This Pre-Workout Delivers…
Greater Work Capacity.
More Brute Strength.
Extra Endurance.
Sharper Focus.
All in one, strategically crafted, time-tested, herbal formula*
“The best pre-workout I’ve ever taken.”
Rufus B. (Verified Customer)
“Much better than regular pre-workouts.”
Jordan B. (Verified Customer)
“Hercules is awesome. I do all of my workouts at home and take it 15 minutes prior to a workout…”
Dan N. (Verified Customer)
“Great pre-workout with all real ingredients.”
Donald M. (Verified Customer)
“I took this last night preworkout (a tablespoon). I could not believe the pump and the vascularity in my legs (it was leg day)…”
Marshall B. (Verified Customer)
“Way better than the poison they sell you at health store. You guys rock!”
Anthony L.(Verified Customer)
Hercules is Expertly Formulated for Maximum Performance & Recovery Without the Crash*
This formula wasn’t built on trends or hype — it was built out of necessity, with long-term health in mind and powerful, time-tested tonics that truly support performance, recovery, and resilience without the crash.*
I work out almost daily and I’m always looking for the edge.
As a kid, I was extremely weak and scrawny. There was a time when I couldn’t do a pushup. After about twenty years I found out about real, functional training.
Since that time, I’ve done all manner of bodyweight training, kettlebells, and heavy lifting. I’m known as a strongman for my many feats of strength and endurance, including pulling a fire truck by my hair, supporting half a ton in a wrestler’s bridge, doing 300 snatches in 10 minutes with a 53 lb. kettlebell, ripping two decks of cards in half at the same time and much more.
This is the baseline signal. It’s your underlying drive, responsiveness, and readiness. When testosterone is low, everything downstream has to work harder. If it’s not where it should be, your interest in sex usually isn’t either!
I want to share with you a natural pre-workout formula that has been a big aid in my training over the past decade that helped me achieve many of the feats of strength and endurance (pictured above).
Most Bodybuilding Supplements are
Filled with Synthetic Chemicals
Many don’t even work. But some do. Still, do you want to be taking something filled with artificial colors and chemical sweeteners? Here are some details on what those “colors” can deliver to you.
Many if not all of the most commonly used synthetic food dyes have been evaluated for potential safety concerns, including the presence of trace contaminants and compounds that have been identified in many scientific reviews as serious health risks. Good luck finding a pre-workout supplement at GNC that isn’t bright blue or some neon, radioactive color.
Many pre-workouts rely heavily on stimulants like caffeine and beta-alanine. While these can provide a quick burst of energy, they may also lead to uncomfortable side effects such as jitters or energy crashes. Hercules is formulated differently — designed to support steady energy and focus without excessive stimulants.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Way better than my old prework-out that left me all jittery, never going back!” – Anthony L.
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“Gym and HIIT endurance (tennis) is a clearly noticeable intensity gain! better than any pre-workout I’ve taken, which was garbage now that I have the REAL THING!” – Michael B.
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“This works very well as a pre-workout supplement. I like that I don’t get the “skin crawling”, “hair tingling” affect that I get with other pre workouts but the endurance to power through the workout is still there.” – Zach L.
The All-Natural Difference for Fitness
Many years ago, I trained at a commercial gym, doing bodybuilding and slugging down protein powders and the latest supplements promising to pack on muscle and increase explosive strength.
I got away from all that as I turned towards real functional training. But since experimenting with herbs, I found there was another path.
Tons of people have reported great workout results using some of our herbs like Ant and Phoenix. But I wanted something that could fully empower you. I wanted something that made you feel like HERCULES.
After much testing and tweaking, this formula came to fruition.
How Strong Can You Become?
How about lifting over 1000 lbs? That’s one of the many things I personally accomplished when working with this formula.
It was around the time I finally landed on the original Hercules formula that I hit my first-ever 1000 lb. lift. With this partial, I did 170 lbs. more than on my last attempt. That’s quite a PR thanks, in large part to the support of Hercules.
To this day, I feel like I get more out of my training sessions when I take Hercules compared to periods when I don’t.* It’s become a regular method for me to increase my work capacity.*
What’s Inside Hercules Formula?
Polyrhachis Black Ant
Premier Qi Tonic of Chinese Medicine*
I had already been using Polyrhachis Ant Extract as a pre-workout supplement for some time. By itself, it is one of the best.* It is known as a greater Qi tonic than even the much better-known Ginseng. This tonic herb from China has a great reputation for providing feelable energy that most people can utilize right away.*
Polyrhachis Ant is rich in ecdysterone, a growth hormone in insects. Some research has shown this to have an anabolic effect.*2 There is very limited research on how this works, but tons of people are raving about what these tiny insects can do for you.
Endurance athlete and biohacker Ben Greenfield said, “I’d forgotten how much of a pick-me-up this stuff can give you, especially pre-workout, for endurance or for a long day at the office.”
Cistanche
Blood Flow, Hormones, and Yang Jing Power*
For training, you don’t just want Qi or energy. You also want a Yang Jing herb to help deliver a powerful driving force. Enter Cistanche. This herb has been referred to as “cistanche in your pants” or “the stalk enlarger” because of its association with fertility and male virility.*
The same Yang energy needed for vital force functions is the same as for working out! Thus, a top yang jing herb like Cistanche was obvious for this blend.
A 2025 study looked at Cistanche supplementation in both trained and untrained men over the course of 8 weeks with a resistance training program. Those taking Cistanche have reported support for strength and endurance, along with promoting healthy testosterone and cortisol levels already within the normal range.
Cistanche helps direct blood flow to the loins (great for squats, deadlifts, and running) as well as helping to support healthy testosterone levels.* While it’s traditional and most common use is to support sexual wellness, it every bit deserves similar use and recognition in fitness.*
Maral Root
Longtime Russian Athlete Secret of Recovery*
The next part was to include a yin jing herb, something that would support the body’s recovery process after the workout was over. I chose Maral Root for this.* Although few people in the West are aware of this herb, it has a fairly extensive history in Russia and the surrounding areas.
It was given to Russian athletes to help them recover from hard workouts.* It also contains novel plant steroids, including 20-Hydroxyecdysterone and turkesterone, said to help build lean muscle mass (by boosting muscle protein synthesis), increase work capacity, as well as a host of other benefits.*4
This one herb is a great “workout formula” by itself, but added to this blend, you get even more benefit.*
Rhodiola rosea
The Original Adaptogen, Most Highly Studied for Exercise*
There was still a need for even greater endurance and work capacity.* Rhodiola was known as the primary adaptogen of Russian research, where the term was invented to reference this root first and foremost.*
Rhodiola supports resilience to occasional stress and helps maintain energy levels, aiding in recovery from physical and mental exertion. There have been at least 16 human trials looking at Rhodiola for exercise performance. Many of these show that even a single dose may increase endurance exercise capacity and lower fatigue after exertion.*5
Longer-term use, up to a month, has also been studied, with research suggesting benefits for exercise performance across many sports.*5 If you want greater work capacity, Rhodiola is a fine place to start.
It also helps to deliver the mental focus needed to make the most out of any workout.* This capability is a key secret that helps Hercules outperform many other pre-workouts.
Cordyceps militaris
Military Grade Lung Improvement*
Cordyceps became popular when Eastern athletes used it to dominate the Olympics in the 90’s. They are used as an overall rejuvenator for increased energy and performance.*
This fungi is considered a potent Lung tonic, giving qi as well as being both yin and yang jing, in Chinese medicine.* By itself, it’s a great pre-workout solution.*
Research suggests Cordyceps can lend enhanced blood flow and oxygen utilization, which may increase exercise tolerance and delay the onset of fatigue.* One study found that three weeks of supplementation led to a 10.9% increase in VO2MAX and 8.2% increase in time-to-exhaustion compared to placebo.*6
Shilajit
The Destroyer of Weakness, Shilajit, for Greater Activation*
Shilajit is known as “The Destroyer of Weakness” and “The Conqueror of Mountains”.* What more do you need to know after hearing those names, especially when it comes to exercise performance?
Shilajit contains a wide range of trace minerals. Without an adequate supply of minerals, your body cannot function optimally, including for the firing of muscles.* It’s also a rich source of fulvic and humic acids, which work directly on the mitochondria in your cells, helping these powerhouses to produce more energy.*
Some research has shown that Shilajit supplementation can help resistance to fatigue after exertion, keeping people able to maintain a greater level of maximal muscular strength.*7 Another study found that Shilajit may support skeletal muscle adaptation, to support muscles that come back stronger next time.*8
By itself, Shilajit can help with any workout.* Perhaps more importantly, the other main benefit of Shilajit is that it acts as a potentiator.* That means anything taken with it, including the other herbs in this formula, are better delivered and assimilated in your body, thus becoming more powerful.*
New and Improved Formula with Smaller Dose Needed
Hercules Pre-Workout Formula has been loved by many for the decade it’s been around. But it was time to take it to the next level.
The Maral Root, Rhodiola, and Cordyceps have all been upgraded in this new formulation. Even higher quality starting herbs with more powerful extractions. Less maltodextrin (This formula does contain approximately 4% non-GMO corn maltodextrin from the Polyrhachis Black Ant Extract inside, necessary to turn liquid to powder.)
More potent herbs means a smaller dose is needed.
Even the taste has improved. It still tastes like dirt, but more of a bland dirt than before.
Along with that, we’ve finally made Hercules available in capsules, not just the powder, for those who want to bypass the taste altogether and have greater convenience.
Take 0 to 30 Minutes Before Your Workout and Feel the POWER
No fake colors, no added flavors, no fillers. For this reason, it doesn’t taste great, but powerful herbs seldom do. In fact, I’ll be honest with you, it tastes like dirt. That’s what happens with powerful herbs and no sweeteners.
Just mix ½ to 1 teaspoon (1.6-3.2 grams) into a glass of water and down it quickly. Alternatively, others like to sip on Hercules throughout a workout, especially if it is on the longer side.
Or take 3 to 5 capsules (1.8-3 grams) before a workout. Please allow for an extra 10 minutes for the capsules to dissolve in your stomach to feel the effects.
Recommended only for use before your workouts or other strenuous activity. Not on off or rest days.
Athletes of All Kinds Love Hercules!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “For me since I started using it I concentrate and focus better as I’m working out. Plus The results are Great, Lifting heavier weights, getting a good pump out of every rep no matter what exercise I’m doing. I Highly Recommend this product” – Mike
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The energy is amazing, I’m 67 years old and able to workout for 3 hours. ” – Angel M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made the move to this herbal preworkout and have not regretted it.” – Leandro F.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Feel as powerful as the gods” is really what you’ll feel with this stuff. I’ve only used it once so far and I’ve never felt stronger in my life. I could’ve tripled my workout for the day and still been ready for more. I can already tell that it’s truly what I needed to propel my fitness to the next level. Will be coming back for more! “- Josh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I took this last night preworkout (a tablespoon). I could not believe the pump and the vascularity in my legs (it was leg day). I had veins popping out I didn’t know were in there and had never seen before. I’ve had some vascularity in my legs before but this was off the chart. I also felt motivated, positive, and any soreness or pain I had from prior day’s workouts (at least temporarily) vanished. Keep up the great work Lost Empire, we want more amazing pumps like what this stuff does!” – Marshall B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ” This blend gives me so much power, focus and endurance during any type of physical activity. I have been telling everyone about it. Truly absolutely amazing!!!” – Jake D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It gives me so much energy, it is an amazing product. I am 64 years old and I squat 490 pounds. I work out 4 times a week, 2:30 – 3:00 hours. ” – Angel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Definitely gives me the energy I need for endurance training.” Ryan A.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ” I bought this about a week ago and after trying it twice, once for weights and the other for HIIT, I have to say there is something there. It’s hard to explain because I am coming from the over stimulated supplement pre work out world but I’ll give it a try. If you’ve ever driven a performance car and stepped on the gas and had instant response. The more you press down on the peddle the more you got out of the car and it was instantaneous. That’s what I felt, no hesitation, I could just push more just by thinking about it. Definitely weird but a very good weird lol” – Doug
Not Just for Men. Loved By Women Too…including 8x CrossFit Games Athlete Jenn Dieter!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “FYI this stuff is awesome for me. I don’t do pre-workouts. I did a friend of mine’s popular brand once and hated it! My heart rate was 160 while sitting! lol So I never did it again. But I’ve done this one almost every day I workout since you gave it to me and it just really enabled me to be extremely focused on the workout. Usually my mind is all over the place. It’s not like crazy synthetic energy, just gives clarity and makes me feel more intentional. I’ve really enjoyed it!” – Kylie – CrossFit Athlete
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is my morning regimen for my workout days! I feel great and I am recovering from my workouts in a speedy fashion! – Brenda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ok, I’m not entirely sure the Hercules blend is geared for women, but I use it anyway. I was in a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident and suffered extreme trauma. I have a hard time building muscle back from atrophy, regulating hormones, having energy to complete daily tasks, and recovering from workouts. I decided some strength from black ants might be just what I need. My pre-workout includes Spartan, Hercules, beet powder, an amino blend, and some good tasting greens. (Trust me you need the beet and greens to cover the taste!!!) This blend makes me feel like I have human jet fuel in my system! I can get through my workout and ongoing physical therapy, and have the strength to get through the rest of my day! Post workout blend is Athena, collagen, pandora’s peace, and Regen in my protein shake. The muscle building and weight loss is still a struggle, but these herbs and blends help so much! I’ll be using them for life.” – Sarah S.
Nothing Works for Everyone
Hercules works. That evidence is shared throughout this page. But unfortunately, nothing works for every single person. (Likely for some the gut cannot absorb, and the body cannot make use of these herbs for a variety of reasons.)
I’ll be the first to admit that. And in the interest of transparency, here are a few negative reviews, from people it didn’t work for.
“Honestly I have found no difference with this than no pre-workout at all. I’m sure the answer is that each individual has a different reaction with each product.” – Kevim
“I didn’t perceive any increased energy or stamina.” – Barry L.
“I was really hopeful that I’d experience a boost in energy, but to my surprise, I got nothing. I had high hopes for this product.” – Russ A.
While I can’t promise it will work for you, though it works for most, I can promise that you’ll either be happy or you can get your money back. We have an industry-leading 365-day money-back guarantee. You don’t need to send the bag or bottle back, just let us know, and we’ll refund your purchase price if you’re unhappy for any reason. Up to a year. We couldn’t offer this guarantee if it didn’t work for most.
Recommended Combinations for Added Workout Power
As mentioned, Hercules tastes like dirt. You can avoid this by grabbing the capsules. Alternatively, you can increase the workout benefits and improve the taste as well with the following herbal additions.
- Combine with Beet Juice Powder – Add one tablespoon to sweeten the drink up, and add the nitric oxide boosting benefits of Beets to your workout
- Combine with Goji Freeze Dried Powder – Add one to two teaspoons for sweetness, plus added recovery ability and a potential boost to growth hormone
- Combine with Gynostemma Tea – Brew the tea separately, either hot or cold, to help support healthy energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, complementing the benefits of Hercules.
Beyond these, you can add anything sweet that will help mask the flavor, while anything sour tends to cut it. Here are a couple of customer recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Hercules is awesome. I do all of my workouts at home and take it 15 minutes prior to a workout. The first time I used it i noticed more power lifting weights and stamina increased. It made me feel like I was in total control. I mix it with organic honey organic cinnamon and organic coconut water, unsweetened organic coconut milk because it helps with the taste and the honey gives more absorption. I will be buying more” – Dan N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This my favorite. At 67 I am crushing it in the gym. I also stack with Spartan and Phoenix. Use it pre, interim and post. Does everything Logan says. Yes, taste can be a challenge. Just add some tasty stuff to make it better. Small price to pay for the results!! If your serious about your workouts or need a little “old dude” boost NATURALLY.. Try it you will feel it!” – Dr S
Side Effects and Contraindications
Too high of a dose can feel like too much energy and buzz. If that occurs, make sure to use less of a dose next time.
In some cases, Hercules may elevate blood pressure, so take caution if you are hypertensive.
Shilajit, and therefore Hercules, is not recommended for people with gout, as it can increase uric acid levels. Shilajit can also affect blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be careful.
Rhodiola, and therefore Hercules, is not recommended for people on SSRI’s, due to some MAO inhibitor action.
Many of these herbs are untested on pregnant and lactating women and therefore not recommended.
Adding to Your Health, Instead of Sacrificing It for Performance
Not only will Hercules Pre-Workout Formula help your workouts, but you’ll likely discover lots of effects…beneficial ones. These herbs provide antioxidant support, help promote healthy energy and endurance, support immune health, and contribute to overall cognitive function.
Isn’t that better than something that robs Peter to pay Paul within your body?
We were one of the very first companies to put out an all-natural herbal pre-workout formula. It’s nice to see others are copying us left and right. It’s nice to see that others are aiming to have high, even elite levels of performance while aiding their health.
But why go with the copycats? Instead stick with the original…
Are you ready to feel like Hercules?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
