At clinically effective doses, stimulant-based pre-workouts usually deliver their peak effects within 20–40 minutes, but formulas without creatine and with moderate caffeine often feel cleaner, smoother, and better tolerated over repeated use.
When it comes to stimulant pre-workouts, 1st Phorm Project-1 is often described as a “clean energy” formula rather than a heavy-hitting stim bomb. But does it actually deliver on focus, pump, and performance and for whom is it really designed?
In this 1st Phorm pre workout review, I’ll break down the formula, explain how it behaves in real training conditions, and clarify what kind of user will benefit most from this product.
In short : Project-1 is a stimulant-based pre-workout focused on clean energy, mental focus, and training consistency, best suited for users who want reliable performance without digestive discomfort or overstimulation.
Product overview: What is 1st Phorm Project-1?
Project-1 is the flagship pre-workout formula from 1st Phorm. Unlike many high-stimulant products on the market, it deliberately avoids excessive ingredient stacking and excludes creatine, positioning itself as a daily-use pre-workout rather than a once-a-week “max stim” formula.
Core characteristics
- No creatine (allows flexible stacking and avoids water retention concerns)
- Moderate caffeine content from natural sources
- Focus-driven formula, prioritizing mental clarity and motivation
- Simple, transparent dosing with no proprietary blends
- Designed for consistent training, not crash-heavy sessions
This approach makes Project-1 appealing to users who train frequently and want predictable performance without nervous system fatigue.
Key functional ingredients (high-level)
Without listing exact dosages yet, Project-1 centers around three main performance pillars:
- Energy & alertness: natural caffeine sources combined with neuro-supportive compounds
- Mental focus: nootropics aimed at concentration and workout engagement
- Blood flow support: pump-enhancing amino acids, without extreme vasodilators
Notably, the absence of creatine makes Project-1 easy to combine with separate creatine supplementation, intra-workout formulas, or hydration blends.
Who this pre-workout is designed for
Project-1 is not marketed as a hardcore pre-workout and that’s intentional.
It’s best suited for:
- Lifters who train 4–6 times per week
- Users sensitive to high-stimulant or overly complex formulas
- Athletes prioritizing focus, consistency, and training quality
- People who want clean energy without a post-workout crash
This positioning explains why Project-1 generates mixed expectations online: users looking for extreme pumps or stimulant overload may feel underwhelmed, while those valuing control and repeatability often respond very positively.
My review after testing 1st Phorm Project-1
I tested Project-1 across multiple training sessions (upper body, lower body, and conditioning), always taken 25–30 minutes before training, on both fed and semi-fasted states.
Energy & stimulation
The energy kicks in smoothly, without the sudden spike you get from high-stimulant formulas. There’s no jitter, no rush just a steady rise in alertness that stays consistent for the entire session.
This makes Project-1 feel very controllable. You don’t feel “forced” into intensity, but mentally ready to train.
Focus & mind-muscle connection
This is where Project-1 performs best.
Focus is clear and stable, especially during longer sessions or compound lifts. I noticed improved concentration between sets and better mind-muscle engagement, without tunnel vision or overstimulation.
It’s the kind of focus that supports training quality, not hype.
Pump & physical sensations
Pumps are present but moderate. You won’t get extreme skin-splitting pumps, but blood flow feels sufficient to support performance without discomfort or pressure.
This aligns with the formula’s intent: support performance, not chase sensations.
Tolerance & crash
Digestive tolerance is excellent. No bloating, no nausea, no heart rate spike. Most importantly: no crash post-workout, even when training late afternoon.
My takeaway as a reviewer
Project-1 delivers exactly what it promises:
- Clean energy
- Reliable focus
- High tolerance
- Consistency over intensity
If you’re looking for a daily pre-workout that supports performance without taxing your nervous system, this formula makes sense.
Customer reviews
Overall, customer feedback on Project-1 is very consistent and closely aligned with how the product is positioned. Most users describe it as a clean, dependable daily pre-workout, rather than a high-stimulant formula designed for extreme sensations. On the brand’s official website, Project-1 has an impressive average rating of 4.7/5, based on over 38 verified customer reviews.
💬 “Smooth energy with no jitters and no crash.” ⭐
💬 “Focus is noticeably better, especially during longer training sessions.” ⭐
💬 “Not a crazy pump, but I feel more consistent from set to set.” ⭐
💬 “One of the few pre-workouts that doesn’t upset my stomach.” ⭐
💬 “Perfect for afternoon workouts without affecting sleep.” ⭐
What to take away from customer feedback
- ✅ Clean, controlled energy without overstimulation
- ✅ Focus is the most consistently praised benefit
- ✅ Very good digestive tolerance
- ⚠️ Not designed for extreme pumps or stimulant overload
- ✅ Best suited for frequent, daily training
These reviews confirm that Project-1 is built for consistency and control, making it especially appealing to users who want reliable performance without nervous system fatigue.
Professionals who recommend Project-1
Project-1 is regularly mentioned by coaches and content creators who emphasize training longevity and nervous-system management, rather than extreme stimulation.
- Andy Frisella (1st Phorm founder & podcast host) regularly positions Project-1 as a daily-use pre-workout, stressing discipline, consistency, and performance over hype.
- Caleb Morley (strength & conditioning coach) highlights Project-1 as a reliable option for athletes who train frequently and want stable focus without burnout.
- Hybrid-style fitness creators on YouTube and Instagram often recommend Project-1 to lifters who prefer clean energy and mental clarity, especially for afternoon sessions.
The common theme among professionals: Project-1 supports repeatable performance, not short-term stimulation spikes.
Why choose Project-1: a balanced stimulant profile, strong focus support, and high tolerance make it a smart option if your priority is training consistency rather than extreme sensations.
Comparison: Project-1 vs other pre-workouts
| Feature | Project-1 | High-stim pre-workout | Pump-focused pre-workout |
| Stimulant intensity | Moderate | Very high | Low to moderate |
| Focus & mental clarity | High | Variable | Moderate |
| Pump sensation | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Daily-use friendly | Yes | Often no | Yes |
| Crash risk | Low | Medium to high | Low |
| Digestive tolerance | High | Variable | High |
Final verdict: My take on 1st Phorm Project-1
1st Phorm Project-1 delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, well-structured pre-workout designed for people who value control, focus, and training consistency over extreme stimulation.
It won’t overwhelm you with instant intensity or exaggerated pump sensations — and that’s precisely the point. Used regularly, Project-1 supports steady energy, mental clarity, and repeatable performance, especially for athletes training multiple times per week.
If your goal is a reliable pre-workout that enhances workout quality without stressing your nervous system, Project-1 fits that role clearly and effectively.
>>> Curious to go further? Explore 1st Phorm Project-1 and see how it can support focus, clean energy, and consistent performance within your daily training routine.