Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout
by Cellucor
"America's #1 selling pre-workout brand for over a decade"
Overview
C4 Original is the best-selling pre-workout in America, delivering 150mg of caffeine, 1.6g of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, 1g of creatine nitrate, and 1g of arginine AKG per serving. The formula provides a moderate energy boost suitable for beginners and intermediate lifters. Available in 10+ flavors, C4 has been the gateway pre-workout for millions of gym-goers since its launch in 2011.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caffeine | 150mg |
| CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine | 1.6g |
| Creatine Nitrate | 1g |
| Arginine AKG | 1g |
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- #1 selling pre-workout in America
- Moderate 150mg caffeine — good for beginners
- 10+ flavor options
- CarnoSyn branded beta-alanine
- Affordable price point
- Widely available
What Could Be Better
- Beta-alanine under-dosed (clinical dose is 3.2g)
- Only 1g creatine (need 5g daily)
- Arginine AKG has poor bioavailability
- Proprietary blend for some ingredients
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Pre-workout beginners
- Those who want moderate stimulation
- Flavor variety seekers
Not Ideal For
- Experienced lifters wanting clinical doses
- Stimulant-sensitive individuals
- Those seeking maximum performance
Our Verdict
C4 Original is the Honda Civic of pre-workouts — reliable, affordable, and gets the job done. It won't blow your mind with clinical doses, but the moderate caffeine and pleasant flavors make it the perfect starter pre-workout. Graduate to C4 Ultimate or Transparent Labs when you're ready for more.