Phosphatidylserine for Athletes: Running & Golf Performance
Whether you are on the back nine or mile nine, the enemy is the same: stress. Not emotional stress, but physiological stress.
Your body interprets long runs and high-stakes putts as a threat. It releases Cortisol. While useful in short bursts, high cortisol destroys performance. It causes the "Yips" in golf and "The Wall" in running. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the secret weapon pro athletes use to block this response.
For Golfers: Curing the "Yips"
Golf is 90% mental. The "Yips"—involuntary wrist spasms or freezing over a putt—are caused by performance anxiety spiking cortisol and adrenaline. This chemical cocktail disrupts fine motor skills.
How PS Helps: Studies show Phosphatidylserine blunts the release of ACTH (the hormone that triggers cortisol) during stress. By keeping cortisol low, PS keeps you in the "Flow State." Your hands stay steady, and your focus remains narrow and calm.
For Runners: Delaying "The Wall"
In endurance sports, fatigue isn't just in your legs; it's in your brain. This is called "Central Fatigue." As you run, oxidative stress builds up in the brain, and dopamine levels drop.
Long-distance running spikes cortisol, which is catabolic (it breaks down muscle for fuel). Phosphatidylserine reduces this exercise-induced cortisol spike. This speeds up recovery, reduces muscle soreness, and helps maintain the Testosterone-to-Cortisol ratio needed for drive and endurance.
The Protocol: The Competitive Edge
You don't need caffeine (which increases cortisol) to perform better. You need stress modulation. The FOG OFF protocol provides the optimal athletic stack.
1. The Cortisol Blocker: Phosphatidylserine (200mg)
This is the clinical dose shown to improve drive accuracy in golfers and endurance in runners.
- Mechanism: Optimizes the HPA axis response to physical stress, preventing the "fight or flight" chemicals from ruining your game.
2. The Focus Enhancer: Huperzine A
Athletes need "Acetylcholine," the neurotransmitter of muscle contraction and focus. Huperzine A prevents its breakdown.
- Mechanism: It keeps you "locked in" on the target or the finish line, preventing the mental drift that leads to mistakes.
Summary
Elite performance requires a calm brain. By using Phosphatidylserine to control cortisol, you can putt with precision and run without hitting the mental wall.
FOG OFF is your performance advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Take it 60 minutes before your tee time or race start. This allows peak blood levels during the event.
A: No. Phosphatidylserine is a natural phospholipid found in food (in tiny amounts) and is WADA-compliant.
A: Yes. By lowering post-exercise cortisol, it shifts your body back into an anabolic (building) state faster.
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