Coffee is a well-known beverage, most especially on those days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed. Over recent years, the debate about whether having a cup of coffee before hitting the gym has been becoming increasingly topical. As someone who enjoys a nice cup of coffee, you may be wondering if drinking coffee before your workout helps you reach your goals.
There has been numerous studies done on this topic and the findings are pretty divided. Most experts agree that coffee can be a great pick-me-up before an exercise routine, however, some point out that it can also cause adverse effects. This article looks at whether it is a good idea to have coffee before a workout in more depth.
Nutritional Benefits
Research conducted by the University of Arkansas shows that having a cup of coffee before a workout can result in people significantly increasing their calorie burn during the exercise. Additionally, coffee helps the body to burn fat by releasing the hormone epinephrine, which helps break down fat cells and thus regulates metabolism. Benefiting from these effects, coffee can be an excellent pick-me-up when one needs to burn some extra calories before engaging in a workout. This can also be extremely useful to coffee-lovers who prefer to limit their coffee consumption throughout the day.
Increased Productivity and Endurance
Coffee helps people stay alert and has been found to improve focus and concentration. This is often advantageous when working out, as it has been said to boost people’s confidence and endurance levels by providing the right level of motivation. With the right dose of coffee, working out can become a more pleasant and rewarding experience.
Negative Effects
On the other hand, there could be negative effects from drinking coffee before hitting the gym – especially for those who are not well-accustomed to its effects. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may lead to an upset stomach and cramping, since the beverage can irritate the digestive system when drinking on an empty stomach. Additionally, coffee isn’t advised for those with elevated blood pressure, as it has been known to raise it further. Therefore, it’s recommended to get a blood pressure check-up before drinking coffee regularly and particularly when about to work out.
Another issue with drinking coffee is that it can lead to a crash after exercise. Coffee is a stimulant, which is great for pre-workout, but not necessarily help people to stay motivated after their effort is over. Therefore, deciding exactly when and how much coffee one drinks before hitting the gym is instrumental in obtaining the desired effect.
Personal Tips
The effects of coffee can be very different from one person to another. It is recommended to observe the effects caffeine has on your body before drinking a cup of coffee. Have a light meal few minutes before and don’t drink too much coffee right before the workout. A maximum of one cup of coffee should be taken and allow for 45 minutes for the body to fully absorb the caffeine. Finally, it might be wise to skip out on coffee sometimes and instead deal with that energy-draining period some other way.
Factors to Consider
When considering whether to drink coffee before hitting the gym, the individual factors of the person in question should be taken into account. Do you struggle to get up in the morning? Or maybe you need an extra boost in the afternoon? Coffee can sometimes help you to push a bit further, but it’s important to pay attention to the feeling too and if coffee becomes an absolute necessity every time, that may be a sign to take a rest.
Interacting with Medication
In some cases, coffee can also interact with certain drugs, so it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor first, before drinking coffee on a regular basis and particularly before a workout. It is important to note that the effects of caffeine vary greatly between people, depending on their genes and metabolism. Therefore, if drinking coffee before a workout has no adverse effects on some, others may suffer from cramping, anxiety or an upset stomach.
Coffee Intake Through the Day
When considering whether it is a good idea to drink coffee before a workout, it’s relevant to consider the amount of coffee that you drink throughout the day. If you’re having too many cups of coffee, the effect will less likely be felt pre-workout. Furthermore, drinking too many cups of coffee can lead to becoming dependent on caffeine and developing a tolerance. Therefore, it’s recommended to only have the occasional cup of coffee when you need that extra boost for a full and more effective workout.
Caffeine Alternatives
For those who’d like to avoid drinking coffee before an exercise routine, there are alternatives. Tea is an excellent option and there are a wide range of options available. Tea also contains caffeine and can provide an energising effect and even speed up muscle recovery after workouts. Lastly, there are a number of energy drinks available on the market which could provide an energising effect. Have these in moderation though, as these drinks can cause dehydration and a crash in energy levels later.
Coffee In Moderation
As with anything, when it comes to coffee, it is best to have it in moderation. Having coffee before a workout can provide a quick burst of energy, help you power through a workout and even some added nutritional benefits. However, it is important to keep track of your body’s response and pay attention to the amount of coffee you consume daily. It is essential to consider the timing of your cup of coffee and also make sure not to have too much prior to a workout in order to prevent any adverse effects.
