Pre vs Post-Workout Supplements: What You Actually Need
You’ve seen the shelves — pre-workout, post-workout, intra-workout. It’s a lot. And if you’re new to training (or just looking to optimise), you might be wondering: What do I actually need?
Let’s simplify it.
At Club Bunker, we’ve built stacks for thousands of lifters and athletes. Here's how we break it down.
What Pre-Workout Supplements Are For
Pre-workouts are designed to help you:
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Train harder
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Increase focus and energy
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Delay fatigue
The right pre-workout supplement can mean the difference between dragging through a session or dominating it.
Best For:
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Early morning or low-energy workouts
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High-intensity or performance-focused sessions
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Anyone needing a mental/physical boost
Typical Ingredients:
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Caffeine, Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, L-Tyrosine
What Post-Workout Supplements Are For
Post-workout supplements are all about recovery. They help:
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Repair muscle damage
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Replenish energy stores
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Reduce soreness and inflammation
Your go-to stack should include:
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Protein Powder for muscle repair
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Creatine for strength and recovery
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Hydration for electrolytes
Best For:
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All training types
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Especially strength, hypertrophy, or high-volume work
Should You Take Both?
In most cases — yes.
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Take a pre-workout 15–30 mins before training.
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Take your post-workout stack immediately after or within 1 hour.
This gives you the full cycle: power in, recovery out.
What If You’re on a Budget?
If you’re starting out, focus on post-workout first. Recovery is what drives results.
Your baseline stack:
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Creatine (preferably monohydrate)
Add a pre-workout later if needed.
Final Thoughts
Pre-workouts help you train harder. Post-workouts help you come back stronger.
If you can afford both, use both — just be smart about timing and ingredients.
Want the essentials? Start with our Recovery Bundle and add your favourite pre.
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