Threshold Performance Club | The fitness newsletter

Threshold #27 | Ultimate Brain Food You Need To Know About

Your brain powers all.

It also consumes a huge amount of calories per day. This means you need to feed it.

So, feed it well. That’s where nootropics come into it.

Below is also brain food.

The Main Feature

Leg one: WTF are they?

Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers or smart drugs, are a class of substances that have gained popularity in recent years for their potential to improve cognitive function. These substances can improve various aspects of brain function, including memory, focus, creativity, and motivation, without causing significant adverse effects. In the context of performance sports, nootropics have been used by athletes to gain a competitive edge by enhancing their mental performance.

One of the most commonly used nootropics in performance sports is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve alertness, focus, and mood, making it a popular choice among athletes who need to stay awake and alert for long periods. Studies have shown that caffeine can also enhance endurance performance and reduce the perception of effort, making it easier for athletes to push themselves to their limits.

Additional examples of nootropics include modafinil, racetams, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain herbs like ginseng and bacopa.

T-1: Mental Preparation

If taking supplements such as nootropics enhances your ability to perform, even if it's purely placebo and you believe it, then it can add huge value. Equally don’t worry about what you’re not taking.

Threshold Performance Club

Podcast of the week:

  • How Adaptogen Nootropics Work. Listen here.

Leg 2: The mega nootropics

L-theanine and alpha GPC are two nootropics that have gained popularity in the sports world due to their potential to enhance cognitive function and performance.

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves, and it is commonly used as a supplement to promote relaxation and reduce stress. L-theanine has also been shown to improve cognitive function, including attention, focus, and memory. In sports, L-theanine is used by athletes to help them stay focused and calm during high-pressure situations, such as competitions or intense training sessions. It may also help reduce mental fatigue and improve reaction time.

Alpha GPC, short for alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, is a naturally occurring compound that is found in the brain and other tissues. It is a choline-containing compound that is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for cognitive function and muscle contraction. Alpha GPC has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention, as well as physical performance, including power output and endurance. In sports, alpha GPC is used by athletes to improve their focus and reaction time, as well as to enhance their physical performance.

One of the key benefits of both L-theanine and alpha GPC is their ability to improve mental performance without causing jitteriness or other side effects commonly associated with stimulants such as caffeine. This makes them an attractive option for athletes who need to stay alert and focused but want to avoid the negative side effects of stimulants.

While both L-theanine and alpha GPC have potential benefits for athletes, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand their effects on athletic performance. Athletes should consult with a healthcare professional before using any nootropic substance and should never rely on supplements as a replacement for proper training, nutrition, and recovery.

In summary, L-theanine and alpha GPC are two nootropics that have gained popularity in the sports world due to their potential to improve cognitive function and physical performance. L-theanine is commonly used to promote relaxation and reduce stress while improving focus and reaction time. Alpha GPC, on the other hand, is used to enhance physical performance and improve cognitive function by increasing acetylcholine production. Athletes should always consult with a healthcare professional before using any nootropic substance and should focus on proper training, nutrition, and recovery as the foundation of optimal athletic performance.

T-2: Gear

  • Canyon Aeroad CFR Tokyo Edition. Shop here.

Shop natural supplements formulated to enhance performance: 

🌱💊 542 Performance Nutrition Daily Green’s ultimate super greens capsules are a perfect blend of superfoods, vitamins, minerals and wholefood-sourced ingredients enhancing your immune system to help you perform in training.

🍄 542 Performance Nutrition Mushroom+ capsules are single-ingredient, high-strength mushroom supplements, helping you deliver energy to your body for training.

💪 542 Performance Nutrition Marine Collagen is the highest quality, and most bioavailable source of collagen available, helping to provide structural integrity to joints and bones.

💤 542 Performance Nutrition Ashwagandha+ (KSM66) is formulated with Cordyceps & Ginseng to help combat stress and adrenal fatigue, while also supporting the immune system, energy levels & mental performance. 

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Leg 3: How to implement nootropics

If you are interested in introducing nootropics into your routine, it is important to do so in a responsible and informed manner. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Research different types of nootropics: There are many different types of nootropics available, each with its own unique set of benefits and potential side effects. Before starting to take any nootropics, research the different options available to you and make an informed decision based on your personal needs and preferences.

2. Consult with a healthcare professional: Before taking any new supplements, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are taking any medications. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide guidance on whether or not nootropics are appropriate for you, and can help you determine the correct dosage.

3. Start with a low dose: When starting with any new supplement, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase over time. This allows your body to adjust to the supplement and reduces the risk of negative side effects.

4. Monitor your progress: As you begin to take nootropics, it is important to monitor your progress and any potential side effects. Keep track of any changes in your cognitive function, mood, or physical performance, and adjust your dosage or stop taking the supplement if you experience any negative side effects.

5. Stick to a healthy lifestyle: While nootropics may provide some benefits, they should not be relied upon as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. It is important to prioritize good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep in order to optimize your cognitive and physical performance.

Introducing nootropics into your routine should be done in a responsible and informed manner. Research the different types of nootropics available, consult with a healthcare professional, start with a low dose, monitor your progress, and prioritize a healthy lifestyle. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively incorporate nootropics into your routine.

WOTW: Workout of the week

Introduction:

This workout is designed for runners who want to improve their endurance and speed. It consists of a warm-up, a main set, and a cool-down. Be sure to properly warm up before beginning the main set, and cool down properly afterwards.

Warm-up:

1. Dynamic stretching: Begin with a light jog, then incorporate dynamic stretching exercises such as leg swings, high knees, and butt kicks. This will help to increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare them for the workout ahead.

2. Strides: Perform a series of 6-8 strides of 100 meters each. These should be run at around 80-90% of your maximum effort, with a 30-second recovery period in between each stride. This will help to activate your fast-twitch muscle fibers and improve your running form.

Main set:

1. Interval training: Run 6 x 800-meter intervals at a pace that is slightly faster than your race pace, with a 2-minute rest period in between each interval. Aim to run each interval in your lactate threshold heart rate zone, which is around 80-90% of your maximum heart rate. This will help to improve your aerobic capacity and speed.

2. Hill repeats: Find a steep hill and perform 6-8 hill repeats of 200 meters each. Run up the hill at a hard effort, then jog down for recovery. Aim to keep your heart rate in your aerobic zone, which is around 70-80% of your maximum heart rate. This will help to improve your leg strength and power.

Cool-down:

1. Slow jog: After completing the main set, perform a slow jog for 10-15 minutes to gradually decrease your heart rate and allow your muscles to cool down. Aim to keep your heart rate in your recovery zone, which is around 60-70% of your maximum heart rate.

2. Static stretching: After the slow jog, perform static stretches for your major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. This will help to improve your flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.

Conclusion:

This workout is designed to help runners improve their endurance and speed through interval training and hill repeats. Be sure to properly warm up and cool down, and stay within your target heart rate zones throughout the workout. With consistency and dedication, this workout can help you achieve your running goals.

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As always thank you SO much for reading. If you have any feedback please reply or follow up on social.

We’re changing thing up each week to drive as much value as possible.

You can continue to follow my training on Strava or on all socials @robertjameshester.

Have an awesome week.

Robert