Coffee Before Workout: Your Secret Weapon for Hitting a New PR?

Coffee is one of the most widely enjoyed drinks in the world, valued not just for its flavor but also for its natural mix of caffeine, antioxidants, and nutrients. While caffeine isn’t required to power through a workout, many people reach for a cup before exercising to boost their energy and sharpen their focus. This has led to an ongoing question among fitness enthusiasts and everyday gym-goers alike: should you drink coffee before workout?

We’re here to discuss whether coffee before exercise is the right move for you or not. 

Benefits of Coffee Before Workout

Coffee before exercise is a simple and effective way to elevate your exercise routine. Caffeine, which is abundant in coffee, is one of the most well-researched performance boosters. Studies show that a pre-workout cup of coffee can increase muscular strength, endurance, and overall power, making it useful for both strength training and cardio workouts.

Furthermore, drinking coffee before working out can make your aerobic capacity better, your sprinting and jumping better, and help your body use fat for fuel instead of glycogen, which is a valuable source of energy. Caffeine not only helps you physically, but it also helps you stay mentally focused and alert during your training. It’s interesting to note that these benefits aren’t just for elite athletes; regular gym-goers and social athletes can also get the same boost from coffee before working out.

In a 2018 study published in Pubmed, a group of researchers concluded that caffeine can improve an individual’s cognitive performance. That can lead to a spike in concentration and focus, alertness and reduces fatigue. 

When Should We Drink Coffee Before a Workout? 

When is the best time to drink coffee before working out? It depends on what you want to get out of your workout. The International Society of Sports Nutrition says that most people who want to build strength, power, or muscle endurance should have caffeine about an hour before they work out.

This timing is backed up by research. For example, one study of healthy men found that drinking caffeine an hour before working out made explosive movements like vertical jumps better and made isometric strength in static exercises like planks or wall sits better.

But the same study found that drinking caffeine 30 minutes before working out was better for isokinetic movements, which are dynamic exercises where the speed stays the same, like pull-ups and sit-ups.

If your workout is more about power or strength, drink coffee an hour before. If it’s more about speed or movement, drink coffee 30 minutes before.

How Much Coffee Should I Be Drinking Pre-Workout? 

The International Society of Sports Nutrition says that you should take 3 to 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight before a workout to reliably improve your performance. Taking more than 9 mg per kilogram doesn’t give you any extra benefits and is more likely to cause problems like stomach pain or trouble sleeping. 

Some studies also show that smaller doses may still make you more alert with fewer side effects, which makes them a good choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Many people like coffee just for the taste, but the caffeine is what gives it its performance benefits. You can get it in any form you like. Whether it’s brewed or instant coffee, espresso, pre-workout drinks, energy drinks, or even black tea.

Where to Buy High-Quality Coffee?

Whether you prefer a strong, energizing brew before a workout or a smooth, relaxing cup later in the day, Mister Coffee offers a wide range of high-quality products to match your routine. From rich ground coffees to convenient instant blends and unique bean varieties, there’s something for every taste and lifestyle.

Explore our collection and find the perfect coffee to fuel your day the way you like it.

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