Exercise and coffee have often been seen as a contradiction in terms – after all, it is common knowledge that coffee is a stimulant. It can therefore be assumed that drinking coffee during exercise can result in suffering from over stimulation. However, there is much more to this controversial topic and this article will explore the question – is it ok to drink coffee while exercising?
According to Dr Patrick Hagerman, a sports science professor at Arizona State University, it is absolutely ok to have caffeine when you are doing exercise and in fact, it can be beneficial. He states that: “Caffeine is actually one of the most potent performance-enhancing drugs for athletes”. Hagerman explains that, when taken in the right amounts, caffeine can help with focus and concentration, although he cautions that caffeine should not be taken in large quantities.
Research conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland found that drinking coffee before exercise can improve athletic performance. Their study concluded that “caffeine consumption was associated with a modest increase in the physical and technical performance of athletes.” The researchers suggested that caffeine helps to reduce the rate at which muscles use up their energy stores and improves performance by increasing the availability of energy to be used in the muscles.
However, there are drawbacks to having too much caffeine when exercising. Taking large doses of caffeine can lead to dehydration, increased heart rate and restlessness which can have a negative impact on performance. Too much caffeine can also have an adverse effect on blood pressure, which could ultimately lead to a stroke.
According to Robert Bornstein, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, mild doses of caffeine supplementation, such as the equivalent of a cup of coffee, can have a beneficial effect on aerobic performance. He goes on to state that, “Ingesting caffeine before exercise can help to increase alertness, sharpen focus and sustain energy levels of muscle tissue during physical exertion.”
A recent study conducted by the University of Nottingham in the UK has also shown that caffeine can act as an appetite suppressant, which can help with weight loss. The study found that “caffeine ingestion before exercise can help boost the fat burning process and reduce the feeling of hunger.”
So, what is the verdict? Is it ok to drink coffee while exercising? The answer is yes – as long as the amounts consumed are not excessive, caffeine can have a positive effect on physical performance. It can help to increase alertness and reduce fatigue so that you can exercise for longer. Caffeine can also be beneficial for weight loss, as it can act as an appetite suppressant.
Benefits of caffeine during exercise
Caffeine can provide a number of benefits when taken during exercise. The most prominent of these benefits is an increase in alertness and focus. Caffeine can help to increase physical performance by delaying muscle fatigue and allowing athletes to exercise for longer. Studies have also shown that it can help to reduce the feeling of hunger and may even increase fat burning.
Downsides of caffeine during exercise
Despite its potential benefits, there can also be some downsides to taking caffeine during exercise. The most notable of these is dehydration, as caffeine is a diuretic. It can also lead to increased heart rate and restlessness, which can have a negative impact on performance. It is important to be aware of these potential risks when consuming caffeine before or during exercise.
How much caffeine should be consumed?
When it comes to caffeine intake before or during exercise, it is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine consumed. It is generally accepted that the optimal dose is approximately 250 to 400 milligrams, which is equivalent to two to three cups of coffee. This amount is likely to provide the desired effects without any risks to health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there can be both benefits and risks associated with consuming caffeine before or during exercise. It is generally accepted that for most people, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine, equivalent to two to three cups of coffee, can provide benefits without any risks to health.
