Strongest Pre-Exercise: The Greatest Excessive-Stim Picks of 2025

Whether or not you’re beginning your health journey or are a seasoned gymnasium rat, you’ve most likely come throughout pre-workout. The strongest pre-workouts stand out from the pack as a result of they’re formulated with scientifically backed substances and doses to reinforce your bodily and psychological efficiency. “How sturdy a pre-workout is will depend on the compounds it has that stimulate the central nervous system, which helps improve vitality and wakefulness,” says Alex Oskian, M.S., R.D.N.

As an authorized private coach, after I’m on the lookout for the strongest pre-workout, I be sure it has 4 key substances: caffeine (a minimum of 200mg), L-citrulline (a minimum of 4,000mg), beta-alanine (a minimum of 3,200mg), and betaine (a minimum of 2,500mg). Caffeine is a stimulant that offers you an vitality increase, L-citrulline is an amino acid that helps enhance blood movement, beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps muscular endurance, and betaine is one other amino acid that may assist improve power. 

Our Picks for the Strongest Pre-Exercises of 2025:

Our workforce of skilled testers, together with private trainers and nutritionists, tried greater than 70 pre-workouts and reported which dietary supplements delivered essentially the most focus, energy, and tingles. We then narrowed down our record to the 9 strongest pre-workouts.

This content material is supposed to be informative, however shouldn’t be taken as medical recommendation. It’s not meant to be used as analysis, prevention, or therapy of well being issues. At all times communicate together with your physician earlier than beginning any new complement or train routine.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Energy: Clear Labs BULK BLACK

In case your aim is to enhance athletic efficiency and energy output within the gymnasium, then we advocate Clear Labs BULK BLACK. This complement incorporates a potent mixture of 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine anhydrous, and 10 different energetic substances. Beta-alanine, a nonessential amino acid, might enhance potential energy output by reducing muscle fatigue, permitting you to push out a number of extra reps when you train. And research present betaine anhydrous might improve muscular endurance. These substances work collectively to reinforce your coaching, paving the best way for power features over time.

I like to achieve for a scoop of BULK BLACK earlier than bodybuilding exercises (particularly the Peach Mango and Watermelon Peach flavors) as a result of it’s made with 8,000mg of citrulline malate. Some research counsel citrulline malate may boost exercise and muscular performance, however extra analysis is required.

Cory Kessler, C.P.T., C.F.N.C., has tried greater than 25 pre-workouts. He examined the Blue Raspberry taste of BULK BLACK earlier than a cardio exercise. “This has a refined blue raspberry style, however could be very candy, possible from the stevia,” he says. “Whereas there are better-tasting sturdy pre-workouts, Bulk Black utterly dissolved in my shaker bottle in only some seconds with no clumps, grittiness, or residue.”

After taking BULK BLACK, Kessler says he felt extra energized and targeted all through his exercise. “I began sweating virtually instantly, and inside 5 to 10 minutes, I had a lift of vitality, an enormous pump, and felt like I may raise tougher and stronger,” he says. Kessler says whereas utilizing this pre-workout, he felt the tingling sensation widespread with excessive doses of beta-alanine.

Every serving of BULK BLACK incorporates 350mg of caffeine, which is near the recommended daily limit of 400mg and could also be too intense for some folks.

Associated: Clear Labs BCAA Glutamine Overview

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Power: Legion Pulse Pre-Exercise

As an authorized sports activities vitamin coach, I search for 4 essential substances in a high-quality pre-workout complement: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. Every performs a key function in enhancing athletic efficiency. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, analysis reveals beta-alanine might boost muscular endurance, betaine anhydrous can improve strength, and L-citrulline enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles. Legion Pulse is our decide for the strongest pre-workout for vitality as a result of it incorporates all 4 of those substances, and it’s the one pre-workout on our record testers gave 5/5 for style and effectiveness.

I’ve tried greater than 50 pre-workouts and assume Legion Pulse is top-tier. I like that it’s free from synthetic sweeteners, flavors, and colours, and is third-party examined. It’s my pre-workout of alternative for my morning coaching session as a result of it provides me a pleasant burst of vitality and a superb pump. 

Tester Kayla Godfrey has tried 5 completely different manufacturers of pre-workout and says Pulse is her favourite due to its effectiveness. “I’ve been utilizing Pulse 3 times per week for six months, and it at all times makes me really feel energized and targeted,” she says. “My aim is to enhance my private information and raise tougher, so Pulse is my go-to after I prepare,” Godfrey says it sometimes takes quarter-hour for this pre-workout to kick in, and whereas it does give her tingles, it’s not overwhelming. “I by no means really feel a drop-off, however reasonably a sluggish vitality launch,” she says. 

Pulse is available in 20 flavors, so there’s one thing for everybody. A few of my private favorites are Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Kiwi, and Peach Ring. Godfrey additionally tried Pink Lemonade however says it’s slightly too candy for her liking. She sometimes dilutes it with extra water than the really useful 10 to 12 ounces.

Every serving of Pulse incorporates 350mg of caffeine, which could be very near the recommended daily limit of 400mg. Should you determine to strive Pulse, it’s a good suggestion to watch your caffeine consumption from different sources like espresso or tea. Should you’re new to pre-workout or are caffeine-sensitive, a non-stim pre-workout could also be a greater choice.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Focus: Onnit Alpha Mind Pre-Exercise

Onnit Alpha Mind is designed to extend psychological acuity and focus. Testers say that’s precisely how they felt after making an attempt Onnit Alpha Mind, which is why it’s our decide for the strongest pre-workout for focus. “What makes this pre-workout stand out is the cognitive results. I felt considerably extra targeted after taking Alpha Mind than another pre-workout I’ve tried,” says tester Ellie Baldini. Different testers agreed, saying Alpha Mind helped them really feel current and able to work out with out being overstimulated.

Onnit Alpha Mind’s components differs from most different sturdy pre-workout dietary supplements on our record—it incorporates nootropics, substances that improve studying and reminiscence. One of many key substances, NooGandha, is an ashwagandha extract used to reduce stress and improve well-being by reducing cortisol levels within the physique. One other key ingredient, AlphaSize, might promote the production of acetylcholine, a robust neurotransmitter that enhances cognitive function. Nevertheless, research demonstrating the impact of alpha-GPC on cognitive efficiency used 200 to 400mg doses per day, and a serving of Onnit Alpha mind has 125mg.

The opposite distinctive ingredient in Onnit Alpha Mind is Dynamine. It really works similarly to caffeine, by blocking the physique’s adenosine receptors that trigger you to really feel drained. Nevertheless, this ingredient is banned in all sports activities dietary supplements in Australia. Whereas Dynamine continues to be allowed for sports activities competitions within the U.S., it’s potential it will likely be banned sooner or later. Aggressive athletes might need to avoid this product.

Baldini says Alpha-Mind is middle-of-the-road in comparison with different sturdy pre-workouts in relation to bodily vitality. “After taking different sturdy pre-workouts, I often expertise a lift in vitality. After taking this pre-workout, the psychological results had been way more noticeable than the bodily ones,” she says. That could be partly as a result of Alpha Mind lacks substances like betaine anhydrous, taurine, and creatine, which may assist muscle development and restoration.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Power: Nutricost Pre-X

Most sturdy pre-workouts price between $2 and $3 per serving. Nutricost Pre-X is our decide for the strongest funds pre-workout as a result of it prices $1 per serving. One tester referred to as it “the most effective worth in the marketplace,” and I agree.  Whereas another funds pre-workouts are lacking key substances, Pre-X incorporates the 4 essential ones I wish to see in a pre-workout: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. “The value is best than most different pre-workouts I’ve tried, particularly for a complement this good,” says one tester.

Every serving of Pre-X has 300mg of caffeine and 4,000mg of L-citrulline, so you must really feel energized and get a superb pump with this pre-workout. “I bought an honest pump and had a peaceful focus with out feeling overstimulated,” one tester says. Whereas Pre-X has a barely decrease dosage of beta-alanine than another pre-workouts on our record, testers say they skilled noticeable tingles throughout their exercise.

Nutricost Pre-X is available in 5 flavors, together with Blue Raspberry. “This tastes nice ice chilly or at room temperature. I look ahead to consuming it earlier than my exercises,” says one tester. Whereas testers didn’t expertise any unfavorable unwanted effects when making an attempt Pre-X, this pre-workout is made with the substitute sweetener sucralose. Some health experts have raised concerns about taking sucralose in excessive doses.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Style: Jacked Manufacturing facility NitroSurge Pre-Exercise

Whether or not you want a robust pre-workout that’s candy, bitter, fruity, or tart, Jacked Manufacturing facility NitroSuge has a taste for you. Testers prefer it a lot that one mentioned they may drink it poolside with ice. My private favorites are Cherry Limeade, Bitter Peach Rings, and Blueberry Lemonade. Tester Matt Cummings says he prefers Jacked Manufacturing facility Nitro Surge to another sturdy pre-workouts he’s tried. “I didn’t just like the Pink Lemonade taste of Legion Pulse, however I might undoubtedly use the Grape NitroSurge once more,” he says.

Cummings says about 20 minutes after taking NitroSurge he felt like he may raise tougher. “I often work out within the morning as a result of I really feel most rested then, however even after taking this within the afternoon, I felt ‘jacked up’ and able to go,” he says. Cummings says he skilled tingles and a slight drop off, however that neither was overwhelming.

I’ve used Jacked Manufacturing facility NitroSurge extensively for years. Moreover the style, I like that it’s budget-friendly whereas nonetheless together with evidence-backed substances, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, L-theanine, theobromine, and AstraGin. AstraGin, additionally present in Clear Labs BULK BLACK, is a plant-based compound formulated to reinforce nutrient absorption. Whereas AstraGin is secure at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, extra analysis is required on the potential performance-enhancing advantages.

Like a number of the different pre-workouts on our record, NitroSurge is made with the substitute sweetener sucralose, which some well being consultants have raised issues about taking in excessive doses. Additionally, Jacked Manufacturing facility dietary supplements don’t bear third-party testing. Third-party testing ensures the product consists of the substances listed on the label and nothing else. That is particularly necessary for athletes who bear drug testing for banned substances.

Strongest Pure Pre-Exercise: Ora Natural Renewable Power

Should you’re on the lookout for a clear pre-workout, we advocate Ora Renewable Power. It’s our decide for the most effective pure pre-workout as a result of it doesn’t comprise any synthetic substances, is licensed vegan, UDSA-certified natural, and is non-GMO. We additionally like that it’s third-party tested for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and more. 

Renewable Power doesn’t comprise a lot of the different substances sometimes present in sturdy pre-workouts, equivalent to beta-alanine. As a substitute, it’s made with a mix of pure substances, together with adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola.

Adaptogens assist our our bodies reply to stress; analysis reveals ashwagandha may reduce stress and fight fatigue. Rhioldia may increase focus and endurance. Renewable vitality additionally incorporates nitric-oxide-boosting substances to extend blood movement. Nitric oxide precursors, like citrulline, are generally utilized in pre-workouts. As a substitute, Renewable Power customers pomegranate juice powder, which research counsel may improve strength and performance. A lot of the performance-enhancing substances in Renewable Power are in proprietary blends, so it’s unclear if they’re in science-backed doses. 

Every serving of Renewable Power incorporates 90mg of caffeine, which is considerably lower than any of the opposite sturdy pre-workouts we examined. This makes it a good selection for those who’re caffeine-sensitive, however these used to a high-stim complement might need to select one other pre-workout.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Tingles: Loopy Vitamin Intensive Pre-Prepare

Should you like feeling pores and skin tingles after taking your pre-workout, take a look at Loopy Vitamin Intensive Pre-Prepare. I like the prickly pores and skin sensation as a result of it lets me know my pre-workout is kicking in and it’s time to coach. This short-term facet impact, called paresthesia, is attributable to beta-alanine, which works to increase muscular endurance. Intensive Pre-Prepare has 3,500mg of beta-alanine per serving, which is extra per serving than virtually all the different pre-workouts on our record. “Beta-alanine is present in most pre-workout dietary supplements, possible as a result of it helps reduce fatigue and enhance endurance within the brief time period,” says Oskian. “It is because it reduces acidity within the physique, which comes from lactic acid build-up.”

Godfrey examined Loopy Vitamin Intensive Pre-Prepare earlier than a H.I.T.T. exercise and felt the tingles inside quarter-hour. “These had been sturdy in comparison with another pre-workouts I’ve tried,” says Godfrey. “I felt good tingles in my palms and face which lasted for about an hour.”

This intense pre-workout is available in three flavors: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, and Inexperienced Apple. Godfrey tried the Inexperienced Apple taste, which is caffeine-free. She says it wasn’t too candy, tasting extra like a greens powder than a bitter apple. “I’m reasonably caffeine dependent, so I didn’t really feel a burst of vitality. I favor caffeinated pre-workouts, however it is a nice choice for a late-night lifting session,” says Godfrey. Different testers who tried the Fruit Punch taste say they loved the tangy style. To reinforce the flavour, Loopy Vitamin is sweetened with the substitute sweetener sucralose. Whereas the FDA says sucralose is secure, some health experts urge caution.

Strongest Pre-Exercise for Pump: Gorilla Mode

For bodybuilders, a “pump” is an indication of a profitable coaching session. Elevated blood movement to the muscle groups makes them really feel fuller and seem bigger and extra vascular throughout and after a exercise. A pump additionally promotes muscle growth by delivering important vitamins and oxygen to the muscle groups as blood movement will increase. Whilst you can obtain a pump via high-rep units, drop units, and supersets, high-stim pre-workouts, like Gorilla Mode, are specifically designed to enhance your pump.

Gorilla Mode incorporates a number of pump-enhancing substances, together with 10,000mg of pure L-citrulline (extra per scoop than another pre-workout on our record) and 4,000mg of Hydro Prime glycerol powder. L-citrulline works to widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Glycerol powder is quickly absorbed by the muscle groups and attracts in water which may trigger muscle cell swelling.

Tester Josh Himes makes use of sturdy pre-workouts a number of instances per week and tried Gorilla Mode earlier than an higher physique exercise. “Not solely did I’ve a superb pump, I additionally felt extra targeted. I knocked out a number of extra reps than regular throughout my exercise,” Himes says. “I just like the Fruit Punch taste, though it was sweeter than I assumed it will be.” Whereas Himes loved Gorilla Mode’s style, he says the powder was gritty and tough to combine correctly. That is possible because of the glycerol powder which absorbs moisture, resulting in clumping.

Should you’re caffeine-sensitive or budget-conscious, this intense pre-workout is probably not the most effective for you. One serving incorporates 400mg of caffeine which is the overall quantity the FDA says is safe for adults to consume per day. Gorilla Mode says there are 40 single-scoop servings in every container. Nevertheless, consuming the researched-backed doses of the substances requires two scoops per serving. That brings the associated fee per serving to $3, making Gorilla Mode the costliest complement on our record.

Strongest Pre-Exercise with Creatine: C4 Final

The primary sturdy pre-workout I attempted over a decade in the past was the unique C4. The most recent model, C4 Final, is extra concentrated than the traditional components, combining each train efficiency and cognitive-enhancing substances. I attempted C4 Final earlier than a 30-minute HIIT. exercise. The caffeine mix bought me zoned in earlier than my coaching, and I felt nice all through your complete exercise.

This high-stim pre-workout is sweetened with sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about. I take pleasure in a really candy pre-workout, however the Icy Blue Razz taste was slightly too sugary even for me. Mixing it in additional water than really useful balances out the sweetness.

C4 Final is the one complement on our record that pairs a pre-workout with creatine. Creatine is a well-liked complement amongst athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to boost strength, enhance recovery, and prevent injury. Due to its performance-enhancing capabilities, some folks wish to take creatine along with their pre-workout. If you need the most effective of each worlds, we advocate C4 Final. Remember that one serving incorporates 1.5 grams of creatine per serving, which is lower than the really useful worth of 3 to 5 grams daily. If you wish to get essentially the most performance-enhancing advantages from creatine, you must put money into a standalone complement to assist assist your health objectives.

Should you compete in a sport that requires drug testing, C4 Final is probably not the most effective sturdy pre-workout for you as a result of it’s made with Dynamine, which is at the moment banned to be used in Australia.

What Makes a Pre-Exercise ‘Sturdy’?

A robust pre-workout incorporates a mix of performance-enhancing substances in research-backed dosages. “Normally, the power of a pre-workout is predicated upon the quantity of stimulants it incorporates. Excessive doses of caffeine (300mg+) are often a fast identifier of the pre-workout’s power,” Oskian says. 

Nevertheless, the efficiency of a pre-workout goes past the caffeine content material. Different energetic substances like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous can influence vitality, focus muscular endurance, and energy output. “Stronger by way of the quantity of caffeine isn’t at all times higher. If the aim is an even bigger pump within the gymnasium, different substances like L-citrulline could also be higher,” says Oskian. “One other widespread ingredient that may assist a pre-workout really feel stronger is beta-alanine, which can trigger a tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation on the pores and skin.”

How We Examined The Strongest Pre-Exercises

Our workforce of skilled testers, together with private trainers, vitamin coaches, and health fanatics, tried greater than 70 pre-workouts. We examined every complement earlier than a exercise, and in some circumstances for a number of weeks or months, to judge its performance-enhancing advantages, style, and whether or not the complement had any unfavorable unwanted effects. We rated every stong pre-workout for quite a lot of elements, together with:

• Substances and dosage: Does analysis present the sort and quantity of every ingredient is efficient? What quantity of the pre-workout is required for optimum outcomes? How typically do you have to take the pre-workout for optimum outcomes? 
• Stimulants: When on the lookout for the strongest pre-workouts, we checked out choices with caffeine. We wished choices with a minimum of 200mg of caffeine per serving. As a C.P.T., I consider that is the minimal efficient dose for a robust pre-workout.
• Third-party testing and certifications: Do impartial labs or services take a look at the pre-workout for efficacy? Is it NSFC-certified or Knowledgeable Selection Licensed?
• Taste and style: What number of flavors does the model provide? What do these flavors style like? Do they match the marketed taste?

On the finish of the testing interval, we in contrast suggestions to slim down our record. We additionally obtained enter from Oskian on what makes a robust pre-workout.

Advantages of Sturdy Pre-Exercises

A robust, well-dosed pre-workout complement might enable you to prepare tougher by boosting your vitality, focus, and endurance. “There are some things which are actually useful when you find yourself on the lookout for an awesome gymnasium session: vitality to do the work, psychological readability to assist concentrate on what you’re doing (not simply to work the muscle, however to forestall damage), and an awesome exercise. Utilizing a pre-workout may enable you to obtain all of those,” Oskian says.

Elevated Power

Caffeine is among the hottest stimulants utilized in pre-workout dietary supplements to reinforce vitality ranges and enhance focus. Virtually all the pre-workouts on our record use caffeine and L-theanine. Research have proven when paired with caffeine, L-theanine may improve cognitive performance. “Most pre-workouts comprise the stimulant caffeine in larger dosages. L-theanine helps counteract the negative effects of caffeine supplementation: jittery emotions and a post-caffeine crash,” Oskian says. “You may see much less psychological fatigue, improved response time, and fewer complications whereas commonly supplementing with L-theanine.”

Enhanced Focus

I like taking a pre-workout to enhance my focus as a result of it helps intensify my exercise. A number of pre-workouts on our record comprise Alpha-GPC and tyrosine to provide you that zoned-in feeling. Analysis suggests Alpha-GPC may improve cognitive function, and tyrosine may increase dopamine levels and cognition. One examine discovered L-tyrosine helped improve people’s memory whereas they labored on a demanding job.

Improved Endurance

A pre-workout might enable you to squeeze out a number of extra reps as you’re employed to construct power and muscle. Two substances generally utilized in pre-workout, beta-alanine and betaine anhydrous, might assist cut back fatigue and assist muscular endurance. “Analysis suggests betaine anhydrous can enhance muscle power and energy by way of elevated complete work capability and improved protein synthesis throughout the physique. Merely put, you are able to do extra work, which ends up in elevated power and muscle development,” says Oskian. One other widespread ingredient, taurine, may improve your performance and power.

Precautions When Taking a Sturdy Pre-Exercise

Oskian says not each pre-workout is created equal, so it’s necessary to concentrate to what’s on the label. “Dietary supplements will not be regulated by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA). This implies the complement may not comprise all of the substances you’re on the lookout for and should even comprise undesirable substances,” she says. Oksian recommends on the lookout for dietary supplements that bear third-party testing.

Regardless of which pre-workout you select, it’s necessary to comply with the really useful consumption tips. Keep in mind, pre-workouts shouldn’t be taken greater than as soon as per day. Should you select a high-stim pre-workout, be conscious of your caffeine consumption from different sources like espresso, tea, or soda so that you just don’t go over the every day really useful worth of 400mg. This may assist stop potential negative side effects like jitters, nervousness, or bother falling asleep. “Consuming caffeine on the finish of your day might trigger sleep disturbances, which solely hurts efficiency in the long term,” says Oskian.

Should you take treatment or have any underlying well being circumstances, seek the advice of your physician earlier than including a pre-workout to your every day routine. 

The best way to Select the Greatest Sturdy Pre-Exercise for You

There are a variety of necessary elements to contemplate when deciding which sturdy pre-workout is best for you.

Substances and Dosage

Many sturdy pre-workouts incorporate quite a lot of energetic substances. When selecting a pre-workout complement, contemplate your objectives. For instance, a bodybuilder might favor a pre-workout powder that’s extremely caffeinated and incorporates substances equivalent to L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, and creatine to assist enhance efficiency. However, an endurance athlete might need a pre-workout with much less caffeine, however that features beta-alanine, BCAAs, and mineral electrolytes.  

Third-Celebration Testing

I at all times select dietary supplements which are examined by a 3rd social gathering for purity and have clear labeling. Athletes who bear drug testing ought to search for certifications from Knowledgeable Selection and NSF, which make sure the product doesn’t embody any banned substances.

Buyer Evaluations

Though we take a look at all the merchandise we advocate, it’s necessary to take a look at buyer opinions, particularly from folks with comparable health objectives and preferences. They will present helpful insights into the product’s general effectiveness, potential unwanted effects, and the preferred flavors.

Taste Choices

“Style performs an enormous function in pre-workout choice. Should you don’t like a selected taste, then you definately possible received’t drink the pre-workout irrespective of its advantages,” Oskian says. It’s additionally necessary to contemplate the usage of synthetic flavors, colours, and sweeteners.

Value

The value of a pre-workout doesn’t essentially replicate the effectiveness of the product. Understanding the substances record and dosage ranges is necessary to make sure you’re paying for a high-quality complement and never simply costly advertising and marketing. 

What to Keep away from in a Sturdy Pre-Exercise

There are a number of potential crimson flags you need to keep away from when selecting out a pre-workout.

Proprietary Blends

I wish to keep away from dietary supplements made utilizing proprietary blends. These blends are mixtures of substances, however the person doses will not be totally disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it inconceivable to evaluate the effectiveness and security of the complement. 

Synthetic Substances

Many health fanatics and athletes favor all-natural substances and merchandise free from pointless fillers or components. “If sugar alcohols and synthetic sweeteners wreak havoc in your abdomen, be sure these aren’t on the ingredient record,” Oskian says.

Banned Substances

Athletes who compete in sanctioned organizations ought to be sure the dietary supplements they use are third-party examined and authorized banned substance-free. 

Takeaway: Is a Sturdy Pre-Exercise Value It?

You probably have massive health objectives, selecting a robust pre-workout formulated with secure and efficient doses of science-backed substances is value it to ship performance-enhancing results. Remember that even the strongest pre-workouts in the marketplace aren’t going to make you run sooner, raise heavier, or train longer on their very own. These dietary supplements are designed that can assist you put within the work on the gymnasium to make features and improve your efficiency over time.

These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Meals and Drug Administration. This product is just not meant to diagnose, deal with, treatment, or stop any illnesses.

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