Beet Juice and Baking Powder Pre-Workout: Does It Actually Work?

Malik Stalbert, PhD

Feb 20, 2025

1. A dynamic image of a glass of beet juice on a gym counter, surrounded by fitness-related items like dumbbells, a jump rope, and a water bottle. The deep red color of the juice contrasts with the sleek, modern gym environment.

2. A visually engaging image of baking powder being mixed into a glass of water, with a spoon stirring the liquid. The effervescent reaction should be captured to highlight the chemistry-like effect of the mixture.

3. A high-energy scene of an athlete mid-workout, showing the effects of the pre-workout mix. The athlete, looking focused and strong, is lifting weights or performing high-intensity cardio, with subtle overlays of molecular structures representing nitric oxide and lactic acid buffering.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about a natural pre-workout combination that supposedly boosts endurance, power, and recovery: beet juice and baking powder. At first, I was skeptical—mixing beet juice with baking soda sounds more like a chemistry experiment than a performance enhancer. But after looking into the science behind it, I’ve decided to try it out this week and see if it actually works.

Why Beet Juice and Baking Powder?

The logic behind this combo is pretty solid. Beet juice is packed with nitrates, which help increase nitric oxide levels in the body. This leads to better blood flow, improved oxygen delivery, and enhanced endurance—perfect for high-intensity training.

Then there’s baking powder (sodium bicarbonate), which acts as a lactic acid buffer. This means it can help reduce that muscle burn feeling during workouts and allow for longer, more intense training sessions. Some studies even suggest it can improve power output and recovery between sets.

A visually engaging image of baking powder being mixed into a glass of water, with a spoon stirring the liquid. The effervescent reaction should be captured to highlight the chemistry-like effect of the mixture. The scene should have a clean and minimalistic background to emphasize the bubbling reaction.

The Experiment: Testing It Out This Week

Since I’m always looking for ways to optimize my workouts, I’ll be putting this combination to the test over the next few training sessions. My plan is simple:

Drink about 8-12 ounces of beet juice (or beet powder mixed in water) about 60-90 minutes before training.
Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder mixed in water 30-60 minutes before working out.
Track my performance, endurance, and overall energy levels.
Pay close attention to any side effects, like stomach discomfort, since baking soda can sometimes cause bloating if taken in excess.

What I Expect

I’m hoping to see an increase in stamina and endurance, especially during my cardio and martial arts training. If the baking powder does what it’s supposed to, I might also notice less muscle fatigue during heavy lifting sessions. But of course, all of this is just theory until I test it out for myself.

A high-energy scene of an athlete mid-workout, showing the effects of the pre-workout mix. The athlete, looking focused and strong, is lifting weights or performing high-intensity cardio. There are subtle overlays of molecular structures representing nitric oxide and lactic acid buffering, emphasizing the physiological benefits of the beet juice and baking powder combination.

Final Thoughts Before Trying It

I’ve used traditional pre-workouts before, and while they work, they often come with jitters, crashes, or dependency on stimulants. The idea of using a more natural approach—something that’s based on improving body function rather than relying on caffeine—sounds appealing.

So, this week, I’m diving into the beet juice and baking powder pre-workout experiment. I’ll see if it’s just hype or if there’s something real behind it. Stay tuned for the results!

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