Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Review 2024

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If you're struggling to wake up in the morning or stayed up late the night before, pre-workouts can provide a helpful, stimulating boost for your training day. Over the past few years, they have become popular supplements for boosting stamina, muscular endurance and alertness. It depends, however, on the type, quality and ingredients of the pre-workout.

A lot of attention is being paid to Gorilla Mode, a stimulating pre-workout. I've recently been incorporating this potent pre-workout into my various exercise routines while also researching how the formula works to help create a proper first-hand and in-depth review of the product.

I find pre-workout supplements to be a tool best used intentionally rather than consistently. In addition, I strongly believe anyone considering taking a pre-workout should spend time researching the ingredients before taking it, since not all pre-workouts are created equal and can affect different individuals. All that being said, here is my review of the Gorilla Mode pre-workout. I break down the supplement's composition, hype, how to use it and my own experience incorporating this stimulating pre-workout into my training.

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.

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout At a Glance

• Potent dose of stimulating caffeine and n-phenethyl dimethylamine citrate delivered in every serving
• Formulated with creatine monohydrate and L-citrulline to combat muscle fatigue
• Uses ingredients known to bolster cognitive function and focus, such as L-tyrosine, kanna and Huperzine A
• The brand offers third-party testing results for each of the ingredients used in its pre-workout

Pros

• Delivers a potent supply of energy-boosting ingredients including caffeine, creatine monohydrate and L-citrulline
• Available in a wide variety of flavors
• May help with cognitive function and alertness when training by using some potentially brain-boosting ingredients, such as kanna and L-tyrosine
• Great for those who want a stimulating and effective pre-workout without using beta-alanine

Cons

• More expensive than competing pre-workouts
• Claims of superior potency on the brand's Amazon page generally come from two scoops despite defining a serving as one scoop
• According to reviewers, you may need to break up any clumps in the tub before filling the scoop

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout Claims

Gorilla Mode, a stimulating pre-workout supplement designed by Gorilla Mind, uses a composition of nootropics and energy-enhancing and muscle-supporting ingredients to help intensify your focus and drive, enable a powerful nitric oxide pump while stimulating blood flow and enhance your endurance and power. This pre-workout also claims to uniquely deliver one of the most significant portions of L-citrulline—a non-essential amino acid that helps boost nitric oxide production in the body—in every serving. Gorilla Mode uses natural and artificial ingredients but attests that all ingredients are pure, posting third-party testing results for each component of the pre-workout.

Quality of Ingredients

Gorilla Mode includes a variety of typical and less typical pre-workout ingredients to help boost your energy, focus and performance. I break down the active ingredients and each one's general purpose below:

Ingredients

Caffeine Anhydrous

Each serving of Gorilla Mode contains 175 milligrams of dehydrated caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine anhydrous supplementation is linked to a variety of performance-enhancing benefits such as improved muscular endurance, strength, cognitive function and enhanced aerobic and anaerobic activity. The recommended  dose is between 3 to 6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight, so heavier users may require two scoops of Gorilla Mode to feel the full effects.

Creatine Monohydrate

Each serving has 2500 milligrams of creatine monohydrate (CM). CM has been shown to help stimulate muscle growth, post-workout recovery and enhance athletic performance. The scientific literature states that maintenance doses of creatine between 2 to 5 grams per day or more specifically, a dose of 0.03 grams per kilogram of body weight should be used to maintain elevated creatine stores in the muscles.

Related Post: The Best Pre-Workouts with Creatine

Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)

Kanna (250 milligrams per serving) is a native plant to South Africa known to elevate mood while battling anxiety and reducing stress. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Agmatine Sulfate

Agmatine sulfate (500 milligrams per serving) is added to help increase nitric oxide in one's blood when exercising, which helps to stimulate blood flow and increase the amount of performance-supporting oxygen and nutrients your muscles receive while training. Agmatine sulfate also helps to regulate neuropathic pain.

BioPerine

BioPerine (5 milligrams per serving) is a compound derived from black pepper extract that can help increase the efficacy of your body's absorption of the other ingredients in the pre-workout.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A (200 micrograms per serving) is a natural chemical extracted from Chinese club moss herb or fir club moss herb, associated with improving mental clarity during exercise and considered by many to be a cognitive enhancer.

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine (750 milligrams per serving) is a non-essential amino acid that can help produce neurotransmitters such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and dopamine, which may help increase energy levels and focus while exercising.

L-Citrulline

L-citrulline (4500 milligrams per serving) is an amino acid that, similarly to agmatine sulfate, helps boost nitric oxide production in the body. Generally, L-citrulline is associated with increased muscular endurance and power during high-intensity exercise, with eight grams (8,000 milligrams) considered an effective dose to take before training.

Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine anhydrous (1250 milligrams per serving) may enhance your power when training, meaning that it may shorten the time it takes you to overcome resistance. Notably, a six-week 2013 study on the effects of betaine found that it may have improved body composition, muscle size and training capacity in men using the supplement for exercise.

N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate

Also known as Eria Jarensis (175 milligrams per serving), this ingredient is a nootropic stimulant that may help deliver more intense focus and energy when training. Some international sports associations, such as Australia, have even banned Eria Jarensis due to its performance-enhancing effects. So, if you are an athlete who undergoes drug testing before competing, you should ensure that N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine is not considered a banned substance by your governing sports body.

Pete Nastasi, CNC, CPT and SI Showcase contributor, explains "N-phenethyl dimethylamine citrate is considered a controversial supplement and even banned by some countries' sports associations because it is an analog of dimethylamylamine (DMAA) which is a potent amphetamine derivative. According to the FDA, DMAA has been shown to narrow blood vessels and arteries, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure and potential cardiovascular problems. Other potential side effects of DMAA include shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, heart attacks and seizures. While N-phenethyl dimethylamine citrate is not the same as DMAA (a WADA-banned substance), it does have a similar effect and could result in a false positive on certain drug tests."

Malic Acid

Malic acid (1500 milligrams per serving) may help battle muscle fatigue and enhance mental sharpness when exercising.

GlycerPump (Glycerol Powder)

GlycerPump (1500 milligrams per serving) is a firm form of powdered Glycerol that helps to keep you hydrated and prevent muscle fatigue.

Other ingredients

Gorilla Mode uses some filler ingredients for composition (silicon dioxide) and its sweet but sugar-free flavor (natural and artificial flavors, sucralose and acesulfame potassium).

Nutrition Facts

Like most pre-workouts, Gorilla Mode contains few calories and minimal carbs per serving. It is also without protein, fat or added sugars.

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout Flavors

Gorilla Mode is available in 15 flavors. A comparison of other popular pre-workout supplements available today shows that this number of options is unmatched. I've been using the Jungle Juice Gorilla Mode pre-workout, which resembles a sort of easy-to-drink artificial blend of tropical fruits. Other flavor choices available are:

• Strawberry Kiwi
• Cotton Candy Grape
• Bombsicle
• Cherry Blackout
• Firefly Lemonade
• Fruit Punch
• Krush
• Lemon Lime
• Mango Peach
• Mojo Mojito
• Mouthwatering Watermelon
• Piña Colada
• Tiger's Blood
• Volcano Burst

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout Cost

While frequently on sale, Gorilla Mode’s baseline price is $49.99 for a tub of 40 servings. This makes a single serving or scoop (15.425 grams) around $1.25. However, you can also buy three tubs at once for a discounted price of $139.97, which should bring down each serving to $1.17. Gorilla Mode is a bit more expensive than many competing pre-workouts (when not on sale), especially for those who consider a single serving to be two scoops.

Personally, I tend to turn to pre-workouts the same way I would an energy drink (to battle fatigue, get in the zone or when expecting tougher-than-usual training) and would stick to a single scoop of Gorilla Mode when using it (after having tried two). However, considering the additional performance-enhancing ingredients in Gorilla Mode, such as creatine monohydrate, L-citrulline and L-tyrosine, it's easy to say this pre-workout offers much more than an energy drink on the fly. And with energy drinks typically costing multiple times the price of a Gorilla Mode serving while offering less, I would consider this price a decent rate for committed athletes who aren't "addicted" to pre-workout.

Who Should Use Gorilla Mode Pre-workout

I should say that determination is the best tool for making gains in the fitness world. However, a little help is always nice. Several studies, including this one from 2016, find pre-workout to significantly improve both anaerobic peak power and mean power in trained males with no adverse side effects. While there is evidence that some ingredients in Gorilla Mode, such as caffeine or creatine, can contribute to your performance, some claims by Gorilla Mode, as with all pre-workouts, go unproven. Such as the beneficial "unique" combinations of ingredients or if pre-workout can contribute to muscle strength. However, this does not mean that Gorilla Mode or similar dietary supplements can not do this for some; it is that it has yet to be officially proven or FDA-approved. Regardless of this truth, I will say it’s fun to establish an extra-hard training day to accompany a scoop or two of Gorilla Mode pre-workout.

Overall, individuals looking to enhance their endurance or push themselves further in their fitness regimens should consider Gorilla Mode as a potentially helpful tool in making those leaps, but not a solution. The extra push, alertness and energy offered by Gorilla Mode can help you challenge yourself, but while a helpful tool, gains have only really been proven by an individual's will.

Who Should NOT Use Gorilla Mode Pre-workout

People struggling with anxiety or insomnia should approach Gorilla Mode with caution. I didn't feel jittery with the pre-workout or lose sleep over it, but I only used the supplement for intense training or when I was already fatigued, and I am very used to caffeine in my daily life regardless. However, imagine you are ingesting roughly two cups of coffee with a single scoop of Gorilla Mode. If that seems unbelievable to you, then I'm speaking to you.

Also, with pre-workouts, individuals with pre-existing heart problems or high blood pressure should consult their health provider to see if such supplements are safe. Generally, those sensitive or potentially poorly affected by high amounts of caffeine should be extra-safe when using Gorilla Mode, as with all stim pre-workouts. Moreover, I should note that the recommended daily intake limit of caffeine according to the FDA is 400 milligrams a day, so with two scoops of Gorilla Mode having 350 milligrams of caffeine, a hefty serving of this pre-workout is likely to push one over this advised limit with a standard morning coffee. Furthermore, excessive caffeine consumption can be linked to anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness and sleep problems.

Beyond the potential unwanted effects of consuming too much caffeine, Pete Nastasi CNC, CPT, warns that competitive athletes engaged in sports that require drug testing "should be careful when using Gorilla Mode. This is because N-phenethyl dimethylamine citrate (Eria Jarensis) may lead to a false positive on certain drug tests because it is an analog of DMAA." Considering this, competitive athletes should consider contacting their governing sports organization to ensure that Gorilla Mode does not contain any banned substances.

Moreover, Pete CNC, CPT, advises "that it is a generally good idea for competitive athletes to only use workout supplements that are certified by third-party testing agencies that certify supplements to be safe for sport, such as NSF or Informed Sport, which ensure that your supplements are not banned and safe to use when training for competitive sports."

My Personal Experience with Gorilla Mode Pre-workout

As noted elsewhere in my review, I dabble with pre-workout as needed. I also drink what some would consider to be a ridiculous amount of caffeine generally, so (stim) pre-workout would likely become obsolete for me pretty quickly if I were to use it more often than when I do (for example, I reserve pre-workout for anticipated harder training, marathon-style rides/runs or to battle fatigue/cobwebs). However, for about a week, building up to this review, I incorporated Gorilla Mode's (stim) pre-workout into various workouts to get the full picture.

I used the Jungle Juice-flavored version, which, like most pre-workouts, resembled a children's drink or artificial juice. I stick to a low-carb diet, so I suppose the hyper-sweet, carb-free flavor is always a nice break from what I'm used to. However, to put it clearly, also similar to children's medicines, the flavor was fine for a pre-workout, but I wouldn't want it alongside my dinner.

My verdict overall is that Gorilla Mode is a super potent pre-workout. Due to the lack of beta-alanine, I didn't have the tingling skin feeling I really do not enjoy in pre-workouts. However, likely due to the uncut and hyper-supply of L-citrulline, I felt the strong nitric oxide pump flaunted by Gorilla Mode, especially on the days I took a high dose (two scoops). I also didn't get the jitters or feel stressed at all. On the contrary, I felt very composed and sharp when training. I found this particularly noticeable when I used the pre-workout (two scoops) before sparring/pads/advanced-HIIT kickboxing class (the hardest of the week), where I felt very technical while being able to push myself to the limit, endurance-wise (I did a hundred burpees after class and biked home for good measure, too). Furthermore, I felt this sharpness for the rest of my day, without a crash or feeling of irritability.

While not a big free-weight person, I did commit one day to only strength training with Gorilla Mode, using a single scoop, as I thought I'd get jittery from boredom due to moving slower between exercises. I did a lot of bodyweight stuff, like various push-ups, pull-ups and planks, and some free weights with the kettlebell, dumbbells and bench press. Despite being a HIIT/cardio person, I was definitely in the zone. I didn't get tired and only rested for practical sake between reps, and most importantly, whether by coincidence or not, I didn't feel sore the rest of the day or the next morning.

Overall, I felt this was a top-tier/versatile pre-workout that offers a potential non-hormonal performance-enhancing supplement regardless of your exercise choice. I would continue using it as needed, and I must repeat that I loved having the full pre-workout effect without the creepy skin-crawling feeling!

What Customers Are Saying About Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mode has nearly 13,000 reviews on Amazon and still has an impressive 4.2 out of 5 rating, with 64% of customers giving the pre-workout five stars. A consistent claim made by positive reviewers was the experienced energy boost and focus enhancement without the anxiety or crash. One reviewer claimed, "I've tried a lot of different pre-workouts looking for something that gave me a nice steady boost, without making me feel tingly, jittery or sick to my stomach. This is the first one to accomplish all of these. It has a nice, smooth ramp-up of energy, good ingredients for a solid pump and no crash."

While few, there were some frustrated reviewers as well. I noticed many dissatisfied buyers were frustrated about clumps in their powder. While this is annoying, to Gorilla Mode's credit, they warn about this on the label, and clumping is annoying but doesn't make it impossible to use the supplement. Overall, while I didn't read all the reviews, Gorilla Mode seems to have done well with its massive amount of Amazon customers.

About Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mode is a product of its parent company, Gorilla Mind. Gorilla Mind was founded in January 2017 by a man only known as Derek. Unfortunately, I could not find Derek's last name, but he has nearly a million Instagram followers, and you can find his social media via @moreplatesmoredates. Gorilla Mind has an array of fitness and wellness supplements, but its original focus was on creating potentially performance-enhancing exercise supplements.

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout vs Legion Pulse

Gorilla Mode and Legion Pulse differ in a few ways. First off, Legion Pulse prides itself on being a 100% natural pre-workout, while Gorilla Mode is not. They have some similar ingredients and the same amount of caffeine per serving, but Legion Pulse is creatine-free. Legion also uses beta-alanine, which has its benefits but creates that skin-crawling feeling, unlike Gorilla Mode, which doesn’t have the ingredient. Both appear to be quality products, with thousands of pleased buyer reviews on Amazon. But overall, Legion Pulse seems more directed toward folks who may be skeptical of creatine and prefer all-natural products.

Furthermore, despite Gorilla Mode not having beta-alanine, it could still be your preferred pre-workout, according to Certified Sports Nutrition Coach and SI Showcase contributor Pete Nastasi. Nastasi notes that beta-alanine isn’t for everyone: “While beta-alanine has been shown to have some performance-enhancing benefits, such as improved muscular endurance, many individuals dislike the harmless skin-tingling sensation known as paresthesia that's a common side effect of this ingredient,” he says.

Nastasi says to consider your specific goals when choosing a pre-workout supplement to find the right fit: “If your goal is more bodybuilding than endurance sport performance (running, cycling, swimming, etc.), then a pre-workout without beta-alanine like Gorilla Mode will still work great for you," he adds.

Check out our Legion Pulse Pre-Workout review for more information. 

Gorilla Mode Pre-workout FAQs

How fast does Gorilla Mode kick in?

It's hard to determine this solely based on my experience. Depending on the type of training I was about to do or the state I was in due to the training I did the day before, I would say I felt Gorilla Mode kicked in differently or at different times. I also ingest a lot of coffee every morning, which likely means I'm less sensitive to caffeine.

However, as caffeine is the primary source of support offered by (stim) pre-workout supplements, I suggest taking Gorilla Mode about 60 minutes before training, which is the most commonly used time to ingest caffeine before training, according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Gorilla Mode suggests taking its pre-workout 30 minutes before training, which may be better for you. Overall, this may be a case of trial and error, but I wouldn’t take it less than 30 minutes before training or when training (unless considering a second scoop during a marathon ride/run or super-prolonged workout).

Is Gorilla Mode pre workout good for beginners?

Gorilla Mode is a good pre-workout generally. However, regardless of the brand, people new to pre-workouts, especially those sensitive to caffeine, should start out taking smaller portions (for example, a third or half a scoop) to see how it affects them and adjust their intake accordingly.

Is Gorilla Mode better than C4?

This is up to opinion. Gorilla Mode and C4 are both pre-workouts but have different compositions. Gorilla Mode has a higher amount of creatine and caffeine per serving. Additionally, Gorilla Mode offers a good amount of L-citrulline, while C4 offers none. I also do not like the skin-tingling feeling of beta-alanine, which C4 has in it, while Gorilla Mode does not. Overall, I prefer the composition of Gorilla Mode more than C4 and would rather take Gorilla Mode. Still, it is worth noting that Gorilla Mode is about $0.50 more per serving when not on sale. However, I consider Gorilla Mode a superior supplement for my needs and don't mind the price difference.

How much caffeine is in Gorilla Pre?

There are 175 milligrams of caffeine per scoop of Gorilla Mode pre-workout. Citing Pete Nastasi (CNC, CPT), "This means that by consuming just two scoops of Gorilla Mode, you will already be close to exceeding the daily recommended allowance of caffeine (400 milligrams)". Considering this, if you intend to use two Gorilla Mode scoops in a day, Pete suggests avoiding other caffeine sources such as coffee, soda or energy drinks. According to Pete, "consuming more than the recommended daily caffeine intake makes you more likely to experience the unwanted side effects of overexposure to caffeine, such as anxiety, restlessness or insomnia."

In addition, Pete warns against using highly caffeinated pre-workout supplements daily. Instead, Pete suggests "taking pre-workout on an as-needed basis (fatigue, harder training day, etc.) to enhance your workout when you need that extra push. This is not only to avoid anxiety or insomnia, but by exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake or consuming pre-workout every day, you run the risk of creating a caffeine tolerance that may, over time, prevent you from properly experiencing the stimulating performance-enhancing benefits of pre-workout you are looking for."

What does Gorilla Mode do to your body?

Gorilla Mode may improve your physical performance, energy, focus and muscular endurance when exercising. This may lead to you making gains in your fitness routine, potentially leading to weight loss, improved stamina and muscle gains depending on your training type, diet and commitment.

Takeaway: Is Gorilla Mode Pre-workout Worth It?

Pre-workout can be a helpful tool if you use it correctly. While overall, I don't find Gorilla Mode to be overwhelmingly unique compared to other pre-workouts, I will say from first-hand experience that it felt like a more high-quality pre-workout regarding its effect or the quality of the ingredients. I could push myself and train super hard on the days I used it, which I could probably do without, but it certainly felt like it contributed to my performance or made things a little easier. Most notably, I enjoyed a sense of focus that lasted beyond training without the anxiety or crash I've experienced with other pre-workouts. It is very potent but seemingly clean, and it didn't make my skin crawl due to the lack of beta-alanine (which is huge for me, and I know I'm not alone). If you decide to buy Gorilla Mode, you'll get a great pre-workout formula that should work well.

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.