide to increase blood flow and vascularity during exercise, enhancing nutrient delivery to muscles. It may reduce fatigue, allow longer workouts, and help with recovery by easing muscle soreness, making training more efficient.
Taurine
Taurine helps regulate calcium in cells, crucial for muscle contractions. It boosts muscle function, reduces fatigue, and improves exercise endurance. Taurine also supports heart health by maintaining blood flow and reducing oxidative stress. Its antioxidant effects aid in post-exercise muscle recovery, replenishing energy and reducing soreness.
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is a dried form of caffeine that boosts energy and alertness by blocking brain receptors that make you feel tired. It’s popular in pre-workout supplements to increase energy, focus, and performance during workouts. It also triggers adrenaline release, which can boost metabolism and help burn fat. This makes it easier to push harder and train longer before getting tired.
Juniper
Juniper berry extract is derived from the berries of the Juniperus communis plant and has several benefits when included in a pre-workout supplement. Juniper berry extract can boost endurance and improve circulation. It acts as a diuretic, helping reduce water retention for better muscle definition. Its antioxidants fight free radicals, possibly lowering oxidative stress during workouts. It also aids digestion for better nutrient absorption, crucial for energy and performance. Basically, it supports endurance and recovery for a more effective workout.
Di-Caffeine Malate
Di-Caffeine Malate combines caffeine and malic acid to boost energy and endurance. This is a slower-release caffeine that helps keep that intense energy without the crash, which helps athletes maintain energy during workouts. The malic acid improves endurance and reduces fatigue. This is a slower release of caffeine which helps keep that intense energy without the crash.
Theobromine
Theobromine acts like caffeine, boosting alertness and mood. It improves blood flow by widening blood vessels and enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. As a diuretic, it reduces fluid retention, leading to better muscle definition. It may also benefit heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.
Green Tea
Green tea extract is known for its powerful antioxidants, mainly due to polyphenols like EGCG. These help fight oxidative stress, protecting cells and supporting health. In a pre-workout supplement, green tea extract boosts fat burning, which helps improve body composition during exercise. The caffeine and EGCG combination also increases energy and focus, enhancing workout effectiveness. It may also improve endurance and reduce fatigue, aiding in recovery.
Naringin
Naringin, a flavonoid in grapefruits, benefits workouts by boosting nutrient absorption and supporting heart health. It enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and aids in metabolism and fat burning. Its antioxidants help with muscle recovery.
BioPerine®
BioPerine is a patented form of black pepper extract that enhances the absorption of nutrients, making supplements more effective. It helps improve endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise. Another side effect of this black pepper extract is an uncomfortable stomach.
What You Need To Know About Total War Pre-Workout
There are a couple of basic things that you should know before you decide to buy Total War and we are about to lay them all out to you from the best flavors, side effects, and things to look out for.
Price
Total War pre-workout is currently priced at $42.99 with 30 servings at 15 grams each. This is $1.43 per scoop before tax. Prices may vary.
You can find Total War on the Redcon1 website and in stores like Walmart, Vitamin Shoppe, and GNC.
This is a High-Stimulant Pre-Workout!
Total War is considered to be a high-stimulant pre-workout with 320mg of caffeine. The recommended dose of caffeine a day is up to 400mg of caffeine. Taking 320mg of caffeine is like drinking a little over 3 cups of coffee at once. If you have a low caffeine tolerance, I suggest looking at some low-stim pre-workouts or taking half a scoop of Total War.
Side Effects of Total War
Here are the few side effects you may experience when taking this pre-workout:
- Caffeine can cause an increased heart rate (tachycardia), anxiety, restlessness, and jitteriness. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress, including nausea or upset stomach, especially when caffeine is taken on an empty stomach. This can also disrupt sleeping patterns when consumed late in the day
- Beta-alanine can cause paraesthesia, a tingling or prickling sensation commonly felt in the face, neck, and hands. This sensation typically occurs at higher doses and is harmless, subsiding shortly after consumption.
Total War Pre-Workout Flavors
There are over 20 different flavors that you can choose from. We figured out what some of the more popular flavors are so you can make an easier decision.
- Strawberry Kiwi
- Blue Raspberry
- Green Apple
- Rainbow Candy
- Sour Gummy Bear
- Tigers Blood
- Vice City
- Blue Lemonade
How to Take Total War Pre-Workout
The best way to take Total War is to mix one full scoop into 4 to 6 ounces of water and drink 30 mins before your workout. I highly advise you to not dry scoop your pre-workout as that will ruin your teeth and you will not receive all that this complete pre-workout has to offer.
It is recommended that you first take a half scoop to assess your tolerance to caffeine.
Frequently Asked Total War Pre-Workout Review Questions
Is Total War a good workout?
Total War is a good workout supplement. It has been tested and proven to be a reliable pre-workout that will help you get through any workout.
What is total war pre-workout good for?
Total War is good for having increased energy, blood flow, focus, and endurance during your workouts. This is a supplement you will take before your workout that will enhance your performance in the gym.
Does Total War pre-workout give you a good pump?
Yes, Total War will give you a good pump. With L-Citrulline and other ingredients that increase blood flow through the body, you will experience improved vascularity and tight skin.
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