Nootropics are not only popular for cognitive enhancement and intelligence, they’re also popular within the body building community. Body building is highly competitive, so individuals need to be in great shape, while maintaining focus. It’s also beneficial to have an edge over your competition.
This is not only being seen within body building, but nootropics are being used before regular workouts. Individuals that go to the gym, take nootropics to help them reach their goals. Although nootropics are known as ‘smart drugs,’ they provide many other benefits, which are utilized within the fitness community.
How Nootropics Improve Performance
Athletes not only need to focus on their physical health and performance, but their mental ability as well. When you take nootropics, you influence various neurotransmitters. This allows your brain to communicate more effectively with the rest of your body.
The most commonly targeted neurotransmitter is acetylcholine, as it’s responsible for learning and memory. Although it is commonly used to increase cognition, acetylcholine can also improve muscle control and balance. The healthier your brain is, the faster your reflexes will be and the greater your endurance.
Increased Motivation
Think about going to the gym. Do you feel motivated and driven? Even regular gym goers experience not wanting to workout here and there. You may be too tired or simply don’t feel like it. Even the most driven athletes have the odd day when motivation is an issue.
Once nootropics cross the blood-brain barrier, they are able to increase or inhibit the production and release of various neurotransmitters. Some of the best nootropics for motivation are Phenylpiracetam, Modafinil, and Noopept.
Phenylpiracetam is highly potent, being up to 60 times stronger than Piracetam. It produces a stimulant effect similar to Adderall, without experiencing a crash. Due to an increase in dopamine, mood and motivation are boosted. Individuals have reported being highly focused, while increasing stamina and endurance.
Modafinil can increase your awareness, as it’s mainly used to improve wakefulness. It is known to increase attention, so that goals are more easily reached. Although the power of Modafinil is comparable to amphetamines, the profile of this nootropic is highly different. It is less likely that a user will experience negative effects, such as anxiety, restlessness, or withdrawal.
Increased Focus
When you’re focusing on your workout, you do not want to have a million thoughts rushing through your mind. It can be hard to detach yourself; especially when you are busy at work, have family events to plan, and appointments to make. Thinking about everything you need to do can hinder your workout.
Many nootropics increase focus, allowing you to stay concentrated on the task at hand. You want to focus on your workout, improving endurance, muscle mass, and stamina. It’s hard to focus on working out, when there are so many distractions.
Although nootropics like Modafinil and Phenylpiracetam are highly effective for improving focus, they are only recommended for short-term use. If you are looking for a stack that will help you continually maintain focus, then try a combination of Piracetam and Alpha GPC.
These two nootropics work together, targeting acetylcholine. Due to an increase in acetylcholine, users experience an increase in attention, focus, and concentration. For days when you need an extra boost, you can incorporate caffeine or Sulbutamine to your stack.
Reduced Stress Levels
High levels of stress are directly linked to a lack of focus. Think about when you’re highly stressed. You more than likely have a hard time focusing. There are many nootropics that can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. This is not only beneficial for focusing on your workout, but it also benefits your overall health.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that is produced by Glutamate. GABA is known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Professional body builders are under tremendous amounts of stress, so this is a great area to focus on.
When GABA levels are high, you feel more relaxed. One of the best nootropics for reducing stress is Aniracetam. It stimulates Glutamate, therefore having an indirect effect on GABA. Not only does Aniracetam produce anti-anxiety effects, it also increases energy, while improving focus and motivation.
Improved Sociability
Sometimes you may avoid the gym or a workout, because you do not want to be around people. Social anxiety levels may be high, you could feel unattractive, or you do not have the energy to socialize. Once again Aniracetam is great for diminishing social anxiety.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine for Body Building
Acetyl-L-Carntine is a natural supplement that is used to boost athletic performance (as well as enhance cognitive function). Many body builders have began recognizing the benefits that Acetyl-L-Carnitine has to offer.
This supplement helps to burn stored fat, benefiting body builders (especially when they’re trying to cut weight). It is also known to improve energy levels, which is essential when you’re working out to this degree.
When you take enough Acetyl-L-Carnitine, your muscles can burn fat and protein instead of glucose (maintaining a balanced blood sugar). Since lactic acid is a by-product of glucose metabolism, this can be avoided. It also boosts testosterone production, increasing muscle and bone mass.
It is recommended that you take between 500 and 1500 mg daily. As it is more effective when taken with food, users should take this supplement with a meal. For those that are body building, split your doses up. Take a dose before you work out, then after your work out. This will make your workout more effective, while improving recovery times.
