Do Mushrooms Improve Athletic Performance?

Do Mushrooms Improve Athletic Performance?

The Rise of HYROX, Marathons & the New Era of Mushroom Coffee

From the surge in HYROX race registrations to the sell-out marathon calendars across the UK and beyond, we’re seeing a global shift: athleticism is going mainstream. But with it comes a new question—what fuels this performance revolution? The surprising answer might be… mushrooms.

No, not those mushrooms. We’re talking about functional fungi like cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi—key adaptogens found in the NO CRASH mushroom coffee blend. These are not just wellness buzzwords. They’re now backed by research, tested on real athletes, and fast becoming part of the performance nutrition toolkit.

Let’s dive into how mushrooms are reshaping the athletic performance conversation—especially for endurance athletes, HYROX competitors, and high-output humans.


HYROX Meets Functional Fungi

What is HYROX?
HYROX is a hybrid endurance race combining functional fitness and running. Think of it as the lovechild of CrossFit and a half marathon. As it gains traction in cities like Manchester, London, and Berlin, competitors are looking for clean, sustainable energy that supports both power output and recovery—without the caffeine crash.

This is where mushroom coffee enters the picture.


Cordyceps: The VO₂ Max Enhancer

One of the star ingredients in NO CRASH is Cordyceps Militaris—a powerhouse adaptogen known for its ability to increase aerobic capacity and oxygen utilization.

Studies have shown that cordyceps supplementation can significantly improve VO₂ max (the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilize during intense exercise), making it a go-to for endurance athletes. In a 2010 study published in High Altitude Medicine & Biology, participants supplementing with cordyceps saw improved time to exhaustion and oxygen uptake—two crucial markers of endurance.

This is why many HYROX and marathon athletes are now ditching synthetic pre-workouts in favour of functional mushroom blends that include cordyceps for natural stamina and oxygen efficiency.


Lion’s Mane: Brain Gains for Physical Performance

Peak athletic performance isn’t just physical—it’s deeply mental. Enter Lion’s Mane Mushroom (also in NO CRASH), which supports cognitive focus, reaction time, and neural plasticity.

In high-intensity races like HYROX, where athletes switch between strength movements and long runs, mental sharpness is as important as muscular endurance. Lion’s Mane has been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which enhances communication between brain and body.

Better focus = better pacing, technique, and race strategy.


Reishi & Chaga: Recovery & Immune Support

What you do after your workout matters just as much as the workout itself.

Reishi and Chaga—also found in NO CRASH—are packed with beta-glucans, natural compounds known to modulate the immune system and support recovery.

For athletes training multiple times per week (as many HYROX and marathoners do), recovery isn’t optional—it’s essential. These mushrooms help manage cortisol, reduce post-workout inflammation, and keep your immune defences strong.


Why NO CRASH Mushroom Coffee Works for Athletes

Unlike traditional pre-workouts loaded with stimulants and sugars, NO CRASH delivers clean, adaptogenic energy with zero caffeine crashes. It's designed for:

  • Endurance athletes looking to improve VO₂ max

  • Functional fitness fans needing mental and physical stamina

  • Biohackers and wellness seekers avoiding overstimulation

  • HYROX competitors, marathon runners, and cyclists wanting sustainable performance boosts

All with a delicious hot cocoa twist.


Final Thoughts: Mushrooms Are the New Creatine

Just like creatine changed the game in the ‘90s, functional mushrooms are reshaping performance nutrition today. They’re clean, effective, and legal—and they go way beyond the placebo hype.

Whether you're training for your first HYROX, pushing for a new marathon PB, or just want to feel more dialled in during your workouts, NO CRASH is your go-to functional mushroom blend.


Want to try it for yourself?
👉 Grab a pouch of NO CRASH and fuel your next race the functional way.

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