Feeling drained before a workout is a common problem. Even if you eat well and get enough sleep, low energy can make it difficult to push yourself and get the results you want. Many people turn to caffeine or pre-workout drinks for a quick boost, but these solutions can cause crashes or jittery feelings that undermine performance. A more reliable approach is to support your body with natural energy boosters that enhance both physical and mental performance.
One of the most effective options comes from an unexpected source: mushrooms. Certain types of mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine and are now supported by modern research for their ability to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost energy at a cellular level. When combined with a consistent workout routine, these mushrooms can help you feel more alert, motivated, and ready to perform. Supplements like Dr. Emil Daily Energy or Dr. Emil Lion’s Mane Plus offer convenient ways to incorporate these benefits without having to prepare elaborate meals or teas.
In this blog, we will cover:
- Why energy levels matter for both your workouts and overall performance
- Everyday habits that increase energy naturally
- How specific mushrooms support cognitive function and physical stamina
- The top mushrooms to include in your routine for energy and focus
- How to safely incorporate mushroom supplements into your lifestyle
Why energy matters for workouts
Energy is the foundation of every successful workout. When your body and mind are fueled, you can lift heavier, move faster, and maintain proper form throughout your session. Without sufficient energy, even a short workout can feel exhausting, which limits results and can increase the risk of injury. Mental focus plays an equally important role. A clear and alert mind helps you stay on track, maintain motivation, and push past challenging moments in your routine.
There are days where your low energy levels may disrupt your routine—that is why energy supplements matter!
Low energy can also affect recovery. When your body is fatigued, it struggles to repair muscle tissue, process nutrients, and restore balance after exercise. This means that consistent low energy not only affects performance during a workout but can also slow progress over time. Addressing energy levels before and during exercise ensures you maximize both the effort you put in and the benefits you get out.
Supporting energy at a deeper level means more than just grabbing a coffee. Cellular energy, particularly ATP production, is critical for both muscles and brain function. Antioxidants, adaptogens, and nutrients that reduce inflammation all contribute to sustainable energy and stamina. By incorporating natural boosters like certain mushrooms, you can improve endurance, focus, and overall workout performance without relying solely on stimulants.
Natural ways to boost energy
There are several simple strategies to naturally increase your energy before a workout. Proper hydration is one of the easiest and most effective methods. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish and reduce endurance. Drinking water before, during, and after exercise ensures your muscles and brain function efficiently.
One effective strategy is incorporating mindfulness-based activities into your routine. Practices like yoga help relax the body while improving flexibility and circulation. Even short, beginner-friendly sessions can calm the nervous system and prepare your muscles for movement. Meditation is another helpful tool. Spending a few minutes focusing on your breath can lower tension, sharpen attention, and support a smoother transition into your workout.
Light, mindful activities can also promote energy. Taking a short walk, stretching, or listening to calming music can reduce stress and bring a sense of control to your routine. These activities require very little time and can be done anywhere. They help shift your body out of a stressed state and into a mode that supports movement, balance, and focus.
Nutrition plays a role in managing stress as well. Certain foods contain nutrients that regulate energy and support the nervous system. Bananas, for example, are rich in potassium, which helps muscles contract efficiently and prevents fatigue. They also contain natural sugars that provide quick but stable energy. Foods high in magnesium, such as nuts and leafy greens, can support muscle relaxation and reduce tension. Pairing these foods with a balanced pre-workout snack gives your body the tools it needs to stay energized. Eating a balanced meal or snack about an hour before your workout can provide sustained energy.
Sleep and rest are equally important for energy. Quality sleep allows your body to recover, repair muscles, and regulate hormones that control energy and appetite. Even short-term sleep deficits can reduce performance and focus, making workouts feel much harder than they should.
Mental preparation can make a difference as well. A consistent warm-up, brief stretching, or a few minutes of focused breathing can increase alertness and prepare your mind to push through challenging movements. Combining these habits with a reliable energy-supporting supplement, like Dr. Emil Daily Energy or Lion’s Mane Plus, can provide both cognitive and physical benefits. These supplements deliver nutrients that support energy production, focus, and endurance, giving you an extra edge before and during your workout.
Mushrooms as energy, immune and cognitive assistants
Certain mushrooms have been shown to support both mental focus and physical energy. Unlike traditional stimulants, these natural nootropics work at the cellular level to enhance performance. They contain compounds that reduce oxidative stress, support nerve growth, and improve overall stamina.
Lion’s Mane
- Supports brain function and cognitive clarity.
- Contains hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth.
- Improves focus, memory, and motivation during workouts.
- Available in convenient supplements like Dr. Emil Lion’s Mane Plus.
Cordyceps
- Increases ATP production for sustained cellular energy.
- Enhances oxygen utilization, boosting endurance and stamina.
- Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
- Helps maintain consistent energy throughout workouts.
Dr. Emil’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplements are a good source of energy boosters.
Reishi
- Acts as an adaptogen to reduce stress.
- Improves sleep quality, which supports mental clarity and focus.
- Helps lower cortisol levels, allowing for sharper mental performance.
Chaga
- Rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.
- Supports long-term cognitive health and mental stamina.
- Helps reduce fatigue during demanding exercise sessions.
Turkey Tail
- Supports the gut-brain axis, promoting cognitive function.
- Contains prebiotic compounds that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
- Improves nutrient absorption, mood, and overall energy.
How to incorporate mushroom supplements into your routine
Adding mushroom supplements to your daily routine can be simple and effective. Consistency is key for both cognitive and physical benefits, so choose a method that fits easily into your lifestyle.
- Capsules: The most convenient option for precise dosing. Look for standardized extracts that ensure you get the active compounds, like hericenones in Lion’s Mane or polysaccharides in Turkey Tail. Supplements like Dr. Emil Lion’s Mane Plus provide a potent, ready-to-use blend.
- Powders: Mushroom powders can be mixed into smoothies, coffee, or recipes. Make sure to use hot water-extracted powders to maximize absorption of beneficial compounds.
- Teas: Brewing mushrooms like Reishi or Chaga as tea releases water-soluble compounds. This method also offers a calming ritual that can support focus and relaxation before workouts.
- Functional Coffees or Blends: Some supplements combine mushrooms with coffee or other natural ingredients to enhance energy and focus simultaneously. Products like Dr. Emil Daily Energy provide a quick pre-workout boost without the crash of traditional stimulants.
- Daily Timing: Take mushroom supplements consistently, either in the morning or before workouts. The benefits accumulate over time, so regular use is more effective than occasional intake.
By choosing a method that fits your routine, you can support both mental clarity and physical energy. Combining mushrooms with hydration, nutrition, and proper rest ensures a complete natural energy strategy.
Should you take mushroom supplements?
Yes. Mushroom supplements are generally safe when taken as directed, but it’s important to follow recommended dosages and source products from reputable brands. High-quality supplements ensure potency, consistency, and minimal risk of contamination.
Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions, particularly when first introducing mushrooms into their routine. If you have known mushroom allergies, it’s best to avoid supplementation or consult a healthcare provider first.
