C4 Original Pre-Workout

C4 Original is one of the best-selling pre-workouts in the US and the first pre-workout many gym-goers encounter. The formula is simple and stimulant-forward: 200mg caffeine, 2g beta-alanine (below the 3.2-6g used in studies), and creatine nitrate (1g — a form that's more soluble than monohydrate but at a dose below what's effective for strength). At 200mg, one serving sits at the single-dose level EFSA considers safe for healthy adults, so skip the extra coffee. The issue is that C4's beta-alanine and creatine doses are too low to produce the performance effects those ingredients are studied for — it's primarily a caffeine supplement with sensory enhancement from the tingling. Good for: your first pre-workout, pre-workout before moderate sessions, or when you want a moderate stimulant without complexity. Not good for: expecting beta-alanine or creatine benefits.

▶ Video review

#1 Reason NOT To Buy Cellucor C4 Original (Review)