Beyond Raw’s LIT series of preworkout supplements have been among the most popular ones on the market for some time now. If you’re considering trying a preworkout for the first time, or you’re looking for a simple preworkout product that offers full ingredient transparency, you’ll probably end up thinking about Beyond Raw LIT .
Before you put that stuff in your basket, though, you’ll want to know a couple of things. Does Beyond Raw LIT live up to the hype? What’s in there, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of this preworkout formula?
We’re here to answer your questions in an objective and unbiased manner.
- ENERGY AND FOCUS: LIT’s Energy & Mental Intensity blend includes CarnoSyn beta-alanine, micronized creatine, 250mg caffeine anhydrous, and elevATP for real results
What’s Beyond Raw LIT?
Beyond Raw is one of GNC’s popular workout supplement lines, and LIT is their series of no-nonsense preworkout products. Consumers who are looking to dip their toes into preworkout supplements, or to replace their current choice, can pick from several options:
- Beyond Raw LIT. This preworkout powder comes in a range of flavors that include Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry, Icey Fireworks, Orange Mango, and Gummy Worm.
- Beyond Raw LIT On-The-Go, a preworkout energy drink that couldn’t be easier to use.
- Beyond Raw LIT AF. Besides its ridiculously cool name, this advanced preworkout option improves on the original formula by adding 150 mg of Alpha-GPC, and 300 mg of a combo of fast-release and extended-release caffeine.
You basically don’t even need eyes to see that GNC and Beyond Raw are doing a great job in the marketing department. Not only does the slick packaging invoke immediate mental images of strength and endurance, but the fact that they advertise the formula as being “clinically dosed” also does wonders.
That, and the confident way in which GNC employees push LIT would make this preworkout a wild success — at least among folks who are new to preworkouts — all on its own.
How good is Beyond Raw LIT really, though? To find out, we’ll have to see what’s in there.
What Are the Ingredients?
Beyond Raw LIT’s original formula stands out because it’s got only seven active ingredients — and GNC doesn’t hide behind “proprietary” blend claims to conceal their concentrations. Each scoop yields:
- 3.2 grams of CarnoSyn beta alanine, meaning you get more of the highest quality beta alanine than you’d find in most preworkout formulations.
- 1.5 grams of micronized creatine. Compared to regular old creatine, the micronized version offers the advantage of reduced clumping as well as abdominal bloating, so LIT is able to pack just that little bit more in.
- 250 mg of caffeine, a dose that will hit the sweet spot for most athletes.
- ElevATP to boost the efficacy of creatine.
- NeuroFactor to take the effects of that caffeine to the next level. This is one active ingredient most preworkouts don’t add.
- 3 grams of L-Citrulline.
- Nitrosigine serves to enhance the effects of L-citrulline.
If that kind of thing matters to you, you should additionally know that Beyond Raw LIT contains a mixture of natural and artificial flavorings. LIT offers some unusual flavors that make your preworkout a lot more palatable, though.
Beyond Raw LIT Pros & Cons?
Beyond Raw LIT contains a solid blend of high-quality basic ingredients at just the right doses for experienced workout enthusiasts who are brand new to the preworkout scene. The fact that GNC is completely open about the ingredient list is a major plus, and LIT is ultimately a fantastic clean and basic preworkout product.
The main advantages LIT offers are:
- LIT hits the caffeine Goldilocks zone, at 250 mg. It’s not too much, not too little, but just right.
- LIT offers more L-citrulline than many preworkout supplements, at 3 grams, which is great for you if you’re after those pumps.
- You can choose from a wide range of flavors, and most of them taste anywhere from OK to actually really REALLY great like the watermelon Jolly Rancher and Green Apple jolly rancher.
As for the cons, well:
- LIT could have been even better with additions like B vitamins, BCAAs, L-theanine, and coconut water powder, while some would have preferred to see L-Citrulline Malate in the ingredient list.
- If you’ve been taking potent preworkout supplements for a while now, you might not agree that LIT is “clinically dosed”. You might think this product just barely scratches the surface.
- LIT is a little on the pricey side.
Beyond Raw LIT is without a doubt a decent preworkout — but it’s far from the only kid on the block. You could also choose BULK pre-workout, Pre-Kaged Pre Workout, and 4 Gauge Pre Workout (among many others!) and get a whole different mix of ingredients, each of them with their own set of unique pros and cons.
Make sure you remember that the best preworkout for you is one you’ve thoroughly investigated the next time you walk into a GNC store, because the staff is bound to do their best to push LIT. LIT is a fine choice, but make sure that GNC employees aren’t making all the decisions for you!
Last update on 2025-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API