How to Make Cordyceps Pre-Workout | Experts Weigh In

Cordyceps mushrooms are a type of fungus that grow on caterpillars and other insects.

Yes, you read that right. This mushroom grows on insects. 

Like some sort of alien from outer space, this particular fungus starts by colonizing the host's body. Then, it spreads through the host's internal organs consuming it in the process. As the fungus grows and matures, it forms a stalk-like structure that emerges from the host's body, releasing spores to infect other insects.

So can this seemingly out-of-this-world mushroom improve your athletic performance?

And is it worth it to add a bit of cordyceps to your pre-workout?

What about commercial pre-workout products with cordyceps added?

If these are all questions you're pondering, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into what you need to know about cordyceps as a pre-workout.

First, some basics: 

What are cordyceps?

Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve energy, stamina, and overall health. They contain compounds such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, and polysaccharides, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

They are also known to improve athletic performance, increase sex drive, and improve lung function. However, more scientific research is needed to fully understand the effects and safety of cordyceps mushrooms.

Head over to our guide to learn more about the possible benefits of cordyceps.

How can cordyceps help with athletic performance?

Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used to improve athletic performance, and some studies have suggested that they may have beneficial effects in this regard. Cordyceps contain compounds such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, and polysaccharides, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, which can help to improve athletic performance.

Some studies have found that cordyceps may improve endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise.

• Human study: 20 healthy older adults, (50-75 years of age) were given 999mg (about 1g) of CS-4, a synthetic form of cordyceps sinensis for 12 weeks. It revealed that improves exercise performance and could aid in better overall health.
• Human study: Cordyceps may also improve lung function, which is important for endurance athletes, as better lung function can help to increase oxygen uptake. Some studies have found that taking cordyceps supplements may lead to a significant improvement in lung function. 37 healthy older adults, were given 3g of CS-4 per day over 6 weeks, VO2 max increased significantly, and supported the belief “that Cs-4 could improve oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity.
• Human study: 22 male cyclists were given 3g of CS-4 daily for 5 weeks. This study reported that there was “no effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in endurance-trained male cyclists.” 
• Human study: 28 young adults, (18-35 years of age) were given a blend of cordyceps militaris and the results reported that it may improve tolerance to high intensity exercise. 

It's important to note that most of the studies on cordyceps and athletic performance have been done on small groups of people, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.

And not all research on cordyceps has been conclusive about exercise performance.

While one study reported that VO2 max increased by 7% in 30 healthy older adults, and another study on 28 young adults reported an increase in Vo2 max by 11%, another study reported no change. 

Also, Cordyceps may interact with some medications and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

We spoke with David Rosales, an NSCA-Certified Professional Trainer and Head Trainer at Roman Fitness Systems. 

"First, I'll say this: cordyceps works. It's not going to do anything magical (you'll need other mushrooms for that), but it's a well-researched, safe ingredient. In fact, more and more we see ingredients like cordyceps pop up in mainstream pre-workout ingredients.

Second, let's discuss the psychological benefit of taking a pre-workout.

When you take a pre, or make your own, you're committed to the gym, and I find there's a feeling of not wanting to "waste it" among clients that allows them to psychologically push through. To some clients, I recommend the classic gym pre-workouts.

But maybe some days they want something different, or others want to avoid specific ingredients in these. After all, traditional pre-workouts often have excessive stimulants, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors.

I know that's the case for me, where I want the mental win of "taking a pre" but want something super clean."

While it may take science some time to catch up, anecdotal support for using cordyceps as a pre-workout is becoming more and more popular in fitness centers around the globe. 

And Rosales isn't alone.

George Yang, founder of Yanre Fitness and Oxygenark has decades of health and fitness experience as a Certified Health Education Specialist. 

" I have used Cordyceps during my own training sessions and experienced firsthand the boost in stamina and reduction in fatigue. This personal experience, matched with positive feedback from clients, reinforces the value of Cordyceps in sports nutrition."

Is cordyceps pre-workout safe? What medications does it interact with?

Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine, and while they are considered safe for most people, there is still limited research on their potential interactions with medications.

1. Medications metabolized by the liver, like some blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) and antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), may interact with cordyceps.

2. Cordyceps can also interact with medications that suppress the immune system, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

3. If you are taking blood glucose-lowering medications such as metformin, be aware that cordyceps may lower blood glucose levels, possibly leading to hypoglycemia in some individuals.

4. Individuals on blood pressure medication should consult their healthcare professional before using cordyceps supplements due to potential interactions with drugs that affect blood pressure.

It's important to note that this is not a comprehensive list of cordyceps side effects, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential interactions between cordyceps and medications.

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you are taking any medication.

How to make cordyceps pre-workout at home

Cordyceps is a versatile supplement that can be seamlessly integrated into your pre-workout routine. You don't have to spend a ton of money on a pre-workout supplement that has cordyceps in it.

Instead, you can buy quality cordyceps extract, and include it in the pre-workout routine and supplements you already love. 

Whether you have cordyceps tincture, powder, or capsules, here are four simple ways to boost your workout performance:

1. Cordyceps tincture pre-workout 

Cordyceps tinctures are incredibly convenient, as they come in liquid form and are often dual-extracted for maximum potency. Begin by following the dosage instructions provided on the package.

Add the measured cordyceps tincture directly to your chosen pre-workout beverage. This could be anything from water to your favorite energy drink or even a smoothie. Stir or shake to ensure thorough mixing, and you're ready to go.

2. Cordyceps powder pre-workout

If your pre-workout supplement is already in powder form, incorporating cordyceps powder is a breeze. Look for high-quality, dual-extracted cordyceps powder made from 100% fruiting bodies for optimal benefits.

Measure the recommended cordyceps dosage according to the instructions on the package. Add the powder to your pre-workout mix, ensuring you blend it thoroughly. Not only does this introduce the benefits of cordyceps into your routine, but it can also enhance the flavor and texture of your pre-workout drink.

Consider some creative combos!

Experiment with unique flavor pairings by mixing cordyceps powder with different pre-workout flavors. For instance, blend it with citrus flavors for a refreshing twist or combine it with chocolate-flavored pre-workout for a mocha-inspired treat.

3. Cordyceps capsule pre-workout

Cordyceps capsules offer the ultimate convenience. They come pre-measured, making it easy to integrate cordyceps into your routine, especially when you're on the move or have limited time.

Instead of mixing cordyceps directly into your pre-workout, use your pre-workout drink as a vehicle to take your cordyceps capsule. This approach ensures that you receive the benefits of cordyceps without altering the taste or texture of your pre-workout beverage.

4. Cordyceps-infused snacks

For a unique twist, consider incorporating cordyceps into pre-workout snacks or meals. You can add cordyceps powder to energy bars, protein shakes, or even oatmeal. This not only elevates the nutritional value but also enhances the pre-workout experience.

Cordyceps' earthy flavor can complement various foods. Experiment with adding cordyceps powder to savory dishes like stir-fries or salad dressings. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity.

If you're looking to add cordyceps to your pre-workout drink, we really love FreshCap's brand.

Our site uses affiliate links. That means, if you buy this product from the link, we will receive a very small commission (at no cost to you). We only recommend products we absolutely love and would take ourselves & recommend to family and friends. Affiliate revenue helps us keep creating mushroom content! 

When to comes to making your own cordyceps pre-workout, David Rosales is a big fan. 

"The solution is to make your own pre-workout, and cordyceps powder can be a great addition to that. It can give any drink a slightly chocolate-y and creamy feel to it, so I quite enjoy adding it. This allows someone's pre to have everything they want, and nothing they don't. Want the energy? Use coffee or tea as the base. Want pumps? Add L-Citrulline. While I don't always use it, I often like adding cordyceps, and I know my clients feel the same way."

What to know about cordyceps and rhodiola pre-workout

Rhodiola and cordyceps are sometimes combined in pre-workout supplements as they are believed to work synergistically to enhance athletic performance.

Rhodiola rosea, also known simply as Rhodiola, is an herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine to improve energy, reduce fatigue, and improve mental function. It's considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress.

Rhodiola contains compounds such as rosavins, salidroside, and tyrosol which are believed to be responsible for its effects on the body. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, Rhodiola may help to reduce the perceived level of exertion during exercise and may improve endurance and reduce fatigue.

There are some studies that suggest that cordyceps and Rhodiola may have beneficial effects when combined for pre-workout supplement.

A study in 36 healthy adults found that taking a combination of 3 grams of cordyceps and 200 mg of rhodiola per day for 12 weeks led to a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake and a significant decrease in fatigue during exercise.

Additionally, Rhodiola may help to reduce the perceived level of exertion during exercise.

However, it's important to note that most studies on cordyceps and Rhodiola are small and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Also, Cordyceps and Rhodiola may interact with some medications and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

Additionally, make sure to check the quality and dosage of the supplement you're taking, specially if it's a combination of cordyceps and Rhodiola.

When is the best time to take cordyceps pre-workout?

The best time to take a cordyceps pre-workout drink will depend on the specific product and the individual.

Generally speaking, it's recommended to take supplements such as cordyceps about 30 minutes to an hour before exercising to allow enough time for the body to absorb the nutrients.

It's important to check the label of the specific cordyceps product you're using to see if it includes any timing recommendations.

It's also recommended to follow the recommended dosage on the label or as advised by a healthcare professional.

It's also important to note that taking cordyceps alone may not be sufficient to improve athletic performance.

A balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise routine, and adequate sleep are all important factors in maintaining good physical fitness.

Yang encourages the use of cordyceps for athletes training for marathons and other endurance events.

"We've documented a noticeable improvement in their performance and recovery times. For example, one athlete was able to reduce their marathon time by over 20 minutes after a regimen including Cordyceps, coupled with tailored training."

What to look for in a commercial cordyceps pre-workout product

It's also worth noting that not all lab-grown cordyceps are created equal! Some companies may use genetically modified strains or use chemical treatments. It's important to check for certifications and labels to ensure the lab-grown cordyceps you're buying is organic, non-GMO, and produced under good manufacturing practices.

When looking for a commercial cordyceps supplement, it's important to consider the following factors:

Quality

Look for supplements that are manufactured in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified facility and that have been third-party tested for purity and potency. Companies that provide transparent third-party COA (certificate of analysis) which tests for heavy metals and other contaminants in your product. 

Dual extraction process

Look for a mushroom product that has undergone a dual-extraction process. This means the mushroom has been commercially extracted using hot water and alcohol. This makes the beneficial compounds, like beta-glucans and cordycepin, more bioavailable to your body. We have a complete guide to mushroom extraction if you want to learn more about this process. 

Dosage

Check the recommended dosage on the label or as advised by a healthcare professional, and make sure to stick to it.

Ingredients

Make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure that the supplement only contains cordyceps mushroom and no other fillers or binders. 

Certifications

Look for certifications such as USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, or certifications from other reputable organizations to ensure that the supplement has been grown and processed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

Price

Compare prices from different brands to ensure that you're getting a good value for your money.

At Remeday, our trusted products have passed our rigorous requirements for quality, potency, transparency, and 3rd party lab testing. We only ever recommend products we've tried ourselves and would suggest to family and friends. 

The best cordyceps pre-workout products

If you decide to make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a small affiliate commission at NO additional cost to you. This small revenue stream helps to keep our site up and running. We appreciate you stopping by and hope you found this article helpful!

Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Powder

Real Mushrooms is the real deal when it comes to potency, quality, extraction, transparency, and 3rd party lab testing. We've used this brand ourselves for years! Simply add a scoop of this powder to your current pre-workout supplement for maximum benefit for a fraction of the cost of specialty mushroom pre-workouts. 

FreshCap Cordyceps Powder

FreshCap is a Canada-based company that we recommend for folks who are looking for high quality, excellent product, and durable packaging. Not only is FreshCap a leader in the industry, their focus on mushroom education makes their brand stand out. 

Life Cykel Cordyceps+ Tincture

If tincture is more your style, you'll absolutely love the Cordyceps+ ENERGY tincture from our friends over at Life Cykel. They are a small company. But that allows them to hyper-focus on small-batch quality. We love this tincture and we know you will too. 

We hope you found this content helpful! Keep learning about cordyceps in our learning center here. 

Cordyceps pre-workout dosage for athletes

The recommended dosage of cordyceps for athletes is 500-1,000 mg

Most studies on cordyceps and athletic performance have used dosages of 3 grams per day. For example, a study in 30 healthy adults found that taking 4 grams of cordyceps per day for 1 week led to a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake and a significant decrease in fatigue during exercise.

However, it's important to note that these studies were conducted on small groups of people, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

3 grams is a high dose for daily use, but could be considered for long-distance or endurance performance.

In general, it's always best to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to the recommended dosage. Also, it's recommended to take cordyceps supplements at least 30 minutes to an hour before exercising to allow enough time for the body to absorb the nutrients.

Cordyceps coffee vs cordyceps pre-workout

Cordyceps coffee and cordyceps pre-workout supplements are two different products that can be used for different purposes.

Cordyceps coffee is a type of coffee that is infused with cordyceps mushrooms. It is typically made by adding ground cordyceps mushrooms to coffee beans before brewing. Some people consume cordyceps coffee as a way to improve energy, endurance, and overall health.

However, it's important to note that the effects of cordyceps coffee on athletic performance have not been well-studied, and more research is needed to confirm any potential benefits.

Cordyceps pre-workout supplements, on the other hand, are specifically formulated to be taken before exercising to improve athletic performance. They typically come in the form of capsules, powders, or teas, and contain higher concentrations of cordyceps mushrooms than cordyceps coffee.

It's important to note that cordyceps coffee may have a lower dose of cordyceps than pre-workout supplements, and the effects may be different. Cordyceps coffee may have a different taste and texture than regular coffee, and some people may not like it.

Head on over to our blog if you want to learn more about cordyceps coffee.

It's always best to check the recommended dosage and quality of cordyceps in both products before consumption.

Did you know? Cordyceps isn't the only powerful mushroom pre-workout. Learn more about lion's mane as a pre-workout supplement in our guide.

Cordyceps militaris vs cordyceps sinensis for pre-workout

ordyceps is a diverse group of mushrooms with over 750 species, but the most common one found in supplements is cordyceps sinensis, which is lab-grown for consistency and cost-efficiency. Natural cordyceps grow in the wild and are rare and expensive, mainly found in harsh environments like Tibet and Bhutan. Lab-grown cordyceps are produced in controlled environments, resulting in a more consistent product. Some believe natural cordyceps may be more potent, but lab-grown versions are generally less contaminated with pollutants.

Learn more about the differences in our comparison guide here. 

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