Shaan Stevens-Question: Is caffeine good for my workouts?
Answer: Caffeine has long been used by endurance athletes and sleepy office workers alike to help increase energy and endurance, but is it safe and does it work?
Studies have found that, when it comes to exercise, caffeine:
Delays fatigue
Slows the breakdown of muscle glycogen, which means your body has more fuel to keep going
Enhances endurance
Keeps you more alert
Can reduce muscle pain during exercise
May lower perceived exertion, making exercise feel more comfortable
While caffeine can have a positive effects on endurance exercise, you don't need it to have a good workout. If you're a competitive athlete thinking of using caffeine, keep in mind that it is a diuretic, so you may need more bathroom breaks. That could affect your workouts as well as your hydration levels.
How Much Caffeine Is Enough?
Studies have shown that 3 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg is enough to enhance endurance. The average cup of coffee has about 60 mg to 120 mg, so it doesn't take much caffeine to do the job.
Cautions
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it does have side effects that could cause problems for certain people:
Increased urination
Stomach upset
Trembling or shaking
Trouble sleeping
Increased anxiety
Headaches
Nausea
If you're pregnant or having difficulty getting pregnant, you should avoid caffeine and you should also be cautious if you're on medication or taking other performance-enhancing supplements that contain other stimulants. Too much caffeine can increase the side effects and could be dangerous to your health if you have other illnesses or conditions.
Answer: Caffeine has long been used by endurance athletes and sleepy office workers alike to help increase energy and endurance, but is it safe and does it work?
Studies have found that, when it comes to exercise, caffeine:
Delays fatigue
Slows the breakdown of muscle glycogen, which means your body has more fuel to keep going
Enhances endurance
Keeps you more alert
Can reduce muscle pain during exercise
May lower perceived exertion, making exercise feel more comfortable
While caffeine can have a positive effects on endurance exercise, you don't need it to have a good workout. If you're a competitive athlete thinking of using caffeine, keep in mind that it is a diuretic, so you may need more bathroom breaks. That could affect your workouts as well as your hydration levels.
How Much Caffeine Is Enough?
Studies have shown that 3 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg is enough to enhance endurance. The average cup of coffee has about 60 mg to 120 mg, so it doesn't take much caffeine to do the job.
Cautions
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it does have side effects that could cause problems for certain people:
Increased urination
Stomach upset
Trembling or shaking
Trouble sleeping
Increased anxiety
Headaches
Nausea
If you're pregnant or having difficulty getting pregnant, you should avoid caffeine and you should also be cautious if you're on medication or taking other performance-enhancing supplements that contain other stimulants. Too much caffeine can increase the side effects and could be dangerous to your health if you have other illnesses or conditions.
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