What Is Kratom And Kava? Athletes Are Turning To These Natural Alternatives

By Arslan Saleem June 25, 2025 05:35

In the world of fitness, there's been a noticeable shift. Athletes, gym-goers, and weekend warriors alike are moving away from overly processed supplements and leaning into natural, plant-based options. As part of this trend, two botanicals are gaining serious traction: kratom and kava. So, what is kratom and kava? And why are athletes interested? These Southeast Pacific plants are being recognized for their grounded, natural appeal. With roots in tradition and a growing presence in modern wellness spaces, both kratom and kava are showing up in workout routines, post-training recovery, and daily performance rituals. Let's break down what they are, how they differ, and how athletes are putting them to work.

Here's Why Athletes Are Turning To Natural Alternatives, Kratom and Kava

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The leaves of the tree are dried and ground into a fine powder. That powder is the basis for several kratom products found on today's market, ranging from loose powder to capsules and ready-made drinks.

What makes kratom unique is its variety of strains, typically categorized by color:

Green Vein: Known for its balanced properties
White Vein: Often chosen for its energizing nature
Red Vein: Preferred for its more grounded and calming effects

Athletes often turn to green and white strains during active hours, using them before workouts or on intense workdays. Kratom's earthy, botanical profile makes it a compelling addition to the wellness routines of those looking for a natural edge without synthetic enhancers.

What is Kava?

Kava, on the other hand, comes from the kava plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands such as Fiji and Vanuatu. Traditionally, it was prepared as a ceremonial drink, but kava has gained popularity in modern wellness spaces, often in the form of kava tea, kava shots, or kava capsules.

While kratom is known for its variety of strain-specific effects, kava is most commonly used for Relaxation and clarity. It's often enjoyed by those winding down after a high-energy day or as part of a pre-evening routine.

How athletes use Kratom

More and more people in fitness circles are finding creative ways to integrate kratom into their active lifestyles.

Here's how:

Workout Focus and Motivation: Some fitness fans prefer a white vein kratom capsule or drink before hitting the gym, appreciating its energizing feel. It's an alternative to caffeine-heavy pre-workout formulas and is often seen as smoother and more plant-based.
Endurance Support: Green vein kratom is popular during long training days. From marathon runners to high-intensity interval trainers, many turn to this variety to support consistency in their performance without the crash associated with sugary energy drinks.
Routine Consistency: One of kratom's biggest appeals in fitness is how it supports daily structure. People who follow strict workout schedules often use kratom as part of their morning or early afternoon routine, appreciating how it helps them stick to their plan.

How Kava fits into the athlete's lifestyle

While kratom tends to appear during or before workouts, kava often takes the spotlight afterward. Here's how fitness users are incorporating it:

Workout Recovery: After a demanding training session, many people turn to kava to wind down and rebalance. It's often mixed with non-alcoholic beverages or taken in capsule form to simplify post-gym recovery.
Sleep Support and Routine Reset: Kava has earned a spot in many nighttime routines. Fitness requires proper rest, and kava's grounding feel makes it a favorite in the hours before bed, especially for those needing mental calm after a stimulating workout.
Social Wellness Alternative: Fitness-minded individuals are becoming increasingly mindful of their alcohol consumption, especially when training or pursuing performance goals. Kava drinks are a popular alternative in social settings, offering a way to stay connected without compromising health goals.

Kratom Vs. Kava: What's the difference?

Kratom and Kava are both natural, plant-based botanicals, but they differ significantly in origin, plant part used, and how they fit into wellness routines. Kratom is made from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia, while Kava is derived from the root of a plant traditionally grown in the South Pacific Islands.

Kratom is commonly used for focus, energy, and maintaining daily balance, making it a popular choice for pre-workout or mid-day routines. It’s often available in powder, capsule, or drink form. On the other hand, Kava is widely used for promoting relaxation, calmness, and mental clarity, especially in the evenings or after a workout.

It typically comes in teas, capsules, or ready-to-drink formats. For many fitness-focused individuals, it's not about choosing one over the other—instead, it's about using both strategically to support different aspects of their day and align with their personal goals.

Why is this trend keeping growing?

The appeal of kratom and kava isn't just their natural origin—it's how they fit into modern lifestyles. Fitness is no longer just about the gym. It's about total wellness: structure, mental clarity, motivation, and recovery. Kratom and kava offer plant-based support for all those elements.

As more people seek alternatives to supplements and stimulant-heavy routines, these botanicals are becoming trusted tools in the wellness toolkit—used not for shortcuts but for balance, sustainability, and natural rhythm.

The Final Words

So, what is kratom and kava? They're more than just herbs—they're part of a broader movement toward natural wellness in the athlete's world. Whether looking for a boost before your next workout or a calming way to unwind after, kratom and kava offer versatile, plant-based support that many athletes are embracing. As always, choose products from brands you trust and build routines that align with your goals. Fitness is personal, and with botanicals like these, it can be more natural, too.