Cordyceps: 4 Ways It Can Improve Exercise And Athletic Performance

July 31, 2025

Cordyceps for athletic performance.

Cordyceps mushrooms, particularly Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, have shown promising benefits for physical exercise and athletic performance through several mechanisms supported by scientific research.

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Looking for an edge to improve your athletic performance? Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but in recent years they’ve gained recognition among athletes for potentially enhancing physical performance. Known for their energy-boosting, endurance-enhancing, and recovery-supporting properties, cordyceps are now a popular natural supplement for performance-conscious individuals.

1. Improved Oxygen Utilisation (VOâ‚‚ max)

One of the most researched benefits of cordyceps is their ability to improve aerobic capacity, or VO₂ max, which is a measure of how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise. A 2016 study published in PubMed Central found that supplementation with Cordyceps militaris significantly improved high-intensity exercise tolerance in healthy adults. This means users could perform longer with less fatigue—an important edge for endurance athletes like runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

Cordyceps help your body take in more oxygen and deliver it more efficiently to working muscles. This is particularly helpful in cardiovascular and aerobic sports, where oxygen demands are high.

2. Cellular Energy Production with ATP Boost

Cordyceps are also believed to increase levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the molecule your cells use for energy. More ATP means muscles have more energy available during exercise. In theory, this could lead to better performance during both endurance efforts and short bursts of high-intensity activity.

ATP production directly correlates with energy availability, helping delay muscle exhaustion and improve training capacity.

3. Cardiovascular Support and Circulation

Another benefit attributed to cordyceps is its ability to support heart and blood vessel health. Better circulation means nutrients and oxygen are delivered more quickly to muscle tissue, improving both performance and post-exercise recovery.

Some studies suggest that cordyceps may help regulate blood pressure and increase nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow.

4. Adaptogenic Properties: Stress and Recovery

Cordyceps are classified as adaptogens, which means they help the body manage physical and mental stress. This is especially beneficial for athletes who train multiple times per week or compete regularly.

By influencing the body’s stress hormone (like cortisol) response, cordyceps may help reduce fatigue, support the immune system, and promote faster post-workout recovery.

Do They Really Work?

While many athletes report improved energy and endurance, it’s important to note that scientific findings are mixed. Some studies demonstrate meaningful improvements in performance metrics, while others show little change.

The variation often depends on the form of cordyceps (like Cordyceps militaris vs. Cordyceps sinensis), the dosage, and the duration of supplementation. Most benefits are observed with consistent use over several weeks.

Safety and Usage Tips

Cordyceps are generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, quality matters—some lower-cost products may contain fillers or contaminants. Choose a reputable brand that conducts third-party testing, and as with any supplement, consult a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen.

Best way to take Cordyceps

Cordyceps are not a stimulant, so you get no benefit taking them before an event. Instead, they work at the cellular level, slowly improving your body’s response and ability to perform better under stress. They are not a fuel like an energy drink, isotronics or carbohydrate. The important thing is to take them regularly, similar to how you would exercise to build fitness.

How much should I take?

If you are using our Cordyceps extracts, note that these are x12 potency, so very high in bioactive composition. To start, we recommend a single 1000mg serve per day. This should be sufficient for the general athlete. For higher performance needs, or preparing for a big event, it is safe to take more. Start with an extra 500mg-1000mg taken at different times of the day (so it is more easily absorbed). Increase the dosage at least 6 weeks before the event.

Our extracts are in powder form, so best mixed with a drink of choice. A smoothie works well.

Conclusion: Cordyceps & Athletic Performance

Cordyceps mushrooms offer a promising natural option for athletes looking to improve their performance, especially through enhanced oxygen use, energy production, and stress management. While they aren’t a substitute for proper training and nutrition, they can be a supportive addition to an overall wellness strategy.

Cordyceps extract in a gym bag
Add Cordyceps to your gym bag

Sources:

  1. Cordyceps For Runners – fourfive.com
  2. Cordyceps for Sports & Fitness – kaiserpermanente.org
  3. Cordyceps militaris improves exercise tolerance – PubMed Central, 2016
  4. What Are the Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom? – getvitaminlab.com

Here is a list of credible sources with URLs on how cordyceps may help with athletic performance:

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Brent Williams

Brent Williams (MBA, MGSM) is a former digital architect for scientific publisher Reed Elsevier turned regenerative mycologist. He applies decades of high-level technical precision to the craft of commercial mushroom cultivation at Mycobio, helping Kiwis reconnect with functional nutrition and sustainable farming. Want to know more about the science and story behind Mycobio? Read More About Brent

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This article is published by Mycobio. Some articles may reference Mycobio products, growing methods, or educational content as part of explaining the topic.

Content on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Where articles discuss mushroom supplements or functional ingredients, they are not intended as medical advice or as claims to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

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