4 Gauge Pre Workout Supplement
4 Gauge includes ingredients you don’t often find in pre-workout supplements, but they make a big difference.
Each container is in the shape of a large shotgun shell, making it difficult to miss in the cupboard. Of course it’s only packaging, but it does make it easier to slip into your gym bag when you’re on the go.
Pre-workouts are my favourite group of bodybuilding supplements to review because they have more immediate effects than most others.
In my hectic (and often exhausting) life, I really love it when a supplement does its job properly, has a noticeable and beneficial effect.
Sometimes you feel good enough to workout without a pre.
Sometimes, you need 2 scoops of that stuff to scrape you off the floor and put you in the zone.
For me, anyway, it’s more often the latter (especially since my daughter came along, and that was 3 years ago!).
I often put 2 weeks into a pre-workout review – using it every time I hit the weights – and come away with solid first-hand experience.
I can dissect a product label, explain the ingredients, dosages and ergogenic effects better than anyone I know, but there’s no substitute for using it ‘in the field’ so to speak.
How to Order 4 Gauge
- 4 Gauge is available in all countries and most popular in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia.
- Buy 3 get 1 FREE special offers now on
- Orders can be made in US$, CAD$, AUD$, € and £
- Free shipping to the USA and UK
Click here to visit official 4 Gauge website and view current special offers
TLDR on 4 Gauge
So, if you want the TLDR (Quick comment) on 4 Gauge – it’s excellent.
The combination of energy boosters, nootropics, hydrating electrolytes and muscle pump ingredients is stellar. Scientifically backed, effective dosages.
The taste isn’t too shabby either for a pre that doesn’t contain anything artificial.
If you want to know how I got there, then continue reading for the full review. I’ll break down the formula, talk about the ingredients and answer some FAQs, such as:
- Who should use 4 Gauge?
- Can men and women use it? (that’s a yes btw)
- What results can I expect using 4 Gauge?
- Does it contain any banned substances?
- When should I take it?
- Does 4 Gauge cause any negative side effects?
Stay with me here, there’s some interesting inclusions in 4 Gauge.
“Load Up Your Guns”.
4 Gauge – Who Should Use it?
It’s a pre-workout powder drink supplement formulated for lifters, bodybuilders, gym rats, HIIT lovers, cross-fitters and basically anyone else that needs to put the pedal to the metal in a physical training capacity.
Both women and men can use 4 Gauge
I’d recommend that people on the lighter side of 175 lbs begin with a half dose before ramping up to full scoops and double scoops. The same goes for anyone who’s unused to pre-workout supplements in general.
4 Gauge contains several bioactive ingredients that have been shown to have physical and mental performance enhancing effects.
You would use it if you are looking for:
- increased strength and power
- improved stamina and endurance
- greatly enhanced muscle pumps, blood flow. vascularity and volume
- improved fat burning rates
- smooth stimulation without the crash
- sustained energy over 60 to 90 minutes
- enhanced cognitive process, focus and positivity
- improved hydration
Right. That’s the ‘why use it’ bit down.
Next, let’s have a look at how it works.
4 Gauge Preworkout – How Does It Work?
The 4 Gauge formula works by triggering and interacting with many of the biochemical pathways known to be involved with physical and mental performance.
They include:
- Nitric Oxide production and retention – for muscle pumps, blood flow etc.
- ATP synthesis for increasing muscle contraction force and overall power
- Fat Transportation into mitochondria for increasing energy, rate of fat burning and sparing glycogen for more intense activity
- Noradrenaline production for CNS (central nervous system) stimulation
- Alpha Wave production in brain (positive and calming without sedation)
- General Cognitive Function for improved focus and reduced fatigue
If that doesn’t make much sense then stick with me as I briefly explain how each of the ingredients work and what they can do for you when the clock strikes gym hour.
4 Gauge – What Are The Ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in 4 Gauge, with a little potassium, sodium and calcium on top to beef out the electrolyte content.
A full 2-scoop serving is less than 20 calories.
The formula is as follows:
- L-Citrulline Di-Malate
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Acetyl-l-Carnitine HCl
- Red Beet Root extract
- Coconut Water Powder
- L-Theanine
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Rhodiola Rosea extract
Here I’ll briefly take you through each one to explain their purpose in a pre-workout formula.
Caffeine [150mg] and L-Theanine [200mg] – Stacked Combination
I wanted to talk about these two ingredients together because they are a different beast when combined, compared to when they are supplemented individually.
To me, it shows that ROAR Ambition know what they are doing.
Caffeine is a stimulant, a fact of which I am sure you are aware.
L-Theanine is a nootropic compound known for its positive effect on mood. It is best described as a calming or relaxing agent without a sedative effect.
Combined with stimulants like caffeine it can reduce their spiky edge while actually IMPROVING their benefits to cognitive function and performance.
Together with the Rhodiola Rosea which is also in the formula, 4 Gauge really helps you get in the zone for your workout.
For me, it’s such an important and often overlooked aspect in this supplement category.
Here’re some scientific study references if you want more details about the benefits of theanine:
Rhodiola Rosea – 100mg
What can I say about this herb! – If you’ve used it on it’s own then you’re probably already a fan.
It’s an adaptogen.
Adaptogens are great for reducing stress, anxiety and fatigue in both a physical and mental capacity.
Rhodiola’s outstanding benefit is the reduction of fatigue and is most useful when taken before a stressful task. Lifting weights and performing intense exercise definitely qualify.
This is one of my favourite supplement ingredients and it’s one of the few that have a noticeably positive effect on my training, mental sharpness and mood over the course of the day.
L-Citrulline Di-Malate – 6000mg
Citrulline Malate is one of the most popular pre-workout supplements, partly due to its beneficial effect on nitric oxide (NO) levels.
Nitric Oxide is the compound responsible for the muscle pump when you lift weights – otherwise known as getting ‘swole’.
The amino acid citrulline is converted to arginine in your kidneys, which then goes on to increase NO production.
Nitric Oxide induces an effect known as vasodilation. This is where your blood vessels dilate, allowing more oxygen rich blood to be transported to the muscles.
The mechanical action of performing repetitions with weights pumps this blood into the muscle tissue, which becomes engorged. Hence, the resultant pump.
You might be wondering, well why not just take arginine?
And that’s exactly what has been done up until recent years. However, arginine is broken down very quickly after being ingested and not much makes it to your bloodstream.
So, as odd as it seems, taking oral L-Citrulline is much better at increased blood arginine levels than oral l-arginine is.
Citrulline may reduce fatigue and improve post-workout recovery. Again, this is mainly linked to blood flow enhancement and the flushing of exercise induced acidosis.
Several studies have shown Citrulline Malate to be useful in athletic performance and resistance training:
Citrulline Malate is actually citrulline bonded to malic acid. Malic acid can have its own beneficial effects.
Scientific studies tell us that malic acid can help transport energy substrates into your muscle cells, thereby improving exercise performance.
Acetyl-LCarnitine HCl – ALCAR – 500mg
ALCAR and straight l-carnitine have been researched extensively but it wasn’t until a study in 2011 that we figured out how to use it properly and get consistent benefits.
L-Carnitine shuttles fat into cells so that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) can be synthesized. ATP is the principal energy currency of the human body.
During low intensity and high intensity exercise we use varying proportions of different fuel sources, mainly fat and sugar (carbohydrates), to form ATP.
When l-carnitine is taken up by our muscles, we can reserve more of the sugar for more intense exercise and continue fat burning for longer.
This has the effect of reducing body fat more efficiently and increasing our exercise output due to the glycogen sparing benefit.
Acetyl-l-Carnitine is taken up by your muscles more readily than straight l-carnitine, which is why it has been included in 4 Gauge.
A follow-up study in 2013 supported the 2011 study and delved even further.
The scientists showed that l-carnitine can enrich certain genetic pathways involved with fatty acid metabolism and insulin signalling.
In BOTH studies, athletes in the L-Carnitine groups did not put weight one despite being in an implied calorie surplus, whereas the control groups did.
This tells us that the supplement increased overall energy expenditure and fat burning during the months of research.
Again, ALCAR is a more bioavailable form of l-carnitine. This means that smaller doses of ALCAR are as effective as larger doses of l-carnitine.
Beet Root Extract – 300mg
Beet Root is an extremely rich source of natural nitrates.
High nitrate levels in the blood during exercise helps increase blood flow to the muscles in a similar way to blood arginine levels.
Nitrates also reduce the oxygen cost of exercise, meaning you can be more efficient in the gym.
Interpreted another way, you will feel less fatigued at the same exercise intensity after consuming beet extract as you would without it.
Basically your cardio vascular response to resistance exercise should improve. This has the benefit of lower fatigue, yes, but also faster recover time post-workout. And in between sets.
Creatine Monohydrate – 1000mg
I am the biggest proponent of creatine monohydrate. It’s one of those supplements that I tell people are a must. An absolute must.
No other form of creatine is better or more advanced.
Creatine adds to your reserves of creatine phosphate (phosphocreatine) which can resupply the ATP cycle and keep your energy and strength levels topped up.
As an ingredient, it’s been proven a thousand times over.
The creatine dose in 4 Gauge is low though. It’s the only negative point I have to make about the product.
It’s not the first or last time you will see a single gram of creatine monohydrate in a pre-workout supplement.
Your body will use it, of course, so it’s far from a waste of space. In my opinion, you should also take another 4 to 6 grams of creatine monohydrate per day (any time as it accumulates).
Coconut Water Powder – 300mg
Coconut water contains several key electrolytes and micronutrients that we lose when sweating it out in the gym.
The current body of research is a confusing mix of positive and null results.
Personally, I sweat a lot in the gym and find coconut water and other natural electrolyte sources to help.
The main thing I notice is a more sustained feeling of physical capability. That is, I don’t feel as washed out or tight and cramped in my muscles when I take coconut water.
4 Gauge contains a powdered dose of 300mg which has the same effect for me as drinking a separate coconut water product prior to hitting the weights.
You might not enjoy drinking straight coconut water – I don’t – but it’s hidden in the 4 Gauge fruit blast flavour anyway.
4 Gauge – Pros and Cons
If the rest of this article sounds like a lot of blah, then this section is one you should really pay attention to.
Pros
- Contains Scientifically Proven Ingredients
- Men and Women can use it
- Effective Dosages
- Solid Muscle Pumps
- Enhanced Performance
- Extended Stamina
- Improved Focus and Drive
- Improved Hydration
- Faster Recovery
- Can be taken alongside a fat burner as caffeine dose is measured accordingly
- Worldwide Delivery (with Free UK and US shipping)
- Free Tub (shotgun shell) of 4 Gauge with some purchases
- PayPal, Amazon Pay and all major credit cards accepted
Cons
- Creatine dose is low
- Bit pricey for single units (but there are good deals with free bottles on other purchases)
Discussion
In the first sentence of this article I wrote of unique ingredients that don’t often make an appearance in pre-workouts.
Rhodiola, theanine, ALCAR, coconut water powder and red beet extract are those ingredients.
Some companies are catching on to the benefits of these compounds but finding them all in one pre workout supplement puts 4 Gauge ahead of the competition, in my opinion.
The caffeine-theanine combination is a real winner.
Manufacturers are starting to add more and more caffeine to their supplements in an attempt to mask the rest of their useless formulas with the stimulant buzz.
Roar Ambition have put a modest amount of caffeine in 4 Gauge but then made it so much more useful by stacking l-theanine on top.
This not only improves the formula as a pre-workout drink but allows you to use other caffeine sources (such as a fat burner) in the same day without getting the jitters.
The nootropic/cognitive element of this blend is as strong as its physical performance enhancement. Another reason it’s arguably the top pre-workout on the list.
Always look for ingredients that will help your mental game as well as your physical one.
4 Gauge – Are There Any Negative Side Effects?
There should be no negative side effects from using this product. Unless you have some peculiar allergy to one of the ingredients, there’s no need for concern.
Even people who are usually very sensitive to stimulants will enjoy using 4 Gauge due to the way caffeine has been combined with Theanine and Rhodiola.
That said, those who like using strong stimulants are sure to appreciate the sensation they get when it’s done properly, as it is here.
As with any pre-workout, I always recommend taking a half serving on the first day just to be cautious, especially if you are taking anything else in the day (such as a fat burner).
It’s always good practice to see how you feel with a smaller dose to begin with. You are an individual and I can only talk in general terms.
4 Gauge – Customer Feedback
Roar Ambition have certainly nailed the packaging and theme of 4 Gauge. The shotgun shells are cool.
Cool packaging doesn’t get the job done in the gym though.
Thankfully, it excels as a pre-workout supplement as well. That’s my experience with it.
Here are some typical comments from around the world, from customers who have also bought and used it.
“The first thing you notice using 4gauge is a feeling of total positivity almost like a calmness but with a lot of energy ready to go. It’s like being fully dialled in to what you’re doing in the gym if that makes sense.” – Scott, US
“[the thing] I love about 4 Gauge is that I get a clean surge of energy with a feeling of improved strength and focus too,” – Ricarda, Germany
“4 Gauge blew me away, I felt so energized and powerful but not shaky and itchy, it made me go a few extra sets that’s for sure.” – Michelle, UK
“In the short time I’ve been using 4 Gauge I can see gains in muscle density and increased bench weight and reps.” – Ricky, US
…there are lot’s more where they came from. It’s difficult to find anyone that dislikes 4 Gauge or that didn’t get the results they wanted.
Closing Comments on 4 Gauge
I’m sure you’ve realized by now, this is a go-to pre-workout supplement for me, and it’s definitely one of the best available today.
There is a distinct lack of BS in the marketing and formula. There’re no recently discovered hard-to-pronounce ingredients that don’t actually do anything for you.
There are unusual ingredients in 4 Gauge, at least in the context of other run-of-the-mill pre workout supplements.
Those ingredients are what gives it the edge over the competition though.
It’s the feeling of being in the zone while having explosive power at your fingertips that you have to experience for yourself.
If you’re looking for a solid energy boost, massive muscle pumps and a mental game like no other, then this is the pre-workout for you.
4 Gauge – Where to Buy and Shipping
The official website is the only place to purchase.
Roar Ambition sell directly to the customer in this way to cut out the middle man costs of selling third party or in stores. That’s cost that would ordinarily be put onto the customer.
Shipping is worldwide and is free to the US and UK with certain purchases.
There is NO auto billing scheme either. You purchase what you want, when you want, and that’s all you’ll be charged for.
4 Gauge Buying Info
The “Ultimate Ammo Crate” contains 4 shells (tubs) of 4 Gauge for the price of 3.
4 Gauge is available in all countries and most popular in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia.
Orders can be made in US$, CAD$, AUD$, € and £
Click here to visit official 4 Gauge website and view current special offers