Nemesis x Immortals Ascension: A Focus-Forward Pre-Workout Stacks Lion’s Mane, Citicoline, Huperzine and 6 g Citrulline

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Why focus‑forward pre‑workouts are gaining ground
4. Ingredient breakdown: What’s in Immortals Ascension and how it works
5. How Immortals Ascension differs from stimulant‑centric pre‑workouts
6. Who should choose Immortals Ascension—and who should be cautious
7. Evidence and practical expectations for key ingredients
8. Practical dosing and timing recommendations
9. Safety concerns, side effects and interactions
10. The larger trend: gym partnerships and boutique collaborations
11. How Nemesis positions its product ecosystem
12. Comparing Immortals Ascension to leading focus pre‑workouts
13. Practical scenarios: how different athletes might use Ascension
14. Label literacy: what to check when Ascension becomes available
15. Potential marketing and market performance
16. Real‑world example: how a focused pre‑workout changes a training block
17. Purchasing and trial recommendations
18. The role of evidence and ongoing research
19. Final considerations for committed users
20. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Nemesis Nutrition and Immortals gym teamed up on Immortals Ascension, a pre-workout built around nootropic support (600 mg lion’s mane, CDP‑choline, theanine, huperzine) plus proven pump and performance ingredients (6 g pure L‑citrulline, 3.2 g beta‑alanine, 2 g HydroPrime).
• The formula leans toward cognitive enhancement and sustained concentration while still delivering pumps and endurance benefits; users should expect a different experience than stimulant‑centric pre‑workouts.
• Practical considerations include loading beta‑alanine for carnosine benefits, huperzine A safety and dosing vigilance, and the importance of third‑party testing for athletes and sensitive users.

Introduction

Nemesis Nutrition has expanded its product playbook steadily this year, releasing a nighttime recovery formula and a new protein powder while teasing an array of targeted supplements. The next entry, Immortals Ascension, arrives as a collaborative effort with the Immortals gym brand and positions itself as a hybrid: a pre‑workout that prioritizes focus and cognitive support without abandoning the pump and performance hallmarks gymgoers expect.

The ingredient panel reads like a deliberate pivot away from purely stimulant-driven formulas. Rather than leaning primarily on high caffeine and simple stimulants, Immortals Ascension blends botanical and nootropic compounds—600 mg of lion’s mane, a form of CDP‑choline, theanine and huperzine—with classic ergogenic ingredients such as 6 g of pure L‑citrulline, 3.2 g beta‑alanine and 2 g HydroPrime (a glycerol-based hydration agent). That combination signals a targeted approach: sharpen the mind, maintain calm focus, and still deliver verifiable physiological benefits for muscular pump and endurance.

This piece unpacks what Immortals Ascension delivers, how its ingredients work together, who will get the most from it, and which safety and practical considerations buyers should weigh. It also places the release in the broader context of supplement trends—particularly the growth of nootropic pre‑workouts and strategic brand collaborations—and provides evidence-based guidance on dosing, timing, stacking and athlete compliance.

Why focus‑forward pre‑workouts are gaining ground

Consumers have driven a shift in the supplement market. Pre‑workouts that used to be judged solely on raw stimulant intensity now face demand for cleaner focus, better cognitive control, and reduced jitter while still delivering muscular results. Athletes and recreational lifters alike want energy they can direct—sustained concentration for complex lifts, steady intensity for conditioning sessions, and clarity for technical movements.

Immortals Ascension fits this demand. The inclusion of lion’s mane, CDP‑choline and huperzine shifts the formula toward acetylcholine and neural support pathways rather than pure adrenergic stimulation alone. L‑theanine modulates the sympathetic response, smoothing potential spikes in arousal. Meanwhile, the citrulline, beta‑alanine and glycerol-derived HydroPrime continue to deliver objective benefits for nitric oxide production, buffering capacity and volumization—factors that underpin perceived pump and performance.

This approach serves a broad set of users: strength athletes who need razor focus for heavy lifts; fighters and athletes requiring sustained cognitive clarity across rounds; and gym members who prefer a controlled stimulant experience or a non‑stimulant option. It also caters to those seeking a novel sensory and performance profile rather than another high‑stimulant pre‑workout.

Ingredient breakdown: What’s in Immortals Ascension and how it works

A thorough look at the formula reveals choices grounded in mechanism and measurable outcomes. Below, the major active ingredients are grouped by the primary effect they aim to deliver—cognitive support, energy modulation, and pump/performance.

Cognitive and neurotransmitter support

• Lion’s mane (600 mg): Hericium erinaceus is a mushroom species investigated for neurotrophic effects. Compounds in lion’s mane stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) pathways in preclinical models and have shown cognitive benefits in small human trials when taken consistently over weeks. A single 600 mg dose is modest by therapeutic standards but contributes to a synergistic nootropic profile when combined with direct cholinergic support.
• CDP‑choline (citicoline): A direct precursor to choline and acetylcholine synthesis, citicoline supports attention, memory, and mental energy. It increases brain phospholipid synthesis and is associated with improved attentional performance in controlled studies. Effective acute cognitive support typically occurs in the 250–500 mg range per dose; the presence of CDP‑choline in this formula targets acetylcholine availability for better neuromuscular communication and focus.
• Huperzine A: This plant‑derived acetylcholinesterase inhibitor reduces the breakdown of acetylcholine, effectively amplifying the impact of choline donors like CDP‑choline. Huperzine is potent at microgram doses and can sustain acetylcholine levels for hours. Its inclusion indicates the formula’s intention to maximize cholinergic signaling during a workout—particularly useful for skill‑based or technical lifting where motor control and neural drive matter.

Calming and focus‑sharpening agents

• L‑theanine: Commonly paired with caffeine to reduce jitters and improve focus, theanine modulates alpha brain wave activity and delivers a relaxed, attentive state. When taken with stimulants, it smooths the psychoactive curve; when taken alone or with low stimulant doses, it still improves cognitive control and reduces anxiety. The synergy between theanine and CDP‑choline can produce attentive calm rather than hyperarousal.

Pump, hydration and endurance support

• L‑citrulline (6 g, pure): L‑citrulline is a reliable nitric oxide precursor. In the bloodstream it converts to L‑arginine, which raises nitric oxide production, vasodilation, and muscular blood flow. Six grams of pure L‑citrulline is within the effective acute range for increasing plasma arginine and improving subjective pump and objective performance markers in resistance exercise.
• Beta‑alanine (3.2 g): Beta‑alanine raises intramuscular carnosine concentrations with chronic supplementation, improving buffering capacity and delaying muscular fatigue during high‑intensity efforts. A single 3.2 g dose produces the familiar tingling sensation (paresthesia) and aligns with common, effective per‑serving amounts used in evidence‑based pre‑workouts. For maximal benefit, beta‑alanine requires a loading phase over several weeks.
• HydroPrime (2 g): A branded glycerol powder (glycerol matrix), HydroPrime promotes hyperhydration and cellular fluid balance. Glycerol supports plasma volume and intracellular hydration, which can amplify pump sensations and improve thermoregulatory buffering. Two grams is a practical dose for acute volumization without excessive sweetness or texture issues in the mix.

Other notes on stimulants and energy

• The public formula details do not disclose a stimulant like caffeine. Nemesis often differentiates stimulant and stimulant‑free variants across its line; Ascension’s focus on cholinergics and theanine suggests it may be available as a lower‑stimulation or non‑stimulant option. Consumers should check the final label for caffeine content and stimulant blend presence before dosing.

Taken together, these ingredients create a layered effect: immediate pump and hydration from citrulline and glycerol, neural priming and sustained acetylcholine signaling from citicoline and huperzine, attentional smoothing from theanine, and performance endurance via beta‑alanine over time.

How Immortals Ascension differs from stimulant‑centric pre‑workouts

Many pre‑workout products emphasize rapid energy via high doses of caffeine, synephrine or other stimulants and rely on stimulant-driven motivation and perceived performance. Immortals Ascension pursues a different pathway:

• Focus vs. adrenaline: By emphasizing cholinergic upregulation and nootropic botanicals, the formula supports top‑down executive processes—working memory, motor programming and concentration—rather than escalating heart rate and epinephrine. Users report better movement precision and mental endurance with such profiles.
• Reduced crash potential: Balancing theanine with other nootropics reduces sharp peaks and troughs in arousal. If the formula contains low or no caffeine, users avoid the stimulant "come down" common with high‑dose stim pre‑workouts.
• Pump and performance remain intact: Despite the cognitive tilt, key ergogenic ingredients (6 g L‑citrulline, 3.2 g beta‑alanine, HydroPrime) ensure that vascular and muscular factors are addressed. This combination should satisfy lifters who want both cognitive clarity and visible, tangible workout benefits.

That distinction matters for athletes performing technical lifts, fighters and MMA athletes, and gym users preparing for long sessions that require sustained mental control rather than short bursts of adrenaline.

Who should choose Immortals Ascension—and who should be cautious

Ideal candidates

• Athletes requiring sustained cognitive control: Competitive lifters, gymnasts, combat athletes and sports that demand precise decision‑making benefit from cholinergic enhancement and reduced stimulant noise.
• Users sensitive to high stimulants: Those who experience jitters, anxiety or sleep disruption from caffeine may prefer a focus‑forward formula, especially if Ascension’s label confirms low or no stimulant content.
• Lifters chasing pump and technique: The citrulline and HydroPrime components provide clear pump benefits while the choline and huperzine support neuromuscular coordination for complex lifts.

Users who should exercise caution

• People on cholinergic‑modulating medications: Huperzine A potentiates acetylcholine and can interact with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (often used in Alzheimer’s treatments) or other cognitive medications. Discuss use with a healthcare provider if taking such drugs.
• Those with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease: Any pre‑workout that alters nitric oxide, hydration status or arousal requires medical clearance in persons with heart conditions.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals: Safety profiles for many nootropics and branded ingredient blends lack robust evidence in these populations.
• Athletes subject to doping controls: Huperzine A and other botanical extracts can vary by source; athletes in tested sports should choose supplements that are third‑party batch‑tested for banned substances and contaminants.

Evidence and practical expectations for key ingredients

Understanding what to expect requires separating acute effects from adaptations that require loading.

• L‑citrulline (acute): Acute doses of 6 g L‑citrulline reliably raise arginine and nitric oxide, improving blood flow and subjective pump within 30–60 minutes post‑dose. Expect heightened muscle fullness and potentially improved single‑session performance.
• Beta‑alanine (chronic): Beta‑alanine’s ergogenic effect builds over several weeks as intramuscular carnosine accumulates. Acute consumption produces tingling; consistent daily dosing (with 3.2 g daily as a typical per‑serving amount) yields increased buffering capacity and improved high‑intensity endurance after 2–4 weeks.
• HydroPrime (acute): Glycerol formulations increase fluid retention and extracellular/intracellular hydration, supporting volumization and thermoregulation during sessions when taken pre‑exercise.
• CDP‑choline and huperzine (acute and short term): Citicoline can raise attention and mental energy acutely. Huperzine extends acetylcholine availability, potentially improving motor control during the workout window. Users often note improved focus and motor precision the same day. Long‑term huperzine use warrants breaks and careful dosing because persistent acetylcholinesterase inhibition could have unwanted effects.
• Lion’s mane (chronic): Many of lion’s mane’s proposed neurotrophic benefits accrue over weeks to months. Acute nootropic sensations are subtler; the 600 mg dose contributes to a synergistic profile but does not substitute for prolonged therapeutic dosing used in clinical trials.

The combination strategy should produce a layered experience: immediate pump and steady hydration, concurrent acute attentional gains from citicoline and theanine, huperzine‑mediated acetylcholine preservation throughout the session, and progressive endurance benefits with beta‑alanine over time.

Practical dosing and timing recommendations

• When to take: Consume Immortals Ascension roughly 20–45 minutes before training to allow L‑citrulline, glycerol and nootropics to enter circulation. If the product contains caffeine, aim for at least 3–4 hours before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbance.
• Beta‑alanine loading: For optimal carnosine elevation, take daily. If Ascension is intended as a single daily scoop, consistent use will produce the desired buffering effects within weeks. If you prefer to avoid paresthesia, split beta‑alanine into smaller doses across the day or choose sustained‑release formulations.
• Cycling huperzine: Consider using huperzine‑containing pre‑workouts on training days only or cycling on and off across weeks. Huperzine has a longer lasting acetylcholinesterase inhibition effect; extended continuous use without breaks increases the risk of overstimulation of cholinergic pathways.
• Stacking with creatine: Combine with creatine monohydrate for additive performance benefits. Creatine loading or daily maintenance does not interfere with citrulline or beta‑alanine; take creatine at any time of day.
• Adjusting for stimulant sensitivity: If the product includes caffeine, start with half a scoop to gauge tolerance, especially when combining with other sources of caffeine (coffee, energy drinks). If the label shows no stimulants, you may stack a small caffeine dose for extra energy while retaining the formula’s focus benefits.

Safety concerns, side effects and interactions

Huerpzine A and cholinergic modulation

• Huperzine A potentiates acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down. While that can help focus and memory in the short term, it risks cholinergic side effects (nausea, excessive salivation, bradycardia) at excessive exposures or in vulnerable populations. Microgram‑level dosing is typical; avoid repeated excessive intake and get medical clearance if on cholinergic agents or anti‑cholinergic medications.

Beta‑alanine paresthesia

• Beta‑alanine commonly causes tingling; it is benign but can be uncomfortable. Splitting doses or using sustained‑release variants reduces this sensation.

Lion’s mane and long‑term use

• Lion’s mane is generally well tolerated in clinical trials, though allergic reactions are possible for users sensitive to fungi. Evidence for acute cognitive effects is limited; the lion’s mane inclusion supports chronic neuroprotective strategies more than instant focus spikes.

Glycerol and hydration

• Glycerol can increase fluid retention. Maintain balanced hydration and electrolyte intake. In extreme cases, acute hyperhydration practices can stress the cardiovascular system; follow recommended dosing and avoid excessive fluid loading.

General supplement safety tips

• Verify third‑party testing: Seek products tested for contaminants and banned substances—especially crucial for competitive athletes. Brands that publish Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and use accredited labs provide greater assurance.
• Start conservatively: When trying a new pre‑workout, begin with half a serving to observe tolerance. Assess combinations with other supplements and medications.
• Monitor total stimulant intake: Check labels for caffeine equivalents and account for other sources throughout the day.

The larger trend: gym partnerships and boutique collaborations

The Nemesis x Immortals collaboration reflects a broader pattern in the supplement industry: brands partnering with gyms, teams or influencers to co‑create products that blend credibility with targeted consumer audiences. These collaborations deliver several advantages:

• Credibility and community access: Gym partners lend authenticity and direct channels to target consumers who already trust in the facility’s coaching and culture.
• Differentiated product design: Collabs often result in formulations tailored to a specific training philosophy or athlete profile rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
• Marketing momentum: Launches tied to a recognized gym or athlete increase initial visibility and drive authentic user feedback in a live training environment.

Examples across the industry show similar moves—brands working with boxing gyms, CrossFit affiliates, and athlete collectives to design niche products that resonate with committed users. Immortals Ascension follows that blueprint, offering a product likely refined with practitioner input to meet the needs of Immortals gym members.

How Nemesis positions its product ecosystem

Nemesis Nutrition has diversified beyond pre‑workouts into recovery supplements and protein. The company’s strategy appears to be building distinct, differentiated options for different use cases rather than iterating the same formula repeatedly. This reduces cannibalization across the lineup and gives loyal customers clear choices:

• Nighttime recovery (Psycho Blackout): Targets restoration and sleep; complements daytime performance products.
• Psycho Protein: Provides macronutrient support and positions Nemesis in the protein market—a category with recurring demand.
• Immortals Ascension: Occupies the focused, nootropic pre‑workout niche, appealing to a user base that values attention and motor control alongside pumps.

That diversification aligns with smart lifecycle management: users may purchase a protein and a recovery product as staples and then trial a specific pre‑workout that suits training phase or personal preference.

Comparing Immortals Ascension to leading focus pre‑workouts

Several established pre‑workouts prioritize focus without excessive stimulants. Immortals Ascension’s strengths relative to these competitors include the use of CDP‑choline plus huperzine for a pronounced cholinergic approach and a solid citrulline dose for pumps. Consider these comparative points:

• Nootropic depth: The combination of lion’s mane, CDP‑choline and huperzine is less common; many competitors rely on choline bitartrate or alpha‑GPC alone.
• Pump components: 6 g pure L‑citrulline is competitive with top-tier pump formulas; HydroPrime adds a hydration angle that some focus formulas lack.
• Beta‑alanine inclusion: Some nootropic pre‑workouts omit beta‑alanine to avoid paresthesia, while Ascension includes it for endurance support, reflecting a hybrid approach.

Real‑world preference will come down to whether users prioritize maximum stimulant energy or a calm, controlled focus combined with objective pump and buffering benefits.

Practical scenarios: how different athletes might use Ascension

• Strength athlete preparing for heavy singles: Take Ascension 30 minutes pre‑session to sharpen motor drive. Consider stacking with creatine and ensuring beta‑alanine loading is ongoing to benefit buffering during multiple heavy sets.
• Combat athlete training long rounds: Use Ascension for sustained concentration across rounds. The theanine and citicoline combination helps maintain attentive calm; hydrate well to exploit HydroPrime’s volumization.
• Weekend warrior chasing pump and mental clarity: Use Ascension before hypertrophy sessions; the citrulline delivers visible pump while nootropic components improve focus on mind‑muscle connection.
• Users sensitive to caffeine: If Ascension is stimulant‑free, it becomes an ideal pre‑session cognitive booster; if it contains caffeine, start with a half dose and monitor tolerance.

Label literacy: what to check when Ascension becomes available

Before purchasing any pre‑workout, scrutinize these label details:

• Exact ingredient forms and amounts: Confirm the CDP‑choline dosage, huperzine micrograms, and whether citrulline is L‑citrulline or citrulline malate.
• Caffeine and stimulant content: Note total caffeine per serving and cumulative daily intake from other sources.
• Allergen and fungal sourcing information: For lion’s mane and other botanicals, check for mold, heavy metal testing, and extraction methods.
• Third‑party testing/coA availability: Ensure batch testing for purity and banned substance screening if you are a tested athlete.
• Serving size guidance: Verify whether the label recommends single or double scoops and whether stacking instructions are provided.

Careful label review prevents surprises and allows users to make informed dosing and cycling decisions.

Potential marketing and market performance

Nemesis benefits from a reputation for creative formulations and engaged community marketing. Pairing with Immortals gym adds a targeted audience likely to trial the product and generate early reviews. Market performance will hinge on a few factors:

• Clear value proposition: Buyers must easily identify how Ascension differs from Nemesis’ other pre‑workouts and from competitors.
• Transparency: Publishing ingredient rationales and CoAs will increase trust—particularly because huperzine and specialty botanicals can raise questions for cautious consumers.
• Pricing and accessibility: Competitive pricing and a presence both through Nemesis channels and Immortals club retail will expand reach.

If Nemesis executes on transparency and positions Ascension as the go‑to choice for focused, non‑overstimulated training, the product should fill a visible niche.

Real‑world example: how a focused pre‑workout changes a training block

Consider a four‑week training block for a powerlifter preparing for a meet. Weekday training focuses on heavy singles and technique, while weekends include volume and accessory work. Using a focus‑forward pre‑workout like Ascension on days requiring skill and neuromuscular precision enhances the quality of heavy lifts by improving cueing, reducing mental fatigue across sets, and maintaining calm arousal. On higher‑volume days, the citrulline and glycerol components amplify pump and cellular hydration, complementing carbohydrate strategies for glycogen replenishment.

Over four weeks, beta‑alanine loading reduces fatigue in high‑rep accessory sets. The lifter experiences fewer arousal spikes and less stimulant‑related sleep disturbance, allowing more consistent recovery. This scenario demonstrates the practical benefits of pairing cognitive enhancement with standard ergogenic aids during a targeted training cycle.

Purchasing and trial recommendations

• Trial a single serving: Start with half a serving to assess paresthesia from beta‑alanine and potential cholinergic effects from huperzine.
• Track variables: Record sleep quality, perceived focus during sessions, pump intensity and any gastrointestinal or cardiovascular symptoms.
• Rotate and cycle: Consider rotating Ascension with a stimulant pre‑workout for different phases—use Ascension for skill, volume and concentration phases and a stimulant variant for short, high‑energy competition days.
• Report feedback: If purchasing through a gym partner like Immortals, provide feedback to both the brand and the gym; collaborative releases often iterate based on early user data.

The role of evidence and ongoing research

The nootropic and ergogenic ingredients in Immortals Ascension have varying levels of scientific support. L‑citrulline and beta‑alanine have robust literature supporting acute pumps and chronic buffering, respectively. Citicoline and theanine have consistent evidence for attentional benefits in both clinical and healthy populations. Lion’s mane and huperzine show promising signals, although long‑term safety data on chronic huperzine use are limited and warrant conservative cycling.

Continued research should focus on combination effects—how cholinergic enhancers and nitric oxide boosters interact to influence complex motor tasks and endurance under real‑world training conditions. Brands that publish transparent study summaries or sponsor independent trials will strengthen product credibility.

Final considerations for committed users

Immortals Ascension represents a thoughtful convergence of cognitive and physical ergogenic strategies. Committed users should align product selection with training goals: choose cognition‑forward pre‑workouts for technical and high‑skill phases, and reserve stimulant‑heavy blends for short, maximal intensity sessions if needed. Maintain consistent beta‑alanine dosing for buffering benefits, ensure hydration and electrolytes when using glycerol products, and practice label vigilance for huperzine and stimulant content.

Above all, personal experimentation and careful tracking will determine whether Ascension’s blend offers the right balance of focus, calm and performance for your training needs.

FAQ

Q: Will Immortals Ascension contain caffeine? A: The publicly described formulation focuses on nootropic compounds and pump ingredients but does not explicitly list caffeine. Verify the final label for stimulant content and total caffeine per serving before dosing, and start with a half serving if you are sensitive.

Q: How soon before a workout should I take this pre‑workout? A: Take it roughly 20–45 minutes before training to allow citrulline, glycerol and nootropic agents to reach effective levels in the bloodstream.

Q: Is 3.2 g of beta‑alanine enough to see ergogenic effects? A: Yes, 3.2 g is a common and effective per‑serving dose to trigger the acute paresthesia and support chronic carnosine loading; long‑term benefits depend on consistent daily use over several weeks.

Q: What does HydroPrime do and why is it included? A: HydroPrime is a branded glycerol powder designed to enhance fluid retention and cellular hydration. It amplifies pump sensations and supports thermoregulation and volumization when combined with citrulline.

Q: How does huperzine A affect safety and dosing choices? A: Huperzine A is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine availability. Use caution if you take cholinergic medications, have underlying conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consider cycling huperzine use and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Q: Can athletes subject to drug testing use this safely? A: Potentially, but athletes should choose products with third‑party batch testing that screen for banned substances. Botanical extracts can vary by source, so check for Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and banned‑substance testing.

Q: Will it help with long‑term cognitive health? A: Ingredients like lion’s mane and citicoline show promise for long‑term cognitive support in the research literature, but chronic benefits require consistent dosing and more longitudinal study. Use as part of a broader diet, recovery and training strategy for best outcomes.

Q: How should I stack Ascension with other supplements? A: Ascension pairs well with creatine monohydrate for strength and power goals, and with protein around workouts for recovery. Avoid stacking multiple choline or huperzine sources. If combining with caffeine, monitor total daily stimulant consumption.

Q: Should I be concerned about side effects? A: Common benign side effects include beta‑alanine tingling. Huperzine can cause cholinergic symptoms at high exposures. Maintain hydration, follow label dosing, and stop use if you experience adverse reactions. Consult a medical professional if you have preexisting conditions or take medications.

Q: Where will Immortals Ascension be available? A: Nemesis Nutrition plans to offer the product through its own channels and through the Immortals gym partner. Availability details, flavors and pricing will be confirmed at launch—check both Nemesis and Immortals communications for release information.