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I love how light yet energizing this pre-workout smoothie feels. It’s lightly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and I’ve even snuck some spinach in for extra nutrients. I can genuinely feel the energy boost during my workouts—whether that’s running faster, lifting stronger, or simply feeling more focused and less fatigued as I move.

After your workout, finish up with my post-workout smoothie.

Table of Contents

Women in forest running on a trail in workout clothes.

Why Pre-Workout Smoothies Actually Work

Making green smoothies your pre-workout fuel is one of the quickest ways to deliver essential macronutrients while also hydrating your body. But not all smoothies are created equal. A solid pre-workout smoothie needs a smart balance of carbohydrates for quick energy, a little protein for muscle support, healthy fats for staying power, and fiber to keep blood sugar steady. That’s exactly what this blend delivers.

I’ve learned this firsthand through years of endurance training. I love running long distances—I’ve completed six marathons, four 50Ks, a 100K, and ran the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim 9 times. Somewhere along the way, I realized that what I fueled with mattered just as much as the miles themselves. Having a smoothie before, during, and after long runs has consistently improved both my performance and my recovery, and this recipe has become one of my go-to blends.

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Ingredients for a pre-workout smoothie including banana, coconut oil, spinach, peaches, coconut water, and pineapple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pre-workout smoothie is packed with quick energy to support your fitness goals. The combination of greens and fruit blended together in this smoothie delivers the workout nutrition you need to keep you fueled for a long run, deep yoga session or a HIIT workout.

  • Spinach: Leafy greens vegetables are powerhouse plants that provide nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and protein to any smoothie, to help you build muscle.
  • Coconut water + water: Coconut water acts like natural Gatorade, providing hydrating electrolytes your body needs to replenish the energy lost during workouts.
  • Pineapple: Naturally fights inflammation, helping your muscles recover faster after a workout. When you cut pineapple, be careful to remove the outer shell completely (or use store-bought frozen to save time).
  • Peaches: Frozen peaches are picked at the height of freshness and flash-frozen to preserve as many nutrients as possible, making them irresistibly sweet (while still being a low-sugar fruit).
  • Banana: This natural sweetener is rich in vitamin C and potassium, which supports muscle function and helps prevent cramps, making it an ideal pre-workout ingredient. I like to freeze bananas to have on hand to chill down the smoothie.
  • Coconut oil: This healthy fat break down the natural sugars from fruit to aid in your digestion and actually keeps you full longer. Feel free to swap it for chia seeds or hemp hearts if you want healthy fats with a subtle protein boost.
Green pre-workout smoothie in a glass jar surrounded by fresh produce featuring banana, spinach, and pineapple.

How to Make a Pre-Workout Smoothie

I can’t stand a chunky smoothie. If I’m going to put the work into buying good ingredients to make something at home then I want it to be smoothie and creamy. Here’s how I blend smoothies for the best result, every time:

  1. Puree the spinach, coconut water and water until smooth. If you aren’t using a high-powered blender then stop and scrape down the sides as needed to get rid of all those leafy chunks.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth. If you’re using frozen ingredients, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before blending to help soften them a bit.

Using this two-blend method you’ll actually save time and get a better pre-workout smoothie as a result. Check out my in-depth guide on how to make a smoothie for more blending tips.

Tip: When it comes to blenders, I recommend getting a high-speed Vitamix blender on sale.

Jar filled with a green pre-workout smoothie surrounded by fresh produce with banana, spinach, and pineapple.

When to Drink a Pre-Workout Smoothie

This pre-workout smoothie works best about 30–60 minutes before exercise, giving your body time to absorb the nutrients without feeling heavy. It’s ideal for runners, yogis, gym lovers, or anyone who wants to move their body feeling fueled instead of flat.

More Workout Smoothie Recipes

Looking for a high-protein pre-workout recipe? I’ve got a few that’ll enhance your workout. Blending smoothies is easy and affordable— and make the perfect pre-workout smoothies at home.

  • Vanilla Protein Shake: More delicious than any powered version you can find, this easy smoothie is tasty and fueling without artificial vanilla protein powder.
  • Chocolate Protein Shake: This will give you great natural energy as well as keep you full while exercising with this almond butter and chocolate banana smoothie.
  • Flaxseed Smoothie: A great energy and fiber boost with unsweetened almond milk and flaxseeds.
  • Caramel Protein Shake: A dessert wrapped up in a smoothie, protein powered and delicious.

If you make this pre-workout smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Jar of green smoothie surrounded by fruits and greens.
4.68 (261 votes)

Pre-Workout Smoothie

This pre-workout smoothie has a bright, lightly sweet flavor with a refreshing tropical finish. Juicy pineapple and peach bring natural sweetness, banana adds creaminess, and coconut water keeps it clean and hydrating, while the spinach blends in unnoticed for a smooth, fresh taste that goes down easy before a workout.
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Prep: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Author: Jen Hansard

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Blend the spinach, coconut water and water until smooth. 
  • Add the pineapple, peaches, banana and coconut oil and blend again. 

Helpful Tools

high-speed blender
smoothie blender

Notes

  • Make frozen meal prep smoothie packs to have pre-workout smoothies on hand at all-times.
  • Boost with your favorite plant-based protein powder for extra protein and healthy fats.
  • Swap spinach with the leafy green of your choice. 
  • Reduce sugar by swapping out 1/2 banana for 1/4 avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 272 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 167 mg | Potassium: 862 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 25 g | Vitamin A: 3150 IU | Vitamin C: 59 mg | Calcium: 79 mg | Iron: 2 mg

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Common Questions

Are smoothies good before a workout?

Yes! Smoothies are a great pre-workout fuel to give you quick and lasting energy for activities such as a long run or high-intensity workout.

When should I drink a pre-workout smoothie

It’s best to consume a pre-workout smoothie 1-2 hours before exercising, giving your body time to digest it and absorb the nutrients.

Which smoothie is best before a workout?

My go-to smoothie before workout contains coconut water, fruit, spinach, and coconut oil for a super fast snack that gives me the energy to maximize my workout without weighing me down.

What should I put in a pre-workout smoothie?

Coconut water is loaded with natural electrolytes, fruit provides a great energy boost, spinach and coconut oil provide protein and healthy fat and fiber to help your body break down the natural sugar into usable energy.

Do I need protein in a pre-workout smoothie?

Protein can assist with muscle growth, muscle recovery and boost energy levels— leaving it up to you. I prefer to boost my post-workout smoothie with protein and leave my pre-workout smoothie lighter. If you want to add more protein to this recipe, try my homemade protein powder.

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Comments

  1. I love your website!! It’d be awesome if you could add a print button to your recipes

    Reply

  2. Hi! Are there any substitutions that would work well for apples in smoothies? I’m allergic and can’t eat them. 🙁

    Reply

  3. Hi Guys,
    I’m a big fan of juicing and smoothies although I don’t consistently do it. Boohoo me. Anyway, was wondering if I could substitute the spinach with super greens powder (all organic Thrive stuff) – it’s just way easier and therefore more likely to get made. Also, what’s your take on wheatgrass – can I add that too or is that very passe?
    Thanks,
    Lisa

    Reply

    1. Hi Lisa,

      Thanks for reaching out! We’re so excited to have you blending with us. We’re all about fresh leafy greens…but if you love super green powder then go for it! It’s all about finding what works for you + your body!

      Looking to blend wheatgrass! Why not? It’s a rawkin’ source of chlorophyll!

      Cheers!

  4. Hello

    I found you on Pinterest and just love your smoothie recipes! I made this one first thing and it was very good. I am going to make up packages of the ingredients (except liquid) and freeze for easy prep. Thanks again!

    Reply

  5. Hi!
    So the recipie says I have to put bananas in but I cant eat them. Is there a substitute I could use or can I just leave them out?
    Thanks!
    Savannah

    Reply

    1. Hi Alana!

      We typically like to drink at least one serving of green smoothie (2 cups or 16oz) every day. If you really like this recipe, you can absolutely enjoy it on a regular basis! However, I would personally swap out the fruits and leafy greens for other varieties on a weekly basis to make sure your body is getting a good mix of nutrients :).

      Cheers!

      -Rawkstar Tessa

    1. Hi Christy,

      Of course you can! Our recipes will keep in your refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container. Adding a small amount of lemon juice will help preserve all of their green goodness!

      You can also freeze your pre-blended green smoothie for up to two months. We suggest thawing your smoothie in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

      Notice any separation? No worries! That’s completely natural because our recipes are free of any yucky additives or preservatives. So give your smoothie a quick shake before enjoying!

      Cheers 🙂

  8. HI, I just tried this oh God it was so good, I did not use any coconut oil,thanks for your amazing site.

    Reply

  9. Hi SGS,

    I found you guys on instagram and started following you guys a few months ago…glad I did. I really like this recipe. Now I know you helped someone before about wanting to sub out the almond milk for 1% milk. Can I use water instead of milk?

    Reply

  10. Hi, I have a 11 year old who is starting to refuse breakfast in the mornings before school.
    I am wondering if this pre-workout smoothie would be a suitable alternative? And if you have other smoothie suggestions that would be OK for him to have instead of breakfast.
    Also we are not keen on coconut oil. Could I just leave this out?

    Reply

    1. Hi Darra,

      Thanks for reaching out! Looking for a healthy breakfast substitute, then green smoothies are a great choice! We simply suggest adding protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Check out our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

      Also, green smoothies are great for adult bodies! But all of that added fiber can shock little ones’ systems, so we suggest starting small. An 8oz snack size serving is a great place to start!

      Cheers 🙂

  11. Hi – how long before a workout should you drink this? I had yesterday but was perhaps a little too close to hardcore spin class!

    Reply

    1. Hi Karen,

      Between an hour to a half hour is a great time! But listen to your body and adjust based on how you’re feeling during your workout!

      Cheers 🙂

  12. Hi! I’m really excited to incorporate the pre-workout smoothie into my routine. The only drawback is the almond milk. I just cannot do anything almond. I didn’t see any substitution recommended in the comments. Do you have any recommendations? Could I just use 1% milk?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Christy,

      Thanks for reaching out! You can definitely add 1% milk in place of almond milk in our recipe. Personally we avoid adding dairy to our green smoothies. It’s the #1 undiagnosed food allergy and can be pretty tough on your digestion. But it’s definitely a personal decision and all about deciding what’s best for you + your body!

      If you want to stay plant-based, a great substitute for almond milk is hemp milk!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies