Should You Drink Coffee Before a Workout

A cup of coffee is a morning ritual for many people and it is a beverage enjoyed worldwide. The drink has also gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts who swear by a pre-workout cup of coffee for an extra boost & a better workout. Although coffee improves body's cognitive function, it can also have adverse effects. Consuming coffee daily is fine, but following the right dosage (3 mg per kg of body weight) is important. Drinking coffee before a workout is a choice that differs from person to person, but the goal is the same: a perfect workout! Read on to know more.

Benefits of Pre-workout Coffee

Coffee may help boost strength, power, and endurance during workouts. Its benefits include:

• increased muscular strength, endurance, and power

• increased aerobic endurance

• improved sprinting, jumping, and throwing performance

• sparing glycogen stores and utilizing fat as a main fuel source

• enhanced focus and alertness

Right Time and Dosage of coffee pre-workout

The ideal period for drinking coffee before a workout is 30-45 minutes. The calculation is 3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 80 kg should consume 240 mg of caffeine before a workout.

Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before consuming caffeine daily.

Drawbacks of coffee before a workout

If caffeine is not absorbed, a person can experience digestive issues. Drinking too much coffee can also disrupt the sleep cycle, which affects mental health.

Coffee options for pre-workout consumption

Coffee ranges from regular coffee, brewed coffee, espresso, and French press to Latte. The most preferred way of consuming coffee is black coffee, which is easy to absorb. Moreover, a person should not go for flavoured coffee because it is high in sugar and requires time for absorption.

Side-effects

Individuals might experience discomfort due to caffeine if consumed in large amounts and on an empty stomach. Common side effects include:

• Anxiety

• Sleep deficiency

• Increased heart rate

• Nausea

• Chest pain