As a fitness trainer with over a decade of experience, I often have clients looking to push their limits in every session. Finding a pre-workout that offers an intense boost without going overboard or containing dubious ingredients is always a challenge.
So, when I heard that Gorilla Mind was about to release a pre-workout designed to push to the edge, I was excited and immediately pre-ordered it for myself and some colleagues at TotalShape.
The product arrived a few days ago, and we’ve been testing it since, with our dietician also taking a closer look at the ingredients. Here’s what we found.
What is Gorilla Mode Lightning?
Gorilla Mode Lightning is a high-stimulant pre-workout designed to deliver intense energy, mental focus, and lasting endurance. This latest release from the Gorilla Mind brand stands out as one of their strongest formulations yet, crafted for those who crave more powerful ingredients in their pre-workout routine.
As a personal trainer, I’ve used Gorilla Mind products consistently in my own workouts and even suggested some to clients. Over time, I’ve noticed their formulas shifting from pump-focused products like Gorilla Mode Nitric to more stimulant-heavy options like Gorilla Mode Lightning.
The difference is clear—this new version delivers an intense energy boost and sharp mental clarity that have taken my training sessions to a new level.
With 6,570g of tyrosine and 200mg of caffeine per scoop, Gorilla Mode Lightning provides a surge of energy that lasts through even the toughest workouts. The addition of Synaptrix, a cognitive enhancer, is another standout feature, helping improve focus and performance.
How Does It Work?
At its core, Gorilla Mode Lightning delivers a potent mix of stimulants and nootropics designed to ramp up both energy levels and mental focus. The formula activates the central nervous system, providing a powerful energy surge that hits at just the right moment.
In my workouts, I noticed that this energy boost kicks in during the warm-up, right as I’m preparing to move into heavier lifts or more intense intervals. That immediate sense of focus and drive is hard to miss.
The combination of 200mg of caffeine and L-tyrosine plays a big role here, working synergistically to increase endurance and reduce fatigue.
Like many of my team members, I noticed significant endurance improvement during our toughest sessions. Whether pushing through heavy deadlifts or HIIT routines, Gorilla Mode Lightning kept us focused and energized. Its mood-enhancing effects also helped maintain a positive mindset as fatigue set in.
With a substantial serving size of 40 grams, Gorilla Mode Lightning ensures the full effectiveness of its ingredients, making each workout feel significantly more intense. However, due to its high potency, it is crucial to strictly adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid overstimulation.
Ingredients and Formula
We consulted with our dietician here at TotalShape to evaluate the ingredients and potency of Gorilla Mode Lightning.
The first observation was the formula’s substantial 60% increase in serving size compared to its predecessor, resulting in a stronger surge of energy, focus, and endurance. With this enhanced formula, the product offers a more intense workout experience.
At its launch on Thursday, September 26th, 2024, here’s the breakdown of the key ingredients:
Caffeine Anhydrous (200 mg): Known for its potent energy-boosting effects, caffeine improves mental focus and physical endurance. Studies published on Science Direct demonstrate caffeine’s role in enhancing athletic performance through stimulation of the central nervous system.
“Caffeine anhydrous is made from the seeds and leaves of coffee plants. The word “anhydrous” means “without water.” After harvesting, caffeine is extracted from the plant matter and dehydrated. This produces a highly concentrated caffeine powder, “ – Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N
L-Tyrosine (6,750 mg): This amino acid helps reduce the effects of stress and fatigue, supporting cognitive performance during intense workouts. Research published in the
National Library fo Medicine shows that tyrosine improves working memory and mental clarity in high-stress environments.
N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate (250 mg): An exotic stimulant that improves mood, motivation, and energy levels. Its stimulant properties are linked to increased dopamine production, enhancing mental focus.
Alpha-GPC (400 mg): As per reports from WebMD, this nootropic improves focus and enhances cognitive function by increasing acetylcholine in the brain, which is crucial for attention and memory retention.
Huperzine A (200 mcg): A powerful cognitive enhancer, Huperzine A prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, supporting prolonged focus and memory retention during challenging workout sessions, as per reports on WebMD.
L-Citrulline (4,000 mg): Studies published by the National Institutes of Health show that the supplementation of L-Citrulline increases nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow, leading to better muscle pumps and enhanced performance during exercise.
These ingredients work synergistically to boost both mental and physical performance during high-intensity workouts.
Benefits
Gorilla Mode Lightning promises to deliver a powerful surge of energy, enhanced focus, and improved stamina.
Based on my own experience after a few days of use, it provided consistent energy without crashing, sharp focus throughout workouts, and increased endurance to handle more intense sessions.
Here’s what I experienced in detail:
1. Intense Energy and Focus. Gorilla mode lightning pre-workout claims to deliver a quick energy and focus boost and our experience confirmed this.
About 15 minutes after taking it, we all noticed a significant rise in alertness that sustained me through my workout. The heightened mental focus helped us stay concentrated during challenging exercises, and the energy boost remained steady without any crash, making it suitable for both short and intense training sessions.
2. Mental Clarity and Motivation: The combination of Alpha-GPC and L-Tyrosine noticeably enhances mental clarity. On days when motivation was low, this product gave me the extra push to stay focused during tough workouts. My team members had a similar experience, reporting improved focus and mental sharpness throughout their sessions.
3. Improved Endurance: The blend in Gorilla Mode Lightning noticeably extends endurance, helping you push through the final reps when fatigue sets in. This effect was especially clear during HIIT and heavy lifting workouts, where I could maintain performance even as my muscles were nearing exhaustion.
4. Minimal Crash: The inclusion of theobromine appears to effectively minimize the typical energy crash found in high-stimulant pre-workouts. After the initial surge of energy, the drop-off was gradual and controlled, leaving me feeling steady and refreshed rather than drained after my workout.
Also, since Gorilla Mode Lightning doesn’t contain beta-alanine, I was relieved to avoid the skin-tingling effect that I’ve experienced with other pre-workouts. Personally, this was a major plus for me, as the tingling sensation can sometimes be distracting during workouts.
Pros:
- Fast-acting, high-energy boost
- Enhanced focus and cognitive function
- Smooth energy taper-off with minimal crash
- Great flavor variety and overall taste
Cons:
- Very high caffeine content might be too intense for some users
- May cause jitteriness in caffeine-sensitive individuals
Custom Rating Criteria:
- Ingredient: 5.0
- Texture: 4.8
- Flavor: 4.8
- User Ratings: 4.8
- Ingredient Quality: 4.9
- Product Effectiveness: 4.8
Side Effects and Tolerability
While Gorilla Mode Lightning delivers powerful effects, it’s important to be mindful of potential side effects. The high caffeine content could cause jitteriness or restlessness in people sensitive to stimulants.
Some of my team members experienced an increase in heart rate during the more intense portions of our workouts, which is something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
Additionally, those prone to anxiety or trouble sleeping should consider using a smaller dose, especially when training later in the day.
How to Use it
Gorilla Mode Lightning is intended to be consumed 20-30 minutes before your workout.
Mix one scoop with water, but for those new to high-stimulant pre-workouts, it’s best to start with half a scoop to gauge tolerance before advancing to a full serving.
Adjust as needed based on individual responses for optimal results.
Who Should Use This Supplement?
Based on my experience, I’d recommend Gorilla Mode Lightning to anyone seeking a serious boost in energy and focus during workouts. Whether you’re into weightlifting, HIIT, or endurance training, this pre-workout delivers powerful, sustained energy and heightened mental clarity.
It’s especially great for athletes who are used to high-stimulant formulas and need that extra edge to push through tough sessions. The nootropic ingredients also make it perfect for those looking to enhance their focus and overall performance during intense routines.
Who Shouldn’t Use It?
Gorilla Mode Lightning isn’t suitable for everyone. I’d not recommend this pre-workout if:
- You have an underlying medical condition affected by stimulants.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You’re sensitive to caffeine or stimulants; starting with a smaller dose might be necessary.
- If you’re under 18 or following specific health regimens; consult a doctor before use to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Where to Buy and Price
Gorilla Mode Lightning is available directly from the official Gorilla Mind website. It’s priced competitively within the high-stimulant pre-workout category at $64.99 at the time of writing.
Compared to other high-stim pre-workouts, it sits in the middle price range but offers more servings per container, which provides added value.
Shipping and Delivery
Gorilla Mind offers fast and reliable shipping options, with delivery times varying by location. The new pre-workout can be shipped worldwide, though international customers may experience delivery times of up to 10 business days outside the U.S.
We received the product within 3 days of ordering on the company’s website. Free shipping is available on orders over a certain threshold.
Other user testimonials for the product/Customer feedback –
After the positive experiences with had with Gorilla Mode Lightning, we checked online reviews to see if others felt the same. Here are some reviews we found on the company website:
“Game-changing. Hit a bench PR first-day trying gorilla lightning” – Monkey J
“Explosive is an understatement. This pre-workout slapped me so hard I swear my balls are still vibrating” – Elan
Pre-Workout Supplement Alternatives
Here’s how Gorilla Mode Lightning compares to some of the most prominent pre-workout supplements in the market:
Gorilla Mode
Gorilla Mode is a popular pre-workout known for its transparency in ingredient labeling and focus on enhancing workout intensity.
It packs a punch with high doses of L-citrulline and creatine to promote muscle pumps and strength, while also including nootropics for better mental clarity during training.
However, Gorilla Mode Lightning takes things up a notch, surpassing the original in terms of stimulatory impact. With 200mg of caffeine per scoop, it provides a more intense energy boost and mental focus, making it better suited for those who need extreme stimulation to power through demanding sessions.
According to my dietician’s analysis, Gorilla Mode Lightning boasts a substantial 40-gram serving size, which is about 60% larger than the original Gorilla Mode High-Stim, delivering a more potent and long-lasting effect.
4 Gauge
4 Gauge is a pre-workout known for its natural ingredients and moderate stimulant profile. This pre-workout supplement is designed for moderate stimulation, relying on 150mg of caffeine combined with L-theanine to create a smoother energy boost without jitters.
While this makes it a good option for those seeking a balanced pre-workout, Gorilla Mode Lightning offers significantly more power with 200mg of caffeine per scoop, providing far more intense stimulation, making it better suited for those needing maximum energy and mental focus to break through tough plateaus.
In addition, while 4 Gauge focuses on improving blood flow and muscle pumps through ingredients like L-citrulline and red beetroot extract, Gorilla Mode Lightning is specifically designed for those who prioritize cognitive clarity and extreme stimulation during their workouts.
Transparent Labs Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs PreSeries is a well-rounded, vegan-friendly pre-workout designed to support overall endurance and strength. This pre-workout supplement includes ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and BCAAs, which help improve muscle recovery and performance.
Its balanced formula and natural approach make it a popular option for those who want a clean energy boost and endurance enhancement without too many stimulants.
Transparent Labs offers a lower stimulant content, which is great for moderate-intensity workouts but lacks the high-powered stimulation of Gorilla Mode Lightning. The latter is ideal for hardcore trainers looking to push beyond their limits and tackle the most challenging workouts
Additionally, Transparent Labs contains beta-alanine, which might cause that itchy sensation, while Gorilla Mode Lightning skips this ingredient, offering a smoother experience without the tingles.
FAQs
What does Gorilla Mode do to your body?
Gorilla Mode Lightning delivers a powerful mix of stimulants and nootropics that enhance energy levels, increase endurance, and improve mental focus. It works by activating the central nervous system, helping you stay sharp and energized throughout your workout. This allows you to push through fatigue and achieve better performance during high-intensity exercises.
How long to take Gorilla Mode before a workout?
It’s best to take Gorilla Mode Lightning about 20-30 minutes before your workout. This gives the ingredients enough time to kick in, ensuring that you feel the full effects right when you start training.
How many scoops of Gorilla Mode Lightning should I take?
The recommended dose is one scoop of Gorilla Mode Lightning mixed with water. However, if you’re new to high-stimulant pre-workouts, start with half a scoop to assess your tolerance. More experienced users may take the full scoop, but it’s important not to exceed this amount to avoid potential side effects.
Our Final Verdict on Gorilla Mode Lightning Pre-workout
Based on my experience and that of my team, Gorilla Mode Lightning delivers on its promise of enhanced energy, focus, and endurance, making it a game-changing pre-workout.
It’s ideal for hardcore trainers and those looking to break through stubborn plateaus, providing the intensity needed for high-performance training.
However, the high caffeine content may be overwhelming for those with a more moderate training routine. That said, if you’re aiming to push your limits and elevate your workouts, this product is definitely worth trying.
