After writing about Coffee and Weight Loss, we did some research on workouts and came across several articles on the benefits of drinking coffee before a workout. Did you know that drinking coffee might help you perceive a workout routine as less difficult and more enjoyable?
If you are struggling to get to the gym, this article may be helpful, that is if you like coffee. As always, check with your health professional before pursuing anything related to your health.
One of the most interesting articles about coffee and working out can be found on Health.com. The writer quoted a Spanish study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism where researchers found that caffeine helped to burn 15% more calories in the three hours post-exercise.
Their formula for success was:
4.5mg (0.0002 oz.) of caffeine per kg (2.2lb.) of body weight.
For 150-pound woman (68 kg) = 300 mg of caffeine = 12 oz. of brewed coffee.
That would be a Starbucks Tall size coffee (or the size of the travel mug with lid showed below).
Get this coffee travel mug here.
Is it time to grab a travel mug filled with your favorite coffee before heading to the gym?
According to the same article on Health.com, a Japanese study showed that participants who drank 5 oz. of regular coffee experienced a 30% increase in blood flow over a 75-minute period compared to participants who had decaf coffee. So coffee helped improved circulation for a better workout. Find out more about the benefits of drinking coffee by reading Health.com’s article, 5 Reasons to Drink Coffee Before Workout.
We learned that coffee can increase our metabolism by up to 20% from an article by Dr. Mercola. He recommends drinking coffee before exercise but not after. Coffee gives you a good boost and stimulates energy production and fat burning. After exercising, your body do not need an energy boost. It needs a recovery meal because muscles are built after a workout.
Our muscles store glycogen and protein when we workout and a few hours after workout the protein begins to break down. So your body is most responsive to carbohydrates and protein after workout. It’s best to eat protein and carbohydrate-rich foods.
Do you drink coffee before your workout? Let us know.
