Are you searching for an excellent pre-workout that will give you the energy for that next gym session? Admittedly, it can be tough to find the perfect pre-workout product for your needs because there are so many choices on the market. It’s overwhelming at the best of times, even for regular gymgoers!
Luckily, I’ve tried plenty of pre-workout supplements in the past from a wide range of brands, one of which was Cellucor, which has many options in its pre-workout range, including C4 and C4 Ultimate.
C4 vs C4 Ultimate
Cellucor offers a range of pre-workout supplements, including C4 Original and C4 Ultimate. Each of these pre-workout supplements offers its own benefits and also has potential drawbacks to be aware of before you make a purchase.
If you’re unsure which C4 pre-workout supplement is the best for you, don’t worry! This article will cover everything you need to know when comparing C4 vs. C4 Ultimate, including the ingredients in each, when to use C4 or C4 Ultimate for the best results, and my final thoughts.
Overview of Cellucor C4
C4 is the original Cellucor pre-workout supplement that contains a uniquely designed blend of ingredients, including a combination of creatine and nitrates, that boost energy and mental focus.
It’s available in a variety of flavors, including:
- Cherry Limeade
- Frozen Bombsicle
- Fruit Punch
- Icy Blue Razz
- Grape
- Pink Lemonade
- Strawberry Margarita
- Strawberry Watermelon
When to Use C4
Taking just one scoop of the C4 Original pre-workout can enhance your exercise performance, muscular endurance, and muscle ‘pump’. It’s ideal if you want to up your game in the gym, lift bigger, and improve your overall performance for maximum gains.
C4 Ingredients
C4 contains the following ingredients:
- Beta-alanine: A compound that can help neutralize lactic acid in working muscles, reducing fatigue and improving performance in high-intensity exercise.
- Creatine: A compound found in some of the best pre-workout supplements that increase body ATP (energy) production, supporting exercise efforts.
- Arginine: An amino acid that supports muscle recovery and repair.
- Caffeine: A well-known substance that stimulates the central nervous system to improve focus and alertness.
Overview of C4 Ultimate
Cellucor C4 Ultimate is another pre-workout in the popular C4 range. Whether your preferred form of training is powerlifting, bodybuilding, or endurance programs like Crossfit, you can enjoy the benefits of the C4 Ultimate pre-workout. It will support your muscle-building or fat-loss efforts during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
This version of the C4 pre-workout range is available in four unique flavors – Arctic Snow Cone, Icy Blue Razz, Orange Mango, and Strawberry Watermelon. Each one has a sweet and tangy taste that energizes you before your workouts.
When to Use C4 Ultimate
The brand designed the Ultimate supplement for lifters who want to up their game in the gym. It provides an extra boost compared to the original C4 pre-workout thanks to the addition of a few stimulating ingredients.
C4 Ultimate Ingredients
C4 Ultimate contains a blend of the following ingredients:
- Citrulline: A compound that increases nitric oxide production, a gas that dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow to working muscles.
- CarnoSyn Beta Alanine: A high-quality beta-alanine that increases carnosine levels in the body, a compound that tackles lactic acid in the muscles.
- BetaPower Betaine: A substance that helps to keep the cells hydrated for maximum workout performance.
- Caffeine Anhydrous: A stimulant that increases energy and focus.
- L-Tyrosine: An amino acid that improves brain function and mental focus.
This C4 Ultimate formula is supplemented with the following ingredients:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Choline
C4 vs. C4 Ultimate: Similarities and Differences
Let’s look at the comparison between the C4 vs. C4 Ultimate pre-workouts. More specifically, let’s look at their similarities and differences and then cover which is the better choice for your fitness goals.
Similarities Between C4 and C4 Ultimate
The main similarities between C4 and C4 Ultimate are:
- Both enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue
- Both contain caffeine for mental stimulation
- Each one can support muscle building and fat loss
Differences Between C4 and C4 Ultimate
The main differences between these two C4 supplements include:
- They are available in different flavors
- C4 Ultimate contains additional caffeine and stimulants compared to C4 Original
- C4 Ultimate contains a higher-quality version of beta-alanine than C4 Original, known as CarnoSyn beta-alanine
Major Distinguishing Factor
The main distinguishing feature between these two supplements is the version of beta-alanine in each one. Although it sounds like a minor difference and traditional beta-alanine is still an effective stimulant, CarnoSyn beta-alanine has been shown in scientific studies to improve muscle recovery and workout performance significantly.
Which is Better?
Neither C4 nor C4 Ultimate are necessarily better than the other. However, each one has slightly unique use cases. If you want to improve your energy and mental focus to enhance your workouts, you could get away with going for the C4 Original pre-workout.
If you push yourself and want as much help as possible with lifting heavy weights for muscle growth and strength gains, C4 Ultimate may be a better option. It contains additional stimulants that maximize your muscle pump, increase your energy, and boost your metabolism slightly more than C4 Original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which C4 Is Strongest?
Of the C4 pre-workout range, the C4 Extreme supplement is the strongest, as it contains the highest amount of caffeine. It contains 200 mg of caffeine, compared to the standard 150 mg in the C4 Original pre-workout product.
Is C4 Ultimate a Fat Burner?
C4 Ultimate does have some fat-burning properties. Because it can improve gym performance and enable you to build more muscle, it can increase your basal metabolic rate, ultimately leading to more effortless fat loss.
Does C4 Give You a Pump?
C4 Original can undoubtedly give you a pump because of its muscle-stimulating ingredients, including beta-alanine and creatine nitrate. You’ll notice a significant difference in muscle size and strength when adding a scoop of C4 to your pre-workout routine.
Conclusion
The C4 Original and C4 Ultimate supplements are great options if you want to improve your workout performance, get a better muscle pump, and build as much mass as possible. However, I recommend going for C4 Ultimate if you want an extra boost.
