What Makes a Good Pump

What Makes a Good Pump Pre-Workout Supplement?

That feeling when your muscles are so full they're stretching the sleeves, your veins are dialed in, and every rep feels explosive? That's more than just a "pump." It's a sign of better blood flow, better performance, and better training outcomes.

At Animal, we've been in this game long enough to know what a real pump supplement product needs to deliver. Animal Pump Non-Stim isn't just a nitric oxide booster. It's a fully loaded, stim-free pre-workout that supports five key training benefits: Pumps and nitric oxide, strength and performance, focus, hydration, and versatility.

Here's what we packed in—and why each ingredient earns its spot.

1. Pumps + Nitric Oxide: More Than Just a Look

You want to feel full, but you also want performance. We built this formula to increase nitric oxide through multiple pathways, enhancing vasodilation, oxygen transport, and nutrient delivery during your lift.

  • L-Citrulline (6g)
    • Converts to arginine in the body, increasing nitric oxide levels for bigger pumps and improved muscle oxygenation
    • A 6g dose is clinically shown to increase reps to failure by 52.9% during upper-body resistance training¹
    • Enhances blood flow, reduces fatigue, and improves muscular endurance
  • Nitrosigine® (1.5g)
    • A patented complex of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate, backed by 30+ studies
    • Increases nitric oxide levels in 15 minutes, with pump effects lasting up to 6 hours²
    • Boosts muscle volume by 2.3x compared to baseline³
    • Unlike citrulline alone, it also improves vascular flexibility and arterial blood flow

These two ingredients together attack nitric oxide from two angles—priming your body for performance and visual fullness.

2. Strength + Performance: Power Through Your Set

Pumps are only part of the picture. You want a formula that helps you go harder—whether you're chasing PRs or grinding through volume.

  • Betaine Anhydrous (2.5g)
    • Supports cellular hydration and methylation, both linked to performance and recovery
    • In a 6-week study, 2.5g per day led to +20% more bench press power and +25% more squat volume compared to placebo⁴
    • Increases lean muscle mass and reduces fat mass⁵
  • Beta-Alanine (3.2g)
    • Increases muscle carnosine levels by up to 80%, helping buffer lactic acid during intense sets⁶
    • Enhances endurance in the 60–240 second range—perfect for hypertrophy, circuits, and drop sets⁷
    • Improves muscle endurance and total training volume by 10–20%, depending on training protocol

These aren't just filler doses. These are full, clinical amounts—the same ones used in research to improve athlete performance.

3. Focus + Drive: Dialed In, No Crash

Mental focus doesn't require caffeine—it just needs the right tools. We stacked tyrosine and Nitrosigine® to support cognitive performance during training, especially when fatigue sets in.

  • L-Tyrosine (2g)
    • A precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine—two key neurotransmitters for drive and focus
    • In studies, 2g improved working memory, task switching, and mental resilience under stress⁸
    • Helps you stay mentally sharp during long sessions, even when glycogen (and patience) run low
  • Nitrosigine® (again)
    • Beyond pumps, it's a powerful nootropic
    • Improves cognitive flexibility by 33% and processing speed by 28% in clinical trials¹⁰
    • Enhances mental acuity under stress, which is key for athletes training with intensity or under fatigue

Together, these two deliver clean, caffeine free focus—you feel locked in, not wired.

4. Hydration + Muscle Fullness: Stay Full, Stay Functional

Pumps aren't just about blood—they're about fluid balance too. That's where proper hydration comes in. Dehydration by just 2% can impair strength, endurance, and cognitive performance.⁹

  • Electrolyte Blend: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
    • Replaces essential minerals lost in sweat
    • Supports fluid balance, nerve function, and muscular contractions
    • Helps maintain cell volume and prevents cramping during longer sessions

Combined with osmotic ingredients like betaine, this formula supports hydrated, full muscles for a better pump and better output.

5. Stimulant-Free = Total Flexibility

This product isn't just about performance—it's about how and when you can use it.

  • Train late? You're covered
  • Taking a break from stims? You're good
  • Stacking with Animal Primal, Fury, or any other stim-based pre? No overlap, no crash

With Animal's non stim pump, you get everything you need—without the jitters, dependency, or burnout that comes with high-stim pre's.

Final Word

When we talk about building a "good pump product," we mean more than just getting swole for the mirror. We mean:

  • Clinically dosed ingredients
  • Multi-pathway nitric oxide support for explosive pumps
  • Real performance and strength enhancers
  • Cognitive focus without caffeine
  • Electrolytes for hydration and fullness

That's why we built Animal Pump Non-Stim—a hard-hitting, stim-free formula that delivers results you can feel.

Train on it. Stack it. Watch what happens.
See our full assortment of pre-workout supplements.

References:

  1. Pérez-Guisado, J., J Strength Cond Res, 2010.
  2. Kalman et al., Nutrients, 2015.
  3. ASI/Nutrition 21 Clinical Study, 2021.
  4. Hoffman et al., J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2009.
  5. Cholewa et al., J Strength Cond Res, 2013.
  6. Harris et al., Amino Acids, 2006.
  7. Hobson et al., Amino Acids, 2012.
  8. Deijen et al., Neuropsychobiology, 1999.
  9. Casa et al., J Athl Train, 2000.
  10. Bloomer et al., Nutrients, 2018.

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