RYSE Pre-Workout Review 2024: Best Pump Ever?

Choosing a pre-workout is insanely hard when every manufacturer claims that its pre-workout powder is the best pre-workout, that it produces the best muscle pumps, and it promotes long-lasting endurance and focus. 

If they all do the same thing, how’s a person to choose?! Well, that’s just the thing: Not all pre-workouts are actually created equal, despite the marketing hype. That’s why our product testers at GGR actually try products and write in-depth reviews on them. 

In our RYSE Pre-Workout review, you’ll learn everything you need to know about RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout, so you can decide whether or not it’s the right pre for you.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

45+ Pre-Workouts Tested 

Our product testers, who are also certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and athletes, have collectively tested nearly 50 pre-workout supplements to bring to you guides like the best stim-free pre-workout. Thanks to our backgrounds in fitness and nutrition, we know how to cut through marketing jargon and decipher the actual benefits (or not) of a product. 

RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout

RYSE Supplements Godzilla Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Loaded, fully transparent label
• Full doses in 1 scoop
• Nootropics
• Extended release caffeine

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Salt included
• RYSE pump fuel (2 forms of citrulline)
• 200 mg of caffeine makes this suitable for most
• Extended-release caffeine
• Label includes dosages for both 1 and 2 scoops
• Full doses in 1 scoop
• Trademarked Thinkamine for improved focus and euphoria
• Competitively priced at $1.42/serving

Cons

• 18.3 g scoop size requires a lot of water to blend
• Only 2 flavors available

Bottom Line

Ryse Supplements’ Godzilla Pre-Workout is a top-notch supplement for anybody looking to improve their gym experience and get the most out of their workouts.

A Quick Look at RYSE Pre-Workout

RYSE is a supplement brand that manufactures a full range of supplements, including pre-workout, protein powder, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), essential amino acids (EAAs), creatine monohydrate, L-glutamine, fat burner, and testosterone support.  

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout With BCAAs

There are a few different pre-workout supplements available from the company: RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout, RYSE Loaded Pre-Workout, RYSE Element Pre-Workout, RYSE Non-Stim Pre-Workout (Pump Daddy), and RYSE Project Blackout Pre-Workout.

Our testers tried the Godzilla Pre-Workout, which is a very high-stimulant pre-workout. Godzilla Pre-Workout is a trademarked collaboration between RYSE Supplements and Noel Deyzel, an IFBB Heavyweight Bodybuilder.

Before You Buy

• This pre-workout is not for those who are sensitive to stimulants. Even a one-scoop serving contains 200 milligrams of caffeine and 3.2 grams of beta-alanine, so you will definitely get the tingles and the jitters if you are not used to this type of supplement. 
• There are options for a one-scoop serving or a two-scoop serving. If your stimulant tolerance is medium, we recommend taking one scoop only. 

Is RYSE Pre-Workout Worth It?

If you can tolerate heavy stimulation and you need or want a lot of assistance with focus and mental endurance in the gym, RYSE Pre-Workout is a good choice. The cost per serving is pretty standard if you take a one-scoop serving—about $1.42 per serving—but that skyrockets to nearly $3 per serving if you take the double scoop. Depending on your budget and stimulant tolerance, RYSE could be the right pick for you.

RYSE Pre-Workout Specs

Experience Using RYSE Pre-Workout

Our product tester Rose is a member of the Olympic weightlifting team that Kate Meier, GGR head of content and product tester, competes with. 

Rose has taken about a half-dozen different pre-workouts and says she “would definitely take this again.” 

“This is a stronger pre-workout than what I have used before, and this is the first time I really felt the strong tingles,” Rose says, noting that she has a strong tolerance to caffeine.

“About 10 minutes after taking it, you can feel tingles from the beta-alanine,” Rose says, “because you get a full dose of beta-alanine in just one scoop, and I took two scoops.”

Price Per Serving

RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout costs $1.42 per serving if you take a one-scoop serving, and a wild $2.84 per serving if you take two scoops as one serving. 

A $1.42 cost per serving isn’t bad, and is in line with what we generally expect from most supplements.

In reality, most people probably shouldn’t be consuming two scoops at once given the 400 milligrams and 6.4 grams of beta-alanine in the two-scoop serving. But for those who do, be prepared for this pre-workout to make a dent in your budget. 

Formulation

The full formulation of RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout, and the purpose of each pre-workout ingredient, is as follows (for a two-scoop serving): 

• Choline (as choline bitartrate), 640 mg: focus²
• Sodium, 610 mg: electrolyte (hydration) and muscle contraction³
• Potassium, 200 mg: electrolyte, muscle contraction³
• L-Citrulline, 9 g: nitric oxide booster (pump formula)⁴
• Citrulline nitrate as NO3-T, 2 g: nitric oxide booster⁵
• Beta-alanine, 6.4 g: aids in production of carnosine, which plays a role in muscle endurance⁶
• Betaine anhydrous, 5 g: assists in production of carnitine, which plays a role in ATP production⁷
• Creatine monohydrate, 5 g: strength and power output, overall exercise performance⁸
• Choline bitartrate, 1.6 g: focus²
• Pink Himalayan sea salt, 500 mg: hydration
• Caffeine anhydrous, 350 mg: energy and focus 
• Hydrolyzed casein tripeptides as VasoDrive-AP, 300 mg: increased blood flow⁹
• Theobromine, 200 mg: performance enhancer¹⁰
• zumXR extended release caffeine, 50 mg: long-lasting energy
• Vincamine as Thinkamine, 20 mg: nootropic for focus¹¹

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout Ingredients

By the looks of it, Godzilla Pre-Workout is capable of giving you more than a decent pump and good energy—this ingredients list, including patented ingredients NO3-T, VasoDrive-AP, zumXR, and Thinkamine, should produce a next-level hype through your entire workout. 

As mentioned previously, it’s not recommended that people who are sensitive to stimulants take a full dose of this pre-workout, or any of it at all. But for those who have a high tolerance, Godzilla Pre is stacked to the max in a good way. 

However, the problem with halving the dose is that you then only get half of the clinically recommended doses for various ingredients, such as creatine. 

RELATED: Creatine vs Pre-Workout: Should You Take Both?

Taste and Solubility 

Our product tester tasted the Monsterberry Lime flavor. “The taste with two scoops is really strong,” Rose said, “even when mixed with 16 ounces of water as instructed.”

“This particular flavor is pretty sour; I wouldn’t say I loved the taste, but the taste doesn’t bother me,” she says. “Be ready for a strong flavor, or mix it with more water.” 

As for the texture, Rose says it blends well, noting that “the drink has a thicker, smoother texture to it; it’s pleasant.”

Side Effects

Rose says you will “Definitely feel the tingles!” Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on the individual. In a two-scoop serving, you’re getting double the recommended daily amount of beta-alanine, which is already known for its common side effect of paresthesia, the pins-and-needles feeling you get in your skin, lips, fingers, and toes.

Creatine can also cause GI distress in some people; I personally struggle with bloating when taking creatine. I

The caffeine content may increase your heart rate, give you the jitters, or make you feel nervous. There’s also the  potential crash-and-burn effect to consider when the caffeine wears off, or the inability to fall asleep if you take this in the afternoon or evening. 

When perusing customer reviews, I did see some reports of digestive problems such as diarrhea, which might be due to the high caffeine content¹². 

Third-Party Testing 

RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout does not seem to be third-party tested. I came across some language on the website that the product is tested, but that is the extent of any information regarding verification of the safety and efficacy of the product. 

At GGR, we believe that third-party testing is one of the most important factors in supplements due to the lax FDA regulations around supplement products. Third-party testing shows consumers that what they see is what they get, and that the products are safe for general consumption as well as consumption by athletes. 

RYSE Pre-Workout vs JYM Pre-Workout

JYM Pre-Workout

JYM Supplement Science Pre JYM Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• A pre-workout powder powerhouse
• Packed with lab- and gym-tested ingredients
• 9 different flavors to pick from
• Boosts strength, energy, endurance, mindset, and muscle growth
• 14 active ingredients and a nutritional supplement
• Higher potency with 26-gram scoops
• Award-winning brand and pre-workout supplement

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Helps boost your energy for any workout
• Supports mental focus with caffeine, alpha-GPC, and huperzine A
• Includes amino acids to promote muscular strength and endurance
• Great for men and women

Cons

• Do not take up to 6 hours before bed
• Some reviewers don’t love the flavors
• Reviewer complaints about high sucralose and sugar levels
• Shares equipment that handles eggs, milk, soy, tree nuts, and wheat
• Not third-party tested

Bottom Line

Fuel your body with a delicious pre-workout supplement with nutrients and 14 active ingredients for an energy-boosting workout.

Pre-JYM Pre-Workout from JYM Supplement Science is another popular pre-workout and it’s also formulated by someone who is prominent in the bodybuilding space, Dr. Jim Stoppani. 

Here’s a look at how it compares to RYSE Godzilla. 

Read my full JYM Pre-Workout review to learn more.

Customer Experience 

Your experience will vary depending on where you buy the product. If you buy on the RYSE website, your purchase is eligible for the following shipping policy: 

• All orders ship within one to three business days 
• Delays may occur when new products drop, on holidays, and during promotions
• Free shipping is available for domestic orders worth $150 or more

And for returns: 

• “Returns and exchanges will only be given once item(s) have been fully returned (with order number attached). Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. RYSE does not provide prepaid return labels but we are happy to cover the shipping costs for any new product that gets sent out during an exchange!”
• “All returns must be issued within 30 days of receipt of your shipment. Returned items must be in original condition and returned in original packaging. To complete your return we require a receipt or proof of purchase.”

Ordering RYSE Pre-Workout

You can buy RYSE Pre-Workout directly from the RYSE website, from Amazon, or from a variety of third-party retailers. You might find the best pricing and shipping options on Amazon, but the RYSE website generally has better and more consistent stock.

Customer Reviews

Many people choose RYSE Godzilla Pre-Workout because of the collaboration with IFBB bodybuilder Noel Deyzel. Interestingly, several reviewers on Amazon say they did not experience a boost in energy after taking this supplement, despite the very high caffeine content. 

On the flip side, many buyers report that it’s the best pre-workout they’ve ever tried. One reviewer wrote: 

“I love my RYSE Godzilla, the pump I get makes me feel massive. Out of all the preworkouts that I have tried, this one is by far the best. There is enough beta-alanine to feel the tingles, and not too much caffeine to where I can’t fall asleep at night. Flavor is 10 out of 10; I would 100% buy it again.”

I saw some reports of digestive upset—with one reviewer writing that the product puts them “at war with the toilet.” Do with that what you will. 

One thing that customers seem to love about RYSE is the collection of flavors produced in collaboration with patented goodies—think Ring Pop, Kool-Aid, SunnyD, and Smarties—although those flavors and other well-loved RYSE flavors, like Tiger’s Blood and Baja Burst, aren’t available in the Godzilla Pre-Workout. 

Final Verdict of Our RYSE Pre-Workout Review

RYSE Pre-Workout is a high-quality option—if you’re prepared for intense stimulation. As a certified nutrition coach and certified sports nutrition coach in the making, this isn’t something I’d recommend to people who are just starting out with supplements, or even for those who have a middle-of-the-road stimulant tolerance. I’d reserve my recommendation for this to people who have a very high tolerance for caffeine and beta-alanine. 

RYSE Pre-Workout Full Rating

RYSE Pre-Workout Full

Is RYSE Godzilla the best pre-workout for pumps? Find out in our RYSE Pre-Workout review.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 57

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.5

RYSE Pre-Workout FAQs

Finally, here are some additional questions about RYSE pre-workout.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Penry JT, Manore MM. Choline: an important micronutrient for maximal endurance-exercise performance?. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008;18(2):191-203. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.191
2. Nielsen OB, Clausen T. The Na+/K(+)-pump protects muscle excitability and contractility during exercise. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2000;28(4):159-164.
3. Figueroa, Arturo; Wong, Alexei; Jaime, Salvador J.; Gonzales, Joaquin U.. Influence of L-citrulline and watermelon supplementation on vascular function and exercise performance. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 20(1):p 92-98, January 2017. | DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000340 
4. Clements WT, Lee SR, Bloomer RJ. Nitrate ingestion: a review of the health and physical performance effects. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):5224-5264. Published 2014 Nov 18. doi:10.3390/nu6115224
5. Saunders B, Elliott-Sale K, Artioli GG, et al. β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2017;51:658-669.
6. Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):39. Published 2013 Aug 22. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-39
7. Cooper R, Naclerio F, Allgrove J, Jimenez A. Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):33. Published 2012 Jul 20. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-33
8. Fekete ÁA, Givens DI, Lovegrove JA. Casein-derived lactotripeptides reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Nutrients. 2015;7(1):659-681. Published 2015 Jan 20. doi:10.3390/nu7010659
9. Kennedy, M. Effects of theophylline and theobromine on exercise performance and implications for competition sport: A systematic review. Drug Test Anal. 2021; 13: 36– 43. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2970
10. Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3367. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/nu14163367
11. Evans J, Richards JR, Battisti AS. Caffeine. [Updated 2022 Nov 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC

Amanda is a content writer and journalist with extensive experience in the health, fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition niches. Before joining Garage Gym Reviews, she worked as an independent writer for various brands and outlets.Her work has appeared in national and global digital publications, including Health.com and Shape.com (Meredith Corporation), CNET (Red Ventures, formerly ViacomCBS), LIVESTRONG (Leaf Group), Verywell Fit and The Balance (DotDash), SlickDeals (Goldman Sachs/Hearst), Health Journal, and more.Now, Amanda brings her expertise in fitness to the GGR team by testing equipment and writing authentic, honest reviews on everything you might need to stock your home gym.

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