Find out if this pre-workout lives up to the hype in our 4 Gauge review
Introducing 4 Gauge
We’ve heard a lot of talk about 4 Gauge across several social media channels and within fitness circles. To see if it lives up to the positive hype, we’ve given it a thorough review.
It certainly stands out compared to other pre-workouts. The packaging is designed in the shape of a shotgun shell, which is aligned with its claims of providing an explosive workout. Clearly, it’s not been specifically created for women, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t deliver for females.
When reviewing a pre-workout for women, we’re on the lookout for something that’s going to be appropriate for the female physiology. Specifically, we know women are particularly sensitive to caffeine, so some of the insanely dosed products out there just aren’t good enough. They claim to be ‘powerful’ but in reality, all you can expect is a headache and shaky hands.
We’ll keep all of this in mind as we perform the review.
After initial research, we were impressed. This formula is not only reasonably dosed when it comes to stimulants, but also appears to provide a smart approach to pre-workout supplementation.
The people behind this product claim it will provide an explosive workout. According to them, this means pushing harder in the gym, more focus and increased endurance.
In modern supplementation, this is exactly what we’re looking for from a pre-workout. Gone are the days of simply filling a stack with caffeine and slapping a brand sticker on it. However, to determine whether 4 Gauge fits the bill, we need to perform an in-depth review.
As we review 4 Gauge, we’ll explore the supplement facts in depth. We’ll compare all the ingredient choices to cutting-edge scientific research to ensure it’s effective, and well dosed.
We also look to ensure that the formula is completely transparent and made up of entirely natural ingredients. Anything less could lead to unwanted side effects. With that in mind, all proprietary blends are a red flag to us and a black mark for safety.
After we’ve looked into the formula profile, we want to know what other people are saying, and whether they’ve seen the desired results from 4 Gauge. To do this, we scour the internet for testimonials and honest personal reviews from real users. By exploring a larger pool of consumers, it gives us a better and more rounded idea of how the supplement works in action.
From there, we can establish just how effective 4 Gauge is and give a clear explanation of the benefits you can expect from this supplement.
To gather a final idea of whether it’s worth buying, we need to compare the effectiveness of the product directly to the price. This helps us confirm whether it’s worth the money they’re asking for it and determine the value of the 4 Gauge.
For example, something that’s ineffective and expensive is not good value. A product that’s very effective, at the same price is much better value.
Here at SpotMeGirl.com, we have years of experience in reviewing pre-workout supplements. As such, we’ve got a very good idea of what we want to see from 4 Gauge and what will just give you nasty side effects.
This is what we found in our 4 Gauge review.
What are the benefits of taking 4 Gauge?
We found the main benefit of 4 Gauge is that it helps you to perform a bigger, better workout. Rather than just creating a stimulant heavy formula that boosts energy levels, it does this by utilizing a number of other natural supplements that support the overall aim of a bigger workout.
Increases energy levels
The formula contains reasonable, yet effective levels of caffeine, designed to help raise both physical and mental energy. This is essential for a bigger workout as you’ll feel more energized to complete more reps.
Boosts endurance
There are several ingredients in this formula that can help to delay your point of muscle exhaustion. This is key, as if you don’t feel as tired, you can add a few extra reps to your workout. This, in turn, can lead to increased gains and more rewards from your session.
Bigger muscle pumps
Heightened muscle pumps not only make you look and feel more toned, but they also provide better levels of endurance too, which can add reps to your workout.
Heightened mood and focus
Several of the ingredients within this mix contain nootropic properties that improve both mood and your ability to focus. This is key, as the difference between an amazing workout and missing a session can come down to mood. With 4 Gauge, you should feel more motivated and driven to hit the gym and finish a set.
Enhanced power output
Within this formula, creatine plays an essential role in increasing power output for a more explosive overall workout. This supplement is huge when it comes to increasing physical performance during a session and has been proven countless times to increase the power of a workout. While it won’t make you stronger, you should be able to pull in more reps at a heavy weight.
at 4gauge.com
Is 4 Gauge safe?
We’ve carefully reviewed the ingredients within this supplement and we’ve found it to be one of the safest available.
We know this because the entire formula is completely natural, well-researched and free from proprietary blends.
There is caffeine within the mix, however, it’s at a reasonable 150mg, which is less than half of what many over-dosed pre-workout supplements contain. After research, we found this to be a sensible amount that isn’t likely to result in any unwanted side effects.
However, if you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, we recommend you reduce your intake throughout the rest of the day and drink plenty of water. You should also avoid taking 4 Gauge too close to bedtime, as the caffeine could interrupt your sleep. We suggest leaving at least 5 hours between taking it getting your Z’s in.
If there is any chance you could be pregnant, don’t take supplements containing caffeine and consult your physician before you buy a product.
4 Gauge ingredients
4 Gauge contains just eight completely natural ingredients, that all work together harmoniously to bring you a bigger, better workout.
We like that there are fewer ingredients in this mix, as it indicates it’s well-dosed instead of overfilled. This also means each element is given a chance to shine at optimal dosage.
To help you fully understand how this pre-workout achieves its high-quality performance, we’ve rounded up the key players here.
Caffeine
This powerhouse stimulant is one of the most commonly used and effective of its kind. When correctly dosed it can energize you both physically and mentally.
It’s been shown to encourage your body to burn fat over glycogen [1], so you’re better equipped to deal with a longer session. It can also increase your muscle endurance and strength too, for a much bigger workout [2]. This means, with caffeine in your system, science has shown you can exert greater force, more effectively.
On top of that, it’s been shown to increase your ability to focus and boost motivation during a workout.
L-Theanine
Found in tea leaves, l-theanine has been shown to alter your brain waves [3], to create a calm, yet alert state of mind. This is widely used with athletes, to help them stay motivated and energized for a workout, without giving a jittery crash.
But, after much research, we’ve found that l-theanine really comes into its own when combined with caffeine. We’re happy to see it paired with the stimulant in this mix.
Often dubbed ‘smart-caffeine’, science shows it gives you longer lasting energy[4]. It also combines the relaxation that l-theanine provides with the energizing effects of caffeine, for a clean, smooth lift.
Creatine
This is one of the most highly-researched supplements on the market, and one of the most exciting in a pre-workout.
Within your body, it increases muscle pumps, reduces fatigue and even enhances cognitive function. If you already supplement your diet with creatine, you’ll feel more powerful in a workout, as your body is creating energy more efficiently.
However, the manufacturers say they’ve included this ingredient with the main aim of aiding your ability to concentrate based on research linking the supplement to improved cognitive function [5]. With this supplement in the 4 Gauge pre-workout mix, you could feel both the physical power and laser-sharp mental benefits of creatine.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate
We’re very familiar with this ingredient as one of nature’s most powerful vasodilators. In physical terms, that means it will raise the amount of nitric oxide in your system. This causes the veins within your body to expand slightly, so more blood can flow through your muscles.
This has the effect of making your muscles feel bigger – often called muscle pumps.
Although this won’t make you any stronger, scientific research has shown it can give you more endurance for a longer, more powerful workout.
In 4 Gauge, we found a rare optimal dose of 6000mg. This is the recommended amount found to reap the most rewards in the scientific research we’re referring to [6]. We say ‘rare’ because l-citrulline dl-malate is often very under-dosed in pre-workouts, so we’re happy to see such a generous measure in 4 Gauge.
Red Beet
Complementing the l-citrulline dl-malate is Red Beet. Extracted from beetroot, we found this supplement can also contribute to the nitric oxide levels in your body.
It gives you an additional boost, so your body has everything it needs to create the ideal muscle pumps. From there, you’ll find it benefits your workouts in the same way as citrulline malate.
Your point of fatigue will be delayed, and you’ll find you may be able to fit in an extra few reps or work harder overall. Although it won’t improve your strength, your power output should be increased.
| Ingredients | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| L-Citrulline Dl-Malate | 6000mg |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 1000mg |
| Acetyl L-Carnitine | 500mg |
| Red Beet | 300mg |
| Coconut Water Powder | 300mg |
| L-Theanine | 200mg |
| Caffeine Anhydrous | 150mg |
| Rhodiola Rosea Powder | 100mg |
How to take 4 Gauge?
As always, we recommend you follow the instructions of the manufacturer when it comes to taking 4 Gauge. This is both to ensure effectiveness and to avoid any possible side effects from the stimulants in the mix.
The recommended way to take 4 Gauge is two-level scoops mixed into 10-12 fl. oz of water or juice (300-350ml). You should aim to drink this 20-30 minutes before you begin your gym session.
If you take the supplement and you feel you need more of a lift, you can add a third or fourth scoop of the pre-workout to your glass.
We’re comfortable recommending this for two reasons. The first is, the lower amount of caffeine within this mix allows you to test your tolerance and find the right amount for you. The second reason is the manufacturer also recommends experimenting a little to find the right portion.
We just suggest you keep your overall caffeine intake into account whenever you take a supplement that contains a stimulant. It’s also a good idea to leave at least 5 hours between taking the pre-workout and going to sleep, even longer if you decide to take a larger dose. Otherwise, it could impact your ability to sleep.
How much is 4 Gauge?
A single container of 4 Gauge provides 20 two-scoop servings of all-natural pre-workout.
One bottle costs: US $45/UK £25
You can only buy the product from the creators on their website, so the price remains the same. However, if you find that 4 Gauge really works for you, you may find their multi-buy option useful. When you buy three containers of 4 Gauge pre-workout, you get a fourth for free.
The verdict
After performing a 4 Gauge review, we found it to be one of the most intelligent and effective pre-workouts on the market. Not only that, but it’s entirely appropriate for women too.
It far surpasses other pre-workouts we’ve found, as it does far more than just pump you full of stimulants. 4 Gauge combines a number of potent, completely natural supplements to bring you an energy lift, boost your power output and helps you to achieve a longer, bigger workout.
On top of that, it’s an excellent pre-workout for women. It uses a controlled measure of caffeine, that’s enough to have a powerful effect, without leaving you with jitters and a headache-inducing crash.
Every ingredient in this mix is potent and well dosed. After our review, we can confidently say 4 Gauge should give you some of the best workout boosting benefits you can expect from this type of supplement.
The only issue we could find with 4 Gauge is that the price is quite high compared to other supplements. It also might not have the most servings per container as other options. However, when it comes down to value, we think it’s still worth buying this pre-workout.
Our 4 Gauge review has very clearly demonstrated this is one of the best products available, so we think its worth is well aligned with the price tag. Even if it is a little more expensive.
Our final takeaway with 4 Gauge is that it’s the best supplement we’ve seen in this category. In short, you can rely on this pre-workout to deliver second-to-none results.
Pros
- Boosts energy safely
- Increases both endurance and power output
- Unlikely to give you side effects or crashes
- Reduces recovery times
- Delays fatigue
- Will give you a bigger workout
- Good value
Cons
- Higher cost than other pre-workouts
Total score
10/10
at 4gauge.com
*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
References
- Keijzers, GB et al. Caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity in humans. Diabetes Care. 2002; 25(2): 364-9
- Warren GL1, Park ND, Maresca RD, McKibans KI, Millard-Stafford ML. Effect of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and endurance: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Jul;42(7):1375-87. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181cabbd8
- D. White, S. de Klerk, W.Woods, S. Gondalia, C. Noonan, A.Scholey Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an l-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial Nutrients 2016
- Haskell CF, et al The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol Psychol. (2008)
- Caroline Rae, Alison L Digney, Sally R McEwan, and Timothy C Bates. Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Proc Biol Sci. 2003 Oct 22; 270(1529): 2147–2150.
- Sureda A, et al. L-citrulline-malate influence over branched-chain amino acid utilization during exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. (2010)
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