body

Physical Energy Increase

Physical Energy Increase describes a body-related change in which a person experiences greater energy. It is an outcome, not a specific diagnosis or explanation for why energy may change.

Physical Energy Increase refers to a body-related change involving greater energy.

3Supplements
52Practices

These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

55 options:4 some evidence22 not enough evidence1 not tested in people24 personal stories only4 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

QigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported improved activity levels (SMDs were −0.92...). In one RCT, physical and psychological scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group at T2.
Open the Qigong page
Mindfulness MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A trial with 86 participants found lower behavioral fatigue scores in the intervention group than in the control group. A separate quasi-experimental study with 388 participants reported improvement in the physical dimension of a health questionnaire after an online intervention.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
Yoga NidrapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Yoga Nidra page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a 2020 trial of 65 healthy participants, the DF group’s vitality score improved by 17.6 points. A separate trial found higher vitality quality-of-life scores for the Zumba group than the control group at 3 months.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
18 of 20 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found increased vigor in a neutral subgroup of 12 people. Another pooled analysis of randomized trials found increased vitality in subgroup 3, by 1.996 POMS points.
Open the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) page
PilatespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 4 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Pilates page
FastingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Fasting page
BreathworkpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a 2025 randomized trial of 404 healthy participants, the breathing protocol produced greater momentary self-reported energy increases than meditation after daily practice.
Open the Breathwork page

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 25 people with heart disease found a small improvement in VT, a measure reported in the analysis.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
Hatha YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 4 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
An RCT with 200 participants found vitality was higher among yoga participants than controls at 3 months post-treatment. A cohort study with 253 participants also found vigor increased following a yoga session.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
DancepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Dance page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 4 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Wim Hof Method BreathingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Wim Hof Method Breathing page
YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
Open the Yoga page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies described weak support from a single study for Infrared Sauna therapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
Heating Pads / Warm CompressespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Heating Pads / Warm Compresses page
Tai ChipracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2024 trial of 90 people found reduced physical and mental fatigue in both Tai Chi and aerobic-exercise groups compared with the wait-list control, but no difference between the two exercise groups.
Open the Tai Chi page
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a study that followed people over time.
A cohort study of 229 healthy participants reported increased energy and present focus, along with more positive affect and less thought distraction, across the practices studied.
Open the Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a 2014 trial, 3 of 24 patients noted increased energy the next day. A qualitative study that year also recorded reports of feeling invigorated or energized from several women.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
Social DancingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a randomized trial of 31 people with breast cancer, the RHYTHM intervention improved reported vitality.
Open the Social Dancing page
CardiopracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In an 18-participant randomized trial, RPE was lower relative to CON.
Open the Cardio page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2019 randomized trial involving 16 therapists reported increased physical energy while they were grounded compared with when they were not.
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
Cupping TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Cupping Therapy page
TENS / EMS TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a trial of 46 people receiving active treatment for tinnitus, the energy and pain measures on the SF-36 improved after treatment (2025).
Open the TENS / EMS Therapy page
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A trial of 36 people reported a statistically significant effect of the group intervention on fatigue, anxiety, and sadness. It did not report a numerical change in physical energy.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
Binaural BeatspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
In a 2023 pilot involving 28 people, the median refreshed rating increased by 1 on a 0–5 scale.
Open the Binaural Beats page
Hot YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: an interview study.
In a qualitative study, 13 of 80 participants reported improved energy. An RCT with 32 participants found no statistically significant condition-by-time interactions for its secondary outcomes.
Open the Hot Yoga page
AcupuncturepracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Acupuncture page
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)practiceOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) page
Anusara YogapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Anusara Yoga page
Bedtime Wind-Down RitualpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Bedtime Wind-Down Ritual page
Box BreathingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Box Breathing page
Brisk WalkingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Brisk Walking page
CalisthenicspracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Calisthenics page
CyclingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Cycling page
Finnish SaunapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Focused Attention MeditationpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Focused Attention Meditation page
Hot BathpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Hot Bath page
MassagepracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Massage page
MeditationpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Meditation page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
Indoor RowingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Indoor Rowing page
Strength TrainingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Strength Training page
SwimmingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Swimming page
Thai MassagepracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Thai Massage page
Transcendental MeditationpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Transcendental Meditation page
Vinyasa YogapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Vinyasa Yoga page
Yin YogapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Yin Yoga page
ChagasupplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Chaga page
Sea Moss (Irish Moss)supplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Sea Moss (Irish Moss) page
Turkey TailsupplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Turkey Tail page
Mobility TrainingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
Open the Mobility Training page
Jump Rope TrainingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy. A cohort study of 486 participants found that subjective physical activity increased, but the change did not differ significantly between groups.
Open the Jump Rope Training page
Tabata TrainingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy. A 2023 quasi-experimental study of 28 healthy participants reported a level-by-time interaction for vigor.
Open the Tabata Training page
Foam RollingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy: in one trial of 18 people, lactate clearance was not significantly correlated with perceived exertion during foam rolling.
Open the Foam Rolling page

Show all 55

Comparing practices

QigongSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large4 trials
Mindfulness MeditationSome evidence it helps4 trials
Yoga NidraSome evidence it helps2 trials

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Linked to improving it55 listed

AllSupplementsPractices

Start here

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect6 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported improved activity levels (SMDs were −0.92 ... (95% CI −1.77 to −0.07, p = 0.03)). In one RCT, physical and psychological scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group at T2.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Study result
QE could improve the decreased activity levels ... SMDs were −0.92 ... (95% CI −1.77 to −0.07, p = 0.03)
Open Qigong
→
PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceClinical5 other sources
A trial with 86 participants found lower behavioral fatigue scores in the intervention group than in the control group. A separate quasi-experimental study with 388 participants reported improvement in the physical dimension of a health questionnaire after an online intervention.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
After the intervention, behavioral fatigue (4.02 ± 1.28 vs. 4.61 ± 1.37, p = 0.045) ... scores were reduced and were significantly lower in the research group than in the control group.
Open Mindfulness Meditation
→
PracticesYoga NidraCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
In a 2011 randomized trial involving people with menstrual irregularity, vitality improved by MD 0.47 points in the Yoga group (150 participants). A 2016 trial also reported improved vitality after six months of yogic intervention compared with a control group.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Menstrual Irregularity
Study result
Vitality improved significantly (P<0.01) in the Yoga group.
Open Yoga Nidra
→
PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
In a 2020 trial of 65 healthy participants, the DF group’s vitality score improved by 17.6 points. A separate trial found higher vitality quality-of-life scores for the Zumba group than the control group at 3 months.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
DF group: MD = 17.6 ± 2.4, p < 0.001
Open Latin Dance Fitness
→

Low probability(48)

PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyLowSourceRCTLarge effect21 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found increased vigor in a neutral subgroup of 12 people (SMD = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.37 to 2.09; p = 0.009). Another pooled analysis of randomized trials found increased vitality in subgroup 3, by 1.996 POMS points.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Diabetes
Heart Disease
+2 more
Study result
In the neutral subgroup (n = 12), forest exposure significantly increased vigor (SMD = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.37 to 2.09; p = 0.009)
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
→
PracticesPilatesCertaintyLowSourceRCT5 other sources
A 2025 trial reported higher post-intervention scores in the experimental group than in the control group (74.04 ± 15.78 vs. 66.73 ± 18.68). A separate trial reported differences in vitality scores among people with type 2 diabetes.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Study result
Post-intervention, the experimental group reported higher values (74.04 ± 15.78 vs. 66.73 ± 18.68). Significant effects for Group × Time (F(1,102) = 51.507, p < 0.001, η^2 = 0.336)... between-group differences at post-intervention (t(1,102) = −2.155, p = 0.034; d = 0.42)
Open Pilates
→
PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceRCT2 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded reported that total FACIT-F score increased by 9.3 ± 13.3 points following the intervention, indicating improvements in fatigue (p < 0.001, ES = 0.50).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
total FACIT-F score increased by 9.3 ± 13.3 points following the intervention, indicating significant improvements in fatigue (p < 0.001, ES = 0.50)
Open Fasting
→
PracticesBreathworkCertaintyLowSourceRCT2 other sources
In a 2025 randomized trial of 404 healthy participants, the breathing protocol produced greater momentary self-reported energy increases than meditation after daily practice.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
WHM conditions showed greater momentary improvements in self-reported energy... following daily protocol compared with meditation; both WHM and WHM-remote were associated with significantly greater increases in momentary energy levels compared to the Meditation condition
Open Breathwork
→
PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyLowSourceRCTSmall effect2 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 25 people with heart disease found a small improvement in VT, a measure reported in the analysis.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Heart Disease
Study result
the FE analysis of VT (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI 0.04~0.39, Z = 2.46, P = 0.014)
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
→
PracticesDanceCertaintyLowSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings3 other sources
A 2022 pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found a moderate energy effect (SMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.94) among 597 people in its energy analysis, measured via GWB and POMS. Studies disagree: a 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found a non-significant result for physical activity level (SMD = 0.82, CI = [−0.99, 2.63], p = 0.24), which is a different outcome.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Study result
Energy (SMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.94) measured via GWB and POMS
Open Dance
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
An RCT with 200 participants found vitality was higher among yoga participants than controls at 3 months post-treatment (P = .01). A cohort study with 253 participants also found vigor increased following a yoga session.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Copd
Study result
At 3 months post-treatment, ... vitality was higher (P = .01) ... for yoga participants compared with the control group.
Open Hatha Yoga
→
PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
A randomized trial of 16 reported faster recovery after MMR than PR. During the second half, perceived exertion was lower in COOL than CON in a randomized trial of 11 (p < 0.05), while a randomized trial of 8 found similar post-recovery exertion after CWI and PR (8.5 ± 2.7 vs 9 ± 3.4; ES 0.16).
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
PPC (SRSS item, 0-6): significant recovery strategy × time interaction (F=2.947, p=0.028); recovered faster after MMR vs PR.
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
→
PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
In a 2025 randomized trial of 404 healthy participants, a daily Wim Hof Method protocol produced greater momentary self-reported energy improvement than meditation: MD 1.44 points [1.15, 1.74]. Results differ across trials: a 2023 randomized trial of 42 participants detected no significant time × group interactions in SVSt (p = 0.760).
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
WHM conditions showed greater momentary improvements in self-reported energy... following daily protocol compared with meditation. WHM (vs MC): Estimate 1.44 (0.15) [1.15, 1.74]
Open Wim Hof Method Breathing
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a quasi-experimental study involving 253 people, POMS vigor increased significantly after a yoga session (F(1, 249) = 255.46, p < 0.001, η² = 0.51).
Study result
POMS vigor increased significantly following the yoga session: F(1, 249) = 255.46, p < 0.001, η² = 0.51.
Open Yoga
→
PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies described weak support from a single study for Infrared Sauna therapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart Failure
Obesity
Study result
weak evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome
Open Infrared Sauna
→
PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2022 trial, fatigue scores after warm compression were 59.6 ± 4.4 versus 63.1 ± 5.6 in the control group (n = 120, p < 0.001). This finding concerns fatigue scores, rather than a direct measure of physical energy.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
After the intervention, the mean scores of fatigue in the warm compression (59.6 ± 4.4) and control (63.1 ± 5.6) groups were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001) based on the independent t-test.
Open Heating Pads / Warm Compresses
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A 2024 trial of 90 people found reduced physical and mental fatigue in both Tai Chi and aerobic-exercise groups compared with the wait-list control, but no difference between the two exercise groups.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Compared with the WLC group, the AE and TCC groups showed reductions in PMPU levels, physical and mental fatigue, but there was no difference between the two groups.
Open Tai Chi
→
PracticesLoving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)CertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A cohort study of 229 healthy participants reported increased energy and present focus, along with more positive affect and less thought distraction, across the practices studied.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
All practices, including breathing meditation, increased positivity of affect, energy, and present focus and decreased thought distraction.
Open Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
→
PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2014 trial, 3 of 24 patients noted increased energy the next day. A qualitative study that year also recorded reports of feeling invigorated or energized from several women.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Hypertension
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
3 patients noted an increased energy level the next day.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
→
PracticesSocial DancingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a randomized trial of 31 people with breast cancer, the RHYTHM intervention improved reported vitality (p = 0.03).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Study result
RHYTHM had significant positive effects on ... vitality (p = 0.03)
Open Social Dancing
→
PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In an 18-participant randomized trial, RPE was lower relative to CON (MD = −2.33; 95% CI: −3.09, −1.58; p < 0.001).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
RPE (MD = −2.33; 95% CI: −3.09, −1.58; p < 0.001) relative to CON.
Open Cardio
→
PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A 2019 randomized trial involving 16 therapists reported increased physical energy while they were grounded compared with when they were not.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
significant increases in physical function and energy ... while grounded as compared to not being grounded.
Open Grounding / Earthing
→
PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A trial of 50 people found higher vitality scores after treatment (MD 10.2 points [3, 17.3]).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
vitality (Δ10.2, p = 0.006)
Open Cupping Therapy
→
PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a trial of 46 people receiving active treatment for tinnitus, the energy and pain measures on the SF-36 improved after treatment (2025).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
In the CST group that received active treatment, significant improvements were noted in THI, VAS‐tinnitus, VAS‐neck pain, and SF‐36 (energy and pain) after treatment (p < 0.05).
Open TENS / EMS Therapy
→
PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A trial of 36 people reported a statistically significant effect of the group intervention on fatigue, anxiety, and sadness. It did not report a numerical change in physical energy.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
MDASI fatigue item — 'The effect of group ... is statistically significant only for the symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and sadness.'
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
→
PracticesBinaural BeatsCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2023 pilot involving 28 people, the median refreshed rating increased by 1 on a 0–5 scale (p=0.0004).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Median refreshed rating (0–5 scale) change 1 (1), p=0.0004
Open Binaural Beats
→
PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 191 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesAlternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 6 of 266 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 140 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesBedtime Wind-Down RitualCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 6 of 288 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesBox BreathingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 301 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 24 of 312 community reports discussing it (Reddit 21, YouTube 3).
→
PracticesCalisthenicsCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 18 of 328 community reports discussing it (Reddit 12, Hacker News 4, YouTube 2).
→
PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 21 of 293 community reports discussing it (Reddit 17, YouTube 4).
→
PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 192 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesFocused Attention MeditationCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 237 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 8 of 232 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 240 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesMeditationCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 322 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 13 of 267 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesIndoor RowingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 22 of 242 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 16 of 372 community reports discussing it (Reddit 14, YouTube 2).
→
PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 9 of 178 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesThai MassageCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 6 of 262 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesTranscendental MeditationCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 254 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 14 of 343 community reports discussing it (Reddit 9, YouTube 5).
→
PracticesYin YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 71 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical3 other sources
In a qualitative study, 13 of 80 participants reported improved energy. An RCT with 32 participants found no statistically significant condition-by-time interactions for its secondary outcomes.
Who was studied
People with a condition
ADHD
Depression
Study result
including improvements in sleep (n = 10, 17.5%), energy (n = 13, 22.8%), mood (n = 18, 31.6%)
Open Hot Yoga
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PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical3 other sources
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy. A pilot in 3 people with COVID-19 reported a Borg scale decrement of −36% (T0 3 ± 3,464 and T1 1,667 ± 1,155).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Covid 19
Open Mobility Training
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PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy. A cohort study of 486 participants found that subjective physical activity increased, but the change did not differ significantly between groups (all p > 0.05).
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Jump Rope Training
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PracticesTabata TrainingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy. A 2023 quasi-experimental study of 28 healthy participants reported a level-by-time interaction for vigor (p = 0.006).
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Tabata Training
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PracticesFoam RollingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
Studies did not support an increase in physical energy: in one trial of 18 people, lactate clearance was not significantly correlated with perceived exertion during foam rolling.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Foam Rolling
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Very low probability(3)

SupplementsChagaCertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 21 of 280 community reports discussing it (Reddit 19, YouTube 2).
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SupplementsSea Moss (Irish Moss)CertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 40 of 299 community reports discussing it (Reddit 31, YouTube 9).
Timing
felt immediately
Open Sea Moss (Irish Moss)
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SupplementsTurkey TailCertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 15 of 232 Reddit reports discussing it.
Timing
felt immediately
Open Turkey Tail
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Practices compared

Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 24

Practice	How sure	Effect size	Own trials	What worked in trials
Qigong	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	4 trials or pooled analyses	6–11 weeks
Mindfulness Meditation	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		4 trials or pooled analyses
Yoga Nidra	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses	35 min · 5×/week · 26 weeks
Latin Dance Fitness	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses	60 min · 2–2.5×/week · 16–21 weeks
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)	CertaintyLowSourceRCT	Large effect	17 trials or pooled analyses	40–60 min · 5–6×/week · 0.3–0.4 weeks
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)	CertaintyLowSourceRCT	Small effect	1 trial or pooled analysis
Pilates	CertaintyLowSourceRCT		3 trials or pooled analyses	60 min · 2–2.5×/week · 8–10 weeks
Ice Bath / Cold Plunge	CertaintyLowSourceClinical		2 trials or pooled analyses	14–15 min
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)	CertaintyLowSourceClinical		1 trial or pooled analysis
Binaural Beats	CertaintyLowSourceClinical		1 trial or pooled analysis

What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

Physical Energy Increase describes a body-related change in which a person experiences greater energy. It is an outcome, not a specific diagnosis or explanation for why energy may change.

Interventions studied for this outcome include Hatha Yoga, Maca Root, Vitamin C, and Beta-Alanine. Their findings should be considered individually rather than interpreted as evidence that all approaches have the same effect.

How interventions help

Interventions associated with increased physical energy differ mainly in timing, duration, and the way energy was assessed. Some are intended to act quickly: Caffeine was studied acutely with an immediate onset, while Beta-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate were also associated with immediate effects. These findings concern short-term changes rather than an effect that necessarily builds with continued use.

Other approaches were used over several weeks. Maca Root was studied at 3 g/day for 12 weeks, with higher energy ratings than placebo from week 2 through week 12; the reported effect persisted for weeks after stopping. Vitamin C was studied as 2 kiwifruit/day for 28 days, with persistence after stopping measured in days. L-Carnitine was studied at 1500 mg/day for 10 weeks. These examples suggest that some interventions may require a sustained course before changes are assessed, rather than producing only an immediate response.

The outcome itself was not measured in one uniform way. Findings included reduced fatigue, higher energy ratings, energy and vitality, vitality within a broader quality-of-life measure, and improvements in measures that included energy and pain. Hatha Yoga, Yoga, and TENS / EMS Therapy were studied in people with a clinical condition, so those findings may not apply in the same way to people without one. Several other interventions were studied in groups whose health status was not specified. Overall, the evidence covers both short-term and multiweek approaches, but the context and measurement of “more energy” vary across interventions.

Choosing guidance

Choose among these options by matching the evidence and time frame to your goal, rather than treating all approaches as interchangeable. Options with human trial evidence provide a more relevant basis for people seeking an observed change in people, while findings from clinical-condition populations may not apply directly to someone without that condition. Options supported mainly by anecdotal reports or pharmacology references are better viewed as exploratory rather than established choices.

Time commitment also differs. Some options are described as producing an immediate effect, while others were assessed only after days, weeks, or a longer course. A stated dose and study duration can help you judge whether an option is practical to follow and whether a short trial would be long enough to assess it. Where persistence after stopping is described, it provides additional context about whether an effect may continue or fade after use ends.

For a faster, short-term change, compare options with an immediate onset category, while those with an onset measured in days or longer may suit someone willing to wait. For a structured, non-supplement approach, Yoga and Hatha Yoga may be more relevant to people whose circumstances resemble the clinical-condition populations studied. Caffeine may appeal to someone prioritizing an acute option, whereas Maca Root, Vitamin C, and L-Carnitine represent approaches assessed over longer periods rather than only immediately.

The options are not equally well characterized: some have direct human evidence, some have limited human relevance, and some lack human evidence. When studies do not directly address your health status, dose, duration, or desired speed of change, uncertainty remains even if the option appears in the comparison.