Coffee is a great way to start your workout with
many added benefits for your mind and body. The caffeine in coffee is a natural
stimulant that will give you extra stamina while improving blood flow during a
workout. In addition, it helps to eliminate fatigue while burning
fat—maximizing your every move. Coffee can give you the strength for longer and
more difficult workouts while reducing the burn caused by the buildup of lactic
acid. Many Olympians have even recognized the relationship of coffee and working
out and have integrated it into their daily fitness routine.
Fatigue can squash the greatest of intentions for a
better body during a workout. This especially comes to play during a hard
workout when the fast burning energy stores of glycogen are all used up.
However, when coffee is consumed before a workout the body actually switches
gears slowing the use of glycogen for energy instead of using its own fat
stores. So now, not only do you have more glycogen stores to sustain a longer
and stronger workout, but you are burning fat as well. By delaying muscle and
mental fatigue you can optimize your workout.
Lactic acid build up is also a problem that people
face during a strenuous workout. Lactic acid, also known as milk acid, is
released into the muscles during exercise. A buildup of lactic acid can cause a
burning sensation or soreness in the muscles that makes it difficult to
continue a workout. Coffee can actually reduce the buildup making it easier for
muscle cells to contract and continue performance without the pain or
discomfort.
As mentioned before, caffeine aids in breaking down fat stores allowing fatty acids to be released and circulate in the blood stream allowing people to run faster or ride longer. Many Olympians have caught onto this idea to enhance their performance during competition and training. The International Olympic Committee stated that the caffeine in coffee is the most popular enhancement drug used by nearly 70% of the Olympic athletes. It was so popular that it was even banned at one point in history to be used during the Olympic Games or training.
Overall, it is best to consume coffee in moderation thirty to sixty minutes before a workout to achieve the best results. Besides getting you moving in the morning to get to the gym, it will also aid in your performance during the gym to maximize your potential. It is also important to remember that the great benefits and fuel from coffee do not replace the fuel from food that is essential to your workout. Take it from our Olympians, coffee is a great way to start your workout! Commit to yourself!
