Obsidian Journal

Beginner’s Guide to Pre-, Intra-, and Post-Workout Supplements

Whether you’re just getting started with fitness or you’ve been training for years and never fully explored the supplement world, this guide is your go-to resource for understanding how to structure your supplementation around your workout window. The difference between decent results and breakthrough progress often comes down to what (and when) you fuel your body with.

At ObsidianFit™, we don’t just create supplements—we teach you how to use them strategically.

This beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know about pre-, intra-, and post-workout supplements, including what they do, why they matter, and how our ObsidianFit™ lineup fits seamlessly into your training lifestyle—especially if you're pushing limits at gyms like Flex Gym in Woodland Hills or training to elevate your athletic edge.

Let’s dive into the science, timing, and smart usage behind every phase of your workout.


🕒 Section 1: Why Workout Timing Matters

Most people think nutrition only matters after the workout—or maybe before. But the workout window actually includes three distinct phases:

  • Before (Pre) — Preparation

  • During (Intra) — Support

  • After (Post) — Recovery

These three stages are when your body is most responsive to nutrients. What you take during these periods can directly affect your energy levels, performance, fatigue, recovery, and muscle development.

Getting the right nutrients at the right time maximizes results. Let’s break down each stage and how to fuel it.


⚡ PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS

🧠 What Is a Pre-Workout?

A pre-workout is a supplement you take before training to enhance energy, focus, endurance, blood flow, and strength. Most contain ingredients like caffeine, nitric oxide boosters, beta-alanine, and amino acids designed to help you push harder.

But not all pre-workouts are created equal.

Many commercial options are overloaded with stimulants or underdosed in the ingredients that actually make a difference. At ObsidianFit™, we take a science-first approach that fuels your workout without the crash.


💥 ObsidianFit™ Highlight: MuscleMorph™ Pre-Workout

Key Benefits:

  • Citrulline Malate for intense muscle pumps and vasodilation

  • L-Arginine to increase nitric oxide levels and improve oxygen delivery

  • Beta-Alanine to delay fatigue and help you push through longer sets

  • Alpha Yohimbine for energy, fat oxidation, and sharper focus

When to Take It:
20–30 minutes before training.

How It Feels:
You'll experience a noticeable pump, a clean burst of focus, and elevated endurance—without the overstimulated feeling many other pre’s deliver.


🚫 Common Mistakes:

  • Taking too close to training (or way too early)

  • Doubling up on caffeine from other sources

  • Using pre-workout without a consistent training schedule


💧 INTRA-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS

🏋️♂️ What Is an Intra-Workout?

An intra-workout is a supplement you sip during your workout. It helps:

  • Sustain hydration

  • Reduce muscle breakdown

  • Improve endurance

  • Support muscular energy systems

This phase is especially critical during high-intensity or extended training sessions like weightlifting, circuit training, CrossFit, or two-a-days.


🔷 ObsidianFit™ Highlight: AminoPro™ Elite

What’s Inside:

  • Full-spectrum EAAs + BCAAs to prevent muscle catabolism

  • Electrolytes for hydration and muscle function

  • Coconut water powder for clean, natural energy

  • L-Taurine for endurance and nervous system support

When to Take It:
Start sipping during your warm-up and continue throughout your session.

How It Feels:
You’ll notice less fatigue, better stamina, and reduced soreness post-workout. You may even feel fuller muscle bellies due to enhanced hydration and cellular volume.


💡 Pro Tip:

You don’t have to go “beast mode” to use an intra. Even moderate training benefits from the right recovery support during the workout.


🔁 POST-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS

🛠️ Why Post-Workout Matters

You’ve pushed your limits. Your muscles are broken down. Your energy reserves are tapped. Now, your body is in prime rebuilding mode.

Your post-workout supplement plays a critical role in:

  • Replenishing glycogen stores

  • Triggering protein synthesis

  • Reducing cortisol

  • Enhancing recovery

  • Promoting muscle growth


🔬 ObsidianFit™ Highlight: MuscleMorph™ Post-Recovery

What Sets It Apart:

  • Creatine Monohydrate to boost muscle strength and recovery

  • L-Leucine to stimulate protein synthesis

  • Ashwagandha Extract to manage post-workout stress and support hormonal balance

  • EAA matrix to feed your body exactly what it needs for growth

When to Take It:
Within 30 minutes of finishing your workout.

How It Feels:
Less soreness, better sleep, improved strength in future workouts, and better overall body composition with consistent use.


🍽️ Bonus: Stack Post-Workout With Real Food

While MuscleMorph™ Post is highly effective on its own, pairing it with a high-quality post-workout meal (like lean protein + fast-digesting carbs) amplifies its effectiveness.


🧠 Smart Supplement Timing Cheat Sheet:

Phase Product When to Take Why It Matters
Pre MuscleMorph™ Pre 20–30 mins before Energy, pump, focus
Intra AminoPro™ Elite During workout Hydration, endurance, muscle protection
Post MuscleMorph™ Post-Recovery 0–30 mins after Recovery, growth, soreness reduction

🔄 How to Stack It All Together (Beginner Routine)

If you’re new to supplements and want a simple, effective stack:

  1. Before training:
    1 scoop MuscleMorph™ Pre-Workout

  2. During training:
    1 scoop AminoPro™ Elite, sipped throughout

  3. After training:
    1 scoop MuscleMorph™ Post-Recovery
    Follow with a meal 30–60 minutes later

Consistency is key. Use this system 4–5x/week, aligned with your training schedule.


🙋♂️ Who Should Be Using These Products?

  • Beginners trying to recover faster and stay motivated

  • Busy professionals who train in the morning or after long work hours

  • Athletes looking to maximize every rep and set

  • Anyone experiencing soreness, fatigue, or plateaued results


⚠️ What to Avoid as a Beginner

  • Relying solely on supplements without proper nutrition and training

  • Overdosing on pre-workout or mixing stimulants from multiple products

  • Skipping post-workout recovery (it's the most important window!)


💬 Final Thoughts: Supplements Are Tools, Not Magic

At ObsidianFit™, we believe supplements are meant to support—not replace—training, sleep, hydration, and nutrition. But when used strategically, they can help accelerate your results, shorten recovery time, and keep you mentally dialed in.

The most successful athletes — whether they train at Flex Gym or in their garage — aren’t just consistent with their workouts. They’re consistent with their recovery.


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💥 Don’t just train harder. Train smarter — and recover stronger.

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