CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Review 2024
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Competitive athletes and gym goers are always searching for the best dietary supplement on the market to boost their performance inside and outside the gym. Among the wide variety of nutritional supplements available, pre-workout serves as an extremely popular addition to one’s pre-gym routine. Formulated with a blend of science-backed ingredients, pre-workout may enhance exercise performance and increase energy, stamina and alertness in the gym.
Chris Bumstead, four-time Mr. Olympia, commonly nicknamed CBUM, meticulously formulated a pre-training formula with the company Raw Nutrition to enhance energy, power and strength. CBUM Thavage pre-workout claims to be an all-in-one training formula engineered to unlock a new level of performance from improved strength, increased energy and boosted endurance.
In this CBUM Thavage pre-workout review, I dive deeper into the science behind the product formula, explore its potential performance benefits and discuss important considerations before purchasing. Let’s get started.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout At A Glance
- Serving size: 1 scoop (12.95 grams)
- Caffeine content: 130 mg per serving
- Calories per serving: 5 kcal per serving
- Servings per container: 40 servings per container
- Cost per serving: $1.25 per serving
- Flavors: 4 Peat, Dragon Fruit, Peach Bum, Green Crush, Blackberry Lemonade, Rocket Candy
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Pros
- Six flavor varieties available
- Made in the U.S. without any artificial ingredients or GMOs
- 15-day refund and return policy
- Delivered in sealed and temperature-optimized packaging for quality control
- Some third-party testing completed for product quality
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Cons
- More expensive than similar competitor products
- No Informed Sport certification
- Formula lacks creatine monohydrate
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Ingredients
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CBUM Thavage pre-workout contains 15 active ingredients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and sodium and potassium from pink himalayan salt. Below, I explore the six different ingredients that I believe to have the most vital role in enhancing exercise performance among users. In no particular order, these ingredients are caffeine anhydrous, L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, L-tyrosine, alpha GPC and huperzine.
Caffeine anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is one of the most common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements. It's intended use is to provide users with an energy boost prior to exercising. Past research shows how caffeine can act as an ergogenic aid among fit populations by helping to stimulate the nervous system and enhance alertness, focus and exercise performance.
One scoop of Thavage contains 130 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, with two scoops containing 260 grams. Two scoops may be utilized by some individuals for an extra energy boost; however, it's extremely important for most individuals to stay below 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for safe caffeine use. The "more is better" philosophy should not be applied to the use of caffeine, as high amounts of caffeine may result in unfavorable side effects, including nausea, anxiety, accelerated heart rate and insomnia.
L-citrulline
L-citrulline is a non-essential, non-protein amino acid that increases blood arginine levels and nitric oxide synthesis. In other words, L-citrulline may improve vascular function through increased blood flow and circulation. Previous research has also shown that L-citrulline supplementation may improve muscular endurance and decrease muscle fatigue during training. Raw Nutrition claims CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout can unlock “undaunted endurance” and “legendary strength,” making L-citrulline a key addition to this pre-training formula.
It's also important to note that L-citrulline may cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea and sweating; thus, it's recommended to start supplementation with a small dose to see how your body reacts.
Betaine anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous can help reduce homocysteine levels and convert it into methionine: an essential amino acid which needs to be consumed in food to help build proteins. The brand website suggests that betaine may improve muscle strength and power production. Current evidence suggests that the supplementation of betaine may enhance body composition and adaptation to training; however, there is no clear evidence confirming a significant impact on strength and exercise performance. More research is needed to determine the potential performance benefits of betaine supplementation.
Additionally, based on past research, safe betaine consumption ranges from nine to 15 grams per day, indicating a safe betaine dose in one to two servings of CBUM Thavage Pre Workout. With that being said, there is a lack of evidence regarding the long-term safety for its continued betaine use. It's always best practice to consult with a medical provider prior to consumption.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be made by the body and does not need to be consumed from dietary sources. Past research shows how tyrosine serves as a precursor to dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are known for their ability to help produce alertness, increase energy and improve focus. Another study also showed that supplementing with L-tyrosine one hour before exercise increased exercise capacity in the heat among trained individuals. While previous studies look promising, further research is needed to investigate any causal relationships between L-tyrosine supplementation and improved significant health or exercise capacity.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is an active ingredient derived from a traditional Chinese herb used to combat inflammation, cognitive dysfunction and a variety of cognitive disorders. CBUM Thavage claims Huperzine A can enhance mental focus and energy due to its ability to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, learning, attention, arousal and involuntary muscle movement.
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC, or alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, raises levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that's key for memory, learning and muscle contraction. The brand website claims that Alpha GPC supports the integrity of cellular membranes, yet notes that it's still being studied for its performance-enhancing properties among athletic populations.
A more recent study found that supplementation of Alpha-GPC did not significantly impact measures of mood, cognitive function or physiological performance, likely due to large individual variability among research subjects. With that being said, further research should be employed to explore potential benefits of Alpha GPC.
Related Post: 9 Common Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredients and What They Do
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 0 | <1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin B6 | Vitamin B12 | Sodium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
125 milligrams | 5 milligrams | 50 micrograms | 100 milligrams | 112.5 milligrams |
The nutrition facts listed above are for one serving (a 13.4-gram scoop) of the “4 Peat” flavor. Vitamin and mineral amounts differ slightly among flavor varieties.
Most gym-goers use pre-workout or other caffeinated beverages as their sole energy source prior to exercise. While that may work for some, I want to express the importance of utilizing nutrition, in terms of macronutrients, as your principal fuel source to support exercise. Carbohydrates are classified as the primary macronutrient for sustaining and improving exercise performance, as carbohydrates can be broken down rapidly to provide quick energy during periods of high-intensity exercise. CBUM Thavage is low calorie pre-workout, containing less than one gram of carbohydrate; thus, I recommend adding a carbohydrate-rich snack into your pre-gym ritual to increase energy and optimize exercise performance.
Related Post: The Best Pre-Workout Snacks to Fuel Your Fitness Goals
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Flavors
CBUM Thavage Pre-workout has six flavors: Dragon Fruit, Peach Bum, Green Crush, Blackberry Lemonade, Rocket Candy and 4 Peat. Many pre-workout competitors have fewer flavor options, making CBUM Thavage Pre-workout stand out. While flavor favorites vary among customers, CBUM Thavage’s flavor profile provides more variety for consumers to determine their flavor preferences. While some flavors take after what they are named, others are not as straightforward. For example, the flavor 4 Peat takes after the candy Swedish Fish. The flavor Green Crush is a blend between cucumber and lime, and the flavor “Rocket Candy” takes after the candy Smarties.
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout Cost
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout is only available for a one-time purchase cost of $49.99 per 40-serving container. One single-scoop serving of CBUM Thavage costs about $1.25. However, some consumers take two scoops as one serving for an enhanced flavor profile and energy boost, costing about $2.50 per serving. To save 10% on your purchase, you can subscribe and spend $44.99 per product for delivery every four weeks.
In comparison to competitors on the market, CBUM Thavage pricing is premier. The cost of this product may be worthwhile for consumers who strongly believe CBUM Thavage has made a positive impact on their exercise performance and/or recovery, while some may benefit from a similar product at a fraction of the cost.
What Customers Are Saying About CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout
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At the time of writing this article, CBUM Thavage pre-workout has 4.9/5 stars from 953 reviews on the Raw Nutrition website and 4.6/5 stars from 818 ratings on Amazon.
Common positive comments from reviewers reference taste, mixability and consistency. Raw Nutrition reviewer Clayton H. says that Thavage is his favorite pre-workout and his favorite tasting beverage. To optimize the taste and flavor, Raw Nutrition reviewer Jordan G. recommends mixing the powder with less water. In addition to tasting great, Raw Nutrition Reviewer Ricardo P. believes the energy and results he gets from CBUM Thavage are incomparable to other pre-training formulas on the market. And Raw Nutrition reviewer Brooke J. says CBUM Thavage contains the perfect amount of caffeine to get her through her lifts.
After reviewing the negative product reviews across platforms, both poor taste and high cost were the two major areas of concerns that I noticed. In regards to taste, many users recommended taking two scoops of CBUM Thavage Pre-workout as a serving instead of one scoop alone for a better taste and energy boost. While doubling up and taking two scoops at once is safe, this will increase the cost per serving, making CBUM Thavage an even pricier option in comparison to competitors.
In terms of cost, CBUM Thavage is more expensive than many competitor products. Raw Nutrition reviewer John L. believes there are much better products on the market for a better value. With that being said, many consumers will pay extra for products they believe in.
Overall, the positive reviews of CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout outweigh the negative reviews. Both supplement use and preference are very individualized, so it can be trial and error to find which pre-training product that works best for you.
CBUM Thavage vs. Swolverine Pre-Workout
Similar to Raw Nutrition, Swolverine is another supplement company striving to improve athletic performance through scientifically proven ingredients. One of the biggest differences between brands is that the Swolverine Pre pre-workout is stimulant-free, meaning it has no caffeine content. While no caffeine content can be beneficial for improving sleep quality, especially if you're an afternoon or evening gym goer, a stimulant-free pre-workout will likely not provide the same performance outcomes during your workout compared to a caffeinated pre-workout. Despite the difference in caffeine content, both brands contain performance-enhancing ingredients including beta alanine, citrulline malate, L-carnitine, betaine anhydrous and taurine. Similar to CBUM Thavage, Swolverine pre-workout also has no creatine within their pre-training formula.
Swolverine has only two flavor options: Mango Lemonade and Strawberry Dragonfruit, whereas CBUM Thavage offers more variety with their six flavors. As for price, Swolverine costs $2.12 per serving, whereas CBUM Thavage costs $1.25 per serving. While CBUM Thavage may be cheaper per serving, a lot of consumers prefer two scoops, which increases the cost to $2.50 per serving. Overall, both Swolverine and CBUM Thavage are highly respected, well-researched brands which can in turn call for premier pricing.
CBUM Thavage vs. C4 Pre-Workout
Cellucer, also known as C4, is one of the most popular and well-known supplement companies, and has been on the market for over 15 years. While C4 as a brand has multiple different pre-workout formulations, the original C4 pre-workout contains 150 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is slightly higher caffeine content than a serving of CBUM Thavage. C4 also contains 1,000 milligrams of creatine nitrate for extra performance benefits, while CBUM Thavage is missing creatine in their formation. On the other hand, CBUM Thavage contains other potentially performance-enhancing ingredients that C4 is missing, such as betaine anhydrous, L-tyrosine, Alpha GPC and L-theanine.
In comparison to CBUM Thavage, C4 has a larger flavor profile consisting of nine different options including Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon, Grape, Watermelon, Frozen Bombsicle, Icy Blue Razz, Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Margarita. The C4 original pre-workout costs about $1.00 per serving, making it a more cost-effective option when compared to CBUM Thavage. Lastly, there is also a C4 Sport option available, which is NSF certified for sport, meaning it's third-party tested for product safety and purity and approved for collegiate and professional athletes.
CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout FAQs
How many scoops of CBUM Thavage should I take?
To experience the claimed performance benefits, the brand website recommends Thavage users take one scoop of the pre-workout (and up to two scoops) depending on their workout goals. One scoop of Thavage contains 130 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous. Two scoops may be utilized by some individuals for an extra energy boost.
How much protein is in CBUM Thavage?
CBUM Thavage does not contain any dietary protein, which is common among pre-workout varieties. Dietary protein is more likely to be found in a post-training formula to enhance muscle recovery after exercise.
Does CBUM Thavage have creatine?
While some pre-workout supplements contain creatine, CBUM Thavage does not. Creatine is one of the most well-studied and effective nutritional supplements for increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass during training, making it a beneficial ingredient to add to workout supplememt. Since CBUM Thavage doesn't contain creatine, you'll need to supplement with creatine on the side.
Related Post: Creatine vs Pre-Workout: Which One Should You Take?
Does pre-workout cut fat?
No one supplement or dietary product can directly cut fat. Past research displays how body fat loss is commonly attributed to achieving a calorie deficit. Some pre-workout users believe it can help them burn more calories due to the increased energy they get when taking; the best pre-workout for weight loss is one that helps you perform better in the gym and pursue a healthier lifestyle. I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for specific weight loss advice.
Is CBUM Thavage a good pre-workout?
Based on many 5/5-star customer reviews, CBUM Thavage is a popular and well-respected pre-workout supplement among most consumers. With that being said, there are many other pre-workout options available that offer similar ingredients and benefits at a similar or lower price. If you're searching for a more affordable and natural energy boost, you may enjoy other caffeine sources, like coffee or tea, instead of a pre-workout supplement.
Related Post: Coffee vs. Pre-Workout: Which Is Better For Your Gains?
Who created CBUM Thavage?
Raw Nutrition in partnership with Chris Bumstead. Bumstead is a strong influence within the bodybuilding and strength-training communities due to his accomplishments and past experiences as an IFBB professional bodybuilder. His collaboration with the supplement company Raw Nutrition to create CBUM Thavage pre-workout was an exciting launch for most avid bodybuilders and strength-based athletes, as he is highly respected and talented within the fitness space.
Raw Nutrition strives to create the best fuel for peak training and performance, and Chris Bumstead is a great representation of the company’s goal and mission.
Takeaway: Is CBUM Thavage a Good Pre-Workout?
CBUM Thavage contains science-backed ingredients that have been shown to enhance exercise performance by increasing energy, focus, alertness and blood flow. I primarily recommend supplements that are third-party tested for sport through reputable organizations like NSF and Informed Choice to guarantee product purity and safety and ensure the product solely contains the ingredients that are displayed on the product label. CBUM Thavage is third-party tested for potency, but it's not Informed Sport certified, so professional athletes should be cautious and choose another product. For regular gym-goers and others looking to maximize gains during workouts, it's a good product to try.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
