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Posted by u/macrocounter98路

Cordyceps for endurance, anyone tried long-term?

TL;DR: Curious about long-term effects of cordyceps for endurance. Anyone tried it? What's your experience?

So I've been diving deep into the world of supplements, and cordyceps keeps popping up as this magical endurance booster. Like, studies show it can increase VO2 max and reduce fatigue, which sounds promising, right? I mean, who wouldn't want to push through those last few miles without feeling like a bag of bricks?

But here's where I get skeptical. A lot of the studies seem to be short-term and funded by companies selling the stuff. We know how that goes. And while a few anecdotal reports from fitness enthusiasts claim it's a game-changer for their endurance during long runs or HIIT sessions, I can't help but wonder what happens if you take it long-term. Are there any downsides? I don't need my liver crying over some fungal supplement because I thought it'd make me the next Eliud Kipchoge.

Also, if you've tried it, I'm curious about dosages and timing. I've seen everything from 1,000 to 3,000 mg recommended. Is there a sweet spot? Or is it all just hype and marketing? The science seems to be a bit fuzzy for long-term effects. So, hit me with your experiences. Anyone out there have solid data or a personal saga with cordyceps? Let's break this down like true nutrition nerds.

Oh, and if you think ashwagandha is the real MVP for endurance, let's hear that too.

12 comments

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u/marathon_mike路

I've been using cordyceps for my marathon training. I don't know if it's just the placebo effect, but I feel like my recovery time is faster. I still stick with my carbs and hydration strategy, though. Can't outrun bad nutrition.

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u/cuttingseason_2024路

I've heard people rave about ashwagandha too! It helps with stress, which could indirectly help with endurance by making sure you're not burnt out. Have you considered that? Might be worth mixing it up a little.

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u/restday_enthusiast路

Right? I love my rest days, but if cordyceps could help me tackle a HIIT session without wanting to die, I might consider it. Still, I like to keep it simple. Good sleep and hydration usually do the trick for me

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u/runningfromcardio路

Bro, if you want endurance, just lift heavy and eat well. All these fungi supplements sound like a gimmick. Why not just add a pizza after a workout? That'll give you energy!

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u/fitnurse_99路

As a nurse, I can say that any supplement needs to be taken with care. Cordyceps can interact with medications, so always check with a healthcare provider before starting it long-term. We want our livers happy!

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u/macrocounter98路

I've seen a couple of studies that suggest cordyceps can indeed improve VO2 max, but many of them are small and funded by companies selling the supplement. That's a red flag for me. I'd be cautious before jumping into long-term use without more independent research

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u/calisthenicsking路

Cordyceps can help endurance but don't forget about good old calisthenics! I do a lot of bodyweight stuff, and keeping up with cardio makes a difference too. Mix it up, have fun with it!

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u/creatine_supremacy路

Facts! Also, if you're looking for a real endurance boost, creatine is still the king! Cordyceps might help, but why not stick with proven supps? Just don't mix it with your pre-workout or you might think you're about to lift a car.

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u/broscience_bro路

100! I tried cordyceps and felt like a wizard for a week, but then my body was like, 'nah, we good.' Stick with what works, fam. Let's keep it real.

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u/depressedlifter路

I tried cordyceps for a month and felt a bit more energetic, but maybe I just got more sleep? Honestly, I wouldn't bet my liver on a fungal supplement without some solid proof. Plus, if I wanted to feel like a mushroom, I'd eat pizza.

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u/6footdadbod路

As a dad, I can't afford to be too hyped about something that may not work! I tried cordyceps once, but I think the kids just drained my energy. You know, parenting is the real endurance test.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

im not sure about long-term effects, but my friend took it during a race and said it was awesome. I need to try it for my next 5K! But if it gives me more energy, I might just end up running away from my responsibilities 馃槀.

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