This might surprise you, but one of the most effective pre-workout drinks is probably sitting in your cupboard. Research shows that downing a cup of coffee before a workout can boost your performance. So, if you want that extra edge before a strength training session, you won’t need to visit a supplement store to get it. That means you can swap your strange smelling shaker bottle for your coffee cup.
4 BENEFITS OF DRINKING COFFEE BEFORE A WORKOUT
1. COFFEE PROVIDES A METABOLIC BOOST
That’s a fancy way of saying, “accelerated fat loss!” According to Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet and Unlocking the Muscle Gene, coffee can increase your metabolism by up to 20 percent.
2. COFFEE IMPROVES CIRCULATION
According to Health Magazine, Japanese researchers discovered a 30% boost in blood flow in participants who drank five ounces of regular coffee over a 75-minute period (versus those who consumed decaf). As Dr. Mercola points out, improved blood circulation typically equates to improved oxygenation of your tissues, which can improve exercise performance.
3. COFFEE REDUCES PAIN
Whoever said “No pain, no gain” probably didn’t have to go to work after an intense spin class. Thankfully your morning cup of coffee can help prevent you from crawling into work.
Research from both the University of Illinois and the University of Georgia has found that two to three cups of coffee (or the caffeine equivalent) consumed one hour prior to a half-hour-long workout can reduce your muscle pain pre and post workout.
4. COFFEE MAKES YOUR WORKOUT MORE ENJOYABLE
Heidi Skolnik, M.S., sports nutritionist and owner of Nutrition Conditioning, Inc. suggests that caffeine actually makes your workout more enjoyable.
She explains that “Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system, the heart, and possibly the ‘center’ that controls blood pressure,” and goes on to say “It can also increase the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, which effects pain receptors and mood.” while you’re working out.
Source: Elementalbottles
