Mind to Muscle is MRI’s latest pre workout supplement, succeeded by Black Powder and Hemo Surge. When comparing labels, there are distinct similarities between the new Mind to Muscle and previous versions. However, Mind to Muscle is without a doubt its own unique concoction.
Compared to other pre workout supplements, MRI’s Mind to Muscle is unique in that they’ve stayed consistent with previous MRI products. While, gradually improving of course.
Overall this was an interesting pre workout to review!
Quick Mind to Muscle Review: Mind to muscle doesn’t jump on the “what ingredients are hot” bandwagon, but instead is a gradual improvement upon previous MRI pre workouts. The energy in this product is moderate (200 mg caffeine), however very stable and reliable. Zero jitters, good focus… The kind of pre workout you can take before the gym, or as a coffee substitute to finish up a long overdue project.
Quick Strengths: Very clean energy experience, made by MRI, no ‘crazy’ stimulants.
Quick Weaknesses: Our Blue Raspberry didn’t taste right, but other reviews say it’s good. Beta-alanine is under-dosed, 8 grams of carbs, overall kind of pricey for what you get.
How to take MRI Mind to Muscle: Mind to Muscle kicks in pretty quickly, without any crazy jitter effects. 15 to 25 minutes is ideal with a full glass of water. Though, be warned that the bicarbonate is going to make this pre workout fizz a lot! Yes, there will be foam. Also, if you can, do not smell this pre workout while drinking it… Ours smelled unpleasantly funky… However, we did NOT get sick from it, it performed well.
MRI Mind to Muscle Ranking Factors
Energy Effects: 8.5/10
The energy provided by Mind to Muscle was extremely clean. Likely due to the ethical caffeine dosage partnered by L-theanine and Macuna. Overall, very pleasurable and shouldn’t give jitters or overpower you. For those of you coming off the more hardcore pre workouts… This may not be enough punch.
Strength Effects: 7.5/10
There really aren’t any strength enhancing ingredients in this pre workout, besides caffeine’s aide. Though, we’re not saying a product HAS to have things like betaine, creatine, ect.
Endurance Effects: 7.5/10
Mind to Muscle doesn’t contain a clinical dose of beta alanine, nor does it contain other endurance boosters like BCAAs or PeakATP. However, for endurance athletes, this is a very user friendly pre workout. Basically, it doesn’t have any ingredients that will make your heart pound out of your chest. Though, start with a half-serving the first time you run.
Crash / Aftermath Effects: 9/10
Virtually no crash or aftermath effects. Very well ranking.
Taste: 5/10
It isn’t so much a taste as it is a smell. The bicarbonate creates a lot of foam which releases an odor that smells very plastic-like. If you mix your Mind to Muscle pre workout and let it sit there till the foam goes away – you won’t smell it. However if you mix and drink, you’re going to notice and it isn’t something one looks forward to.
Price / Value: 5/10
Mind to Muscle costs about $1.28 per serving, which isn’t a lot, but you aren’t really getting a lot either. It should be less expensive.
Similar Products:
The main comparable for Mind to Muscle is its clean energy. With that in mind, we compare it to:
- PES Prolific (one scoop serving size) – both deliver great energy, Prolific is a little sharper around the edges, but also offers other ingredients in larger dosages. Oh, and the taste is on point.
- Axis Labs RainMaker – another clean energy focused pre workout from a lesser-known brand.
Review Conclusions: 7.1/10 (Taste really hurt the score)
Overall, MRI’s Mind to Muscle was a pleasure to take. The energy is clean and it makes you feel good. However, the beta-alanine is severely under dosed, there is an odd smell, and overall it just isn’t that special. Instead of “Mind to Muscle” it should be named “Pre Boost”. Oh, and did we mention it has 8 grams of carbs per serving?
Carbohydrates
- Maltodextrin 8 grams – A pre workout containing 8 grams of carbs without explanation is very odd in todays supplement market. This may be a deal breaker for those looking to lose weight, however, a perk for runners.
Focus and Intensity Mind Blend
- L-Tyrosine 500 mg – Suggested to lead to increased dopamine levels, L-tyrosine may improve mood. Though, the most significant research suggests this is mainly predominant during times of high stress when natural l-tyrosine stores are depleted, upon which supplemental takes effect.
- Choline Bitartrate 250 mg – Choline is a fantastic addition to any pre workout supplement. It improves focus, energy, etc.
- Alphasize Choline 200 mg – This is simply a more expensive version of choline.
- Caffeine 200 mg – A solid dosage that we’re fond of. Anything between 180 and 250 mg is ideal.
- N-Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL 100 mg – Typically l-carnitine is used for burning more fat, however, the n-acetyl version is more so brain fuel.
- L-Theanine 100 mg – This ingredient calms over the caffeine content leading to a better experience.
- Mucuna Pruriens 100 mg – Provides L-dopa, which, is mood boosting and gives a sense of wellbeing. Additionally, this ingredient may raise growth hormone and promote mind-muscle connection.
Strength and Endurance Muscle Blend
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 1,600 mg – This version of l-arginine was all the rage before supplement companies decided to just go with the more expensive and way more effective l-citrulline. Though, MRI has stuck with l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate since their last 2 pre workouts.
- Potassium Bicarbonate 900 mg – Hence the foaming when mixing this pre workout. Though, there is some research suggesting bicarb does improve athletic endurance.
- Carnosyn Beta-Alanine 800 mg – This dosage should be 3.2 grams… It’s not. Neither is it effective.
- MCT Blend 300 mg – Not entirely sure what 300 mg is going to do.
- Malic Acid 300 mg – Likely a flavoring aid.
- Disodium Phosphate 250 mg – Electrolytes + endurance.
- Sodium Bicarbonate 200 mg – Same.
As you can see, this is really an energy focused pre workout. The strength and endurance section should also be re-labeled to pump and endurance.
MRI Mind to Muscle Compared to Black Powder
Review Conclusion on Mind to Muscle Pre Workout
Overall this is the type of pre workout that anyone can pick up and use. No, it isn’t going to be a massive ergogenic aid, nor is it going to taste the best… But, MRI has gone down the reliable pre workout route when they designed Mind to Muscle – so it’s likely to deliver the same results time and time again.
Bottom line – this pre workout is great for the rookies, likewise, if you enjoy it – keep taking it, there isn’t anything wrong with that. But, if you’re not satisfied when taking this pre workout, yes, there are better options for you.