{"id":72520,"date":"2023-08-03T14:07:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T12:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/?p=72520"},"modified":"2023-08-03T14:07:01","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T12:07:01","slug":"can-i-drink-coffee-after-gym","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/can-i-drink-coffee-after-gym\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Drink Coffee After Gym"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

Coffee and physical activity have been closely linked for centuries, long before the invention of Starbucks. You may have even heard that coffee energizes you for your workout, but what about after? Does drinking a cup of java following exercise provide the same boost or is it counter-productive? Research on this subject is inconclusive, so it’s important to understand the main points before making a decision about whether to pour a cup of coffee after a great workout.<\/p>\n

What does the research say?<\/h2>\n

Studies have shown that caffeine can help during exercise, especially when you are tired. It may improve mental alertness, physical endurance and help you stay focused by blocking certain compounds in the brain. However, studies on the effects of coffee after exercise are limited. Dr. Elizabeth Jackson advised that “because of the lack of research, we can’t definitively say that coffee after exercise is helpful or harmful.”
\nIn a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2017, researchers measured the effects of coffee consumption after exercise on anaerobic power, aerobic endurance, and strength. They found no significant difference in any performance measures between the coffee drinkers and the control group. This study concluded that coffee consumption after exercise does not improve subsequent physical performance.<\/p>\n

Caffeine intake and Dehydration<\/h2>\n

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can cause the body to lose fluids through urination. Since dehydration can impair physical performance, it is best to be aware of the amount of caffeine you are drinking. Drinking too much coffee while exercising can cause dehydration and muscle cramps. Dr. Jackson advises that “if you drink coffee during or right after exercise, it’s best to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.”<\/p>\n

Mental benefits<\/h2>\n

Coffee consumption may provide mental benefits both during and after exercise. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2018 showed that participants who consumed coffee before and\/or after exercising experienced less fatigue and reported feeling better than those who did not. The study concluded that coffee can act as a cognitive enhancer by reducing mental fatigue.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n