My Experience Taking Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout (2024 Review)

January 1, 2024

It's rare to find a pre-workout dosed effectively to enhance performance. Most rely on caffeine, which is the main driver for seeing results. However, Transparent Labs has gone a step further and dosed each ingredient to what is used within the research.

Here’s how it stacks up.

Pros

  • One of the largest serving sizes to accommodate the doses needed for each ingredient to work.
  • A blend of performance and nootropic ingredients for physical and mental benefits.
  • Multiple flavors to suit any taste.
  • Banned substance tested so you won’t pop positive during a random drug test.
  • Subscription option to reduce the price.

Cons

  • The price reflects the quality and is a more expensive pre-workout.
  • Some nootropic ingredients are underdosed.

Quality

Flavor

Mixability

Cost

Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout Review

Who Are Transparent Labs

Transparent Labs is a company specializing in sports nutrition supplements. They offer a range of products, including pre-workout formulas, muscle-building and recovery supplements, protein powders, and health and wellness products.

Their offerings are noted for being formulated based on scientific evidence and free from artificial sweeteners or coloring.

They focus on using natural and grass-fed ingredients and ensure their products are third-party lab-tested for quality assurance.

Transparent Labs Bulk vs Bulk Black

Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout Ingredients

Ingredient

Dose

Citrulline Malate 2:1

8000 mg

Beta-Alanine

4000 mg

Betaine Anhydrous

2500 mg

Taurine

1300 mg

L-Tyrosine

1000 mg

Alpha-GPC

300 mg

Organic Caffeine

200 mg

L-Theanine

200 mg

Theobromine

50 mg

Panax Ginseng

50 mg

Bioperine

5 mg

Boron

3000 mcg

Citrulline Malate 2:1 (8000 mg)

Most pre-workout supplements include 3-6 g of L-Citrulline or less. Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout contains 8 g of L-Citrulline, which is enough to provide immediate benefits in lifting performance [1]. So, how exactly does L-Citrulline work?

If you recall, the aim of the NO Explode pre-workout was to enhance nitric oxide in the body, thereby improving muscular endurance, fatigue resistance, and post-exercise recovery by dilation of blood vessels to increase blood flow [1].

Furthermore, nitric oxide may minimize the need for oxygen and ATP during exercise while boosting the aerobic powerhouse's ability to make ATP.

NO Explode, attempted to boost nitric oxide production by employing L-Arginine as the main ingredient, which is turned into nitric oxide.

However, due to limited absorption in the stomach, the evidence does not support the idea that L-Arginine boosts nitric oxide activity.

Nitric Oxide

This is why L-Citrulline is such an effective supplement ingredient.

L-Citrulline is a precursor to L-Arginine and overcomes the kidney absorption problem by converting it to L-Arginine.

This increases L-Arginine concentration, which converts to nitric oxide and provides the above benefits.

You may ask why the ingredients list Citrulline Malate 2:1 rather than L-Citrulline.

Interestingly, malate works synergistically with citrulline and may boost ATP generation, decreasing lactic acid and extending tiredness. It is ideal for individuals aiming to increase their reps in the gym.

Taking 8 g of Citrulline Malate 60 minutes before exercise increases repetitions to failure in both the upper and lower body, lowers muscle soreness 24 and 48 hours later, and enhances maximal grip strength [1].

For those interested in endurance, taking 6g of Citrulline Malate daily for seven days accelerates the time to fatigue during moderate-intensity cycling [2].

Doses as low as 2.4g per day for seven days enhanced time to completion and power output when cycling 4km.

Furthermore, compared to a placebo, symptoms of muscle weariness improved following exercise [3].

If you want to increase the 8 g dose further, pair your Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout with fresh watermelon or juice. Watermelon, it turns out, is a natural source of L-Citrulline, containing 0.7 to 3.6 mg per gram of fresh weight.

Beta-Alanine (4000 mg)

Beta-alanine, which is dosed at 4 g per serving, is the next active component.

Acute performance effects are evident at doses of 30 mg per kilogram of body weight 60 minutes before exercise, making this Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout ideal for most people, as you'd have to weigh more than 130 kg to not fit this dose.

Beta-alanine increases the time you can exercise at high intensity for 1-4 minutes [4][5].

For example, if you were running an 800m race, you would be able to maintain a higher intensity for the whole race, therefore enhancing your 800m performance.

How does it accomplish this? Carnosine levels are increased by beta-alanine. Carnosine either buffers or eliminates hydrogen ions that build in the muscle as a result of high-intensity exercise.

The hydrogen ions in the muscle create an acidic environment. An acidic muscular environment produces tiredness because it impairs the muscle's capacity to contract.

By buffering or eliminating these hydrogen ions, the pH of the muscle remains neutral for a longer period, extending the duration of fatigue.

When combined, Citrulline Malate and Beta-Alanine will help you perform many more reps in the gym, resulting in increased muscle growth.

A recent systematic study of beta-alanine supplementation in combat sports found that athletes improved their strength, power, total work capacity, perception of recovery from physical effort, lean mass, and fat mass [6].To see endurance increases, aim for 179 g over 3 - 10 weeks [7].

Betaine Anhydrous (2500 mg)

Betaine is the third active ingredient in Transparent Labs Bulk. In a fasted state, taking two doses of betaine per day of 1.25 g (2.5 g total) with a sports drink enhanced the number of reps achieved on the bench press by 6.5% while reducing the increase in lactate (and hence hydrogen ions) [8].

The same amount may lower AMPK pathway involvement after exercise, boosting the anabolic (muscle growth) environment [9].

With endurance exercise, the AMPK pathway is activated. It suppresses the mTOR pathway, which is responsible for muscular growth.

By decreasing the involvement of the AMPK pathway, the mTOR pathway can be engaged for longer periods, potentially leading to greater muscle growth.

Taurine (1300 mg)

Taurine is caffeine’s best friend. The higher the taurine intake, the less caffeine is required for performance benefits, and larger taurine doses mean greater performance [10].

Further, a single dose between 1-6 g before exercise can improve endurance performance regardless of the dose size [11].

L-Tyrosine (1000 mg)

As supplement companies want to acquire a competitive advantage, nootropic ingredients have gradually made their way into pre-workout formulations.

Brain supplements are what nootropics are. Improving your cognitive function is sometimes referred to as enhancing your mental performance. This is probably why Transparent Labs included L-Tyrosine.

L-tyrosine, a dietary amino acid, has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain.

L-tyrosine supplementation has been proven in studies to improve cognitive regulation, particularly in mentally demanding settings [12].

It is especially helpful in improving cognitive flexibility, which is impacted by dopamine.

While L-Tyrosine's promise for treating clinical problems and improving physical activity is limited, it is useful in stressful or cognitively taxing situations.

It has the most significant cognitive benefits when neurotransmitter activity is intact, but dopamine and norepinephrine levels are momentarily decreased [13].

According to research, optimal doses for cognitive improvement begin at a minimum of 2 grams.

Unfortunately, Bulk only contains 1 g per serving, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Alpha GPC (300 mg)

The choline-containing phospholipid alpha GPC enhances cognitive performance in neurological disorders such as dementia [14].

According to research, it improves memory and concentration and may benefit brain health.

Clinical investigations have shown that it can enhance cognitive performance, particularly when taken with other therapies such as donepezil [15].

It's generally safe and well-tolerated. The amino acid alpha GPC raises acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is necessary for memory and learning [16].

It's utilized as both a medication and a dietary supplement. Alpha GPC improves cognitive function, notably in adult-onset dementia illnesses [17].

However, 200 mg of Alpha GPC may enhance vertical jump performance similar to caffeine [18].

Organic Caffeine (200 mg)

Caffeine is an effective substance that increases power and sprint performance by 6.5% and the number of reps accomplished when lifting by 9.4% [19].

However, it enhances endurance performance by 2.22% in time trial performance and 2.9% in power output compared to a placebo [20].

Caffeine doses range from 3-6 mg per kilogram of body weight, with all doses within this range improving performance.

However, some individuals respond well to lower doses of caffeine <3 mg/kg body mass (approximately 200 mg), which Transparent Labs Bulk contains [21][22].

L-Theanine (200 mg)

L-Theanine has a reputation for improving mental health, with research showing that daily doses of 200-400 mg can combat stress and anxiety [23][24].

The caffeine L-theanine stack benefits both physical and cognitive function.

Some advantages include faster reaction time, faster visual processing speed, better working memory, increased awareness, and less tiredness and mental fatigue [25][26].

The studies employ a 2:1 L-theanine to caffeine ratio. Transparent Labs Bulk has a 1:1 ratio. In my experience, using every ratio imaginable works just as well.

Theobromine (50 mg)

Theobromine is a cocoa component that has been researched for its potential cognitive effects.

According to research, theobromine may have a less rapid nootropic impact than coffee, but it may have neuroprotective advantages with long-term intake, potentially lowering Alzheimer's disease-related pathology [27].

More research is needed to properly understand its impact on cognition.

Furthermore, theobromine appears to have distinct effects on mood and vigilance compared to caffeine, with some research showing that it may not substantially affect these features in nutritionally relevant amounts [28].

However, mixing theobromine with coffee may alter its effects, potentially providing cognitive and mood benefits without significantly increasing blood pressure [29].

More research is needed to substantiate the cognitive and mood-related effects of theobromine.

Transparent Labs Bulk contains 50 mg of theobromine. However, doses of more than 400 mg are required to improve cognition.

Panax Ginseng (50 mg)

Panax ginseng is available in two varieties: white ginseng and red ginseng. It has vasorelaxant and moderately hypotensive effects on nitric oxide generation in the body [30].

It increases antioxidant enzyme activity and may prevent oxidative damage associated with aging in rats [31].

Ginseng has shown promise in boosting memory, particularly in age-related cognitive decline, as well as in improving mental and physical resilience, reducing fatigue, and assisting the body in adapting to stress [32].

Daily doses of 200 mg extract or 0.5 to 2 g dry root are recommended. It is not suggested for persons with acute asthma or hypertension because it may cause overstimulation and elevate blood pressure in excessive dosages.

Transparent Labs Bulk has a 50 mg dose, which may not provide these mental performance benefits.

Bioperine (5 mg)

BioPerine is a patented and trademarked substance claimed to improve the absorption of nutrients [33]. It’s debatable whether there’s much of an effect.

Boron (3000 mcg)

Boron, a trace element not yet considered essential for humans, has been shown to influence brain function and cognitive ability.

According to research, inadequate boron consumption might result in decreased brain electrical activity, which is commonly found in general malnutrition or heavy metal poisoning [34].

Low boron levels are also linked to poor performance in activities requiring manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, attention, perception, and memory [35].

The research defines a high boron intake as 3.25 mg boron/2000 kcal/day, which Transparent Labs is well under.

These findings indicate that boron may be important for brain health and cognitive ability.

Transparent Labs Bulk Price

Transparent Labs Bulk vs Lean

Transparent Labs Bulk is a premium pre-workout, and the price reflects that. A one-off purchase is $49.99, equating to $1.67 per serving. On subscription, you save $5, including free shipping, bringing the price per serving down to $1.50.

Transparent Labs Features

Taste And Mixability

You have the option of 12 flavors. I tried the peach mango flavor, and as with all Transparent Labs products, the flavors are unique and strong.

For example, most supplement companies have a blue raspberry-flavored product and will use a stock flavor.

Transparent Lab's flavors taste slightly different, possibly due to custom flavor development. Regarding mixability, it mixes well with no lumps, like most modern pre-workouts being shaken in a shaker bottle.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing serves two purposes:

  1. Tested for contaminants and heavy metals harmful to your health.
  2. Tested for banned substances so you don’t pop positive in a random drug test.

You want to know about testing for contaminants in an industry not regulated by the FDA, especially since only 8% of supplements on Amazon are tested [36].

For competitive athletes, you must look for the informed sport tick, which Transparent Labs Bulk has, which means it's free from banned substances.

What’s The Difference Between Bulk And Bulk Black?

The only difference between Bulk and Bulk Black is Bulk Black has 300 mg of caffeine compared to 200 mg in Bulk. All other ingredients are the same with the same dose.

Transparent Labs Bulk vs. Lean

Transparent Labs Lean has a smaller dose of the same ingredients as Bulk (with some removed) and the addition of L-carnitine, choline bitartrate, and Huperzine A. Lean also has 20 mg less caffeine than Bulk.

Transparent Labs Lean was designed for fat loss. However, the added ingredients are speculative at best for boosting fat loss.

Who Is Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout For?

Transparent Labs Bulk

Athletes Seeking Enhanced Performance

Bulk Pre-Workout is ideal for athletes who aim to improve their strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance.

Because it is banned substance tested, you don’t need to worry about positive drug tests from contaminated supplements.

Individuals Focusing on Muscle Building

Those looking to build muscle mass may benefit from this pre-workout, as it's formulated to enhance performance in the gym.

Caffeine is the most ergogenic aid in performance, and coupled with L-theanine, you get a smooth balance of energy.

Fitness Enthusiasts Needing Extra Energy

It's suitable for fitness enthusiasts who need an extra energy boost for their workouts, helping to increase focus and drive during exercise sessions.

My Experience With Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs Pre Workout

This pre-workout slaps. 

The 200 mg of caffeine in conjunction with the pump ingredients keeps you going through intense workouts. I felt super human going through my typical training session after taking Transparent Labs Bulk.

I will say, if you're someone who doesn't enjoy beta-alanine tingles, you will not like this pre-workout.

To my knowledge, this is the highest single dose of beta-alanine in a pre-workout at 4 g.

It will knock your proverbial balls off with how intense those tingles are. Hence why smaller doses of beta-alanine spread throughout the day is typically better.

However, many people equate the tingles to the pre-workout "working" so if you like that, you'll love this.

User Reviews & Testimonials

Transparent Labs Bulk has over 4300 reviews with a total 4.7/5 star rating. Here’s some of their raving reviews:

“My solid GO-TO for preworkout. The right mix of everything you need.” - Miles H

"Great clean energy. The only pre-workout I would trust to use every time now. Powder stays dry and loose even after a month of use." - Bryant T.

Most of the 1-star reviews revolve around shipping and customer service issues. However, here's a sample about the pre-workout:

I've had some bad pre-workouts before, but the watermelon flavor I received is terrible. It is barely drinkable but I tolerate it because I hate wasting money. I don't know if I got a bad one because the reviews are mostly positive? The formula isn't bad but the flavor makes it that much worse. - Nile

Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout Alternatives

Got to this point and not sold on Transparent Labs Bulk? Here’s some similar alternatives that we love.

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

The primary appeal of Crazy Nutrition's Intensive Pre-Train lies in its well-dosed ingredients, setting it apart from many other pre-workouts that either underdose or hide doses in proprietary blends.

The key components include Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Caffeine, and Ashwagandha, all dosed in effective amounts according to scientific research.

The flavors are pleasantly balanced between sweet and sour, and the mixability is excellent even without a blender. The price is reasonable, especially with a subscription, and the product has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks including limited flavor options and the number of servings per container, which may not be sufficient for those who train more than five times a week.

You can read my in-depth breakdown in my Crazy Nutrition Pre-Workout review.

Shifted Maximum Pre-Workout

Shifted Maximum Formula Pre Workout

Shifted is a new supplement company founded in 2022 and led by Dr. Adam Gonzalez, a Ph.D. holder in Exercise Physiology, which aims to create superior fitness supplements.

Their pre-workout stands out with a 30 g serving size, allowing for the inclusion of numerous performance-enhancing ingredients in effective doses, along with additional speculative ingredients that may boost performance without side effects.

Shifted Maximum Pre-Workout includes a significant caffeine dose of 300 mg for mental and physical stimulation.

If you're caffeine-sensitive, this is not for you. It also contains many of the same ingredients as Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout.

Despite its benefits, Shifted Maximum Pre-Workout is more expensive than other pre-workouts, justified by the comprehensive and high-quality ingredient list.

Shifted Maximum Pre-Workout is an effective and scientifically backed product, distinct in its comprehensive approach to ingredient selection and dosing, offering significant benefits for enhancing workout performance.

You can read my in-depth breakdown in my Shifted Maximum Pre-Workout review.

Frequently Asked Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout Questions

Is Transparent Labs Legit?

Transparent Labs is legit and has a range of supplements, all informed sport tested for banned substances. Their supplements are dosed effectively to provide performance-enhancing benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Transparent Labs Bulk

The large serving size of Transparent Labs Bulk pre-workout allows for efficacious dosing of their effective ingredients.

Further, there are no proprietary blends or random fillers. Lastly, all their supplements are banned substance tested.

Is Transparent Labs Bulk Or Bulk Black Better?

Since they have the same ingredients, it depends on your caffeine tolerance. Transparent Labs Bulk Black is better if you need a higher caffeine dose of 300 mg. Transparent Labs Bulk is better if you need a smaller 200 mg dose.

Summary

Transparent Labs Bulk is one of the best-dosed pre-workouts available. The price and serving size reflect that as a premium pre-workout. If you're serious about training, try this before your next workout.

Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout Review

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About the Author

I am a professional strength & conditioning coach that works with professional and international teams and athletes. I am a published scientific researcher and have completed my Masters in Sport & Exercise Science. I've combined my knowledge of research and experience to bring you the most practical bites to be applied to your training.

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