is it bad to drink coffee before working out?

[gwlam12]

is it bad to drink coffee before working out?

I did a search on google and couldn't find much. I got the impression that the answer is no.

 

[Ameesh]

i usually drink a can of ensure 20 minutes before i work out.

 

[0roo0roo]

no, as long as you drink during long workouts or after.

caffine is a known performance enhancer actually.

 

[SnapIT]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
no, as long as you drink during long workouts or after.

caffine is a known performance enhancer actually.

Yes, and is also a lipolytic so taking it before cardio can help burn fat (preferably on an empty stomach)...

There have been some evidence that caffeine can raise insulin levels though, but only when taken with food, so if you're dieting you shouldn't ever eat when you drink coffee...

 

[Spamela]

the times i've done it i feel like upchucking.

 

[PunDogg]

Just make sure u drink alot of water while u work you, cuz the caffine will dehyradate you, plus u need to drink water anyway

Dogg

 

[redheadednurse]

Good question! From the medical research I've seen it's not the best idea to drink coffee before working out. It can cause your heart rate to increase even before you start your cardio exercise and if you work out often then you know that you should keep your HR close to your Target Heart Rate and not too much above it! Especially be conscious of this if you had a history of heart problems in your family b/c you can really damage your heart! And drinking water is key! Be safe and be healthy! 😉

 

[SnapIT]

Originally posted by: redheadednurse
Good question! From the medical research I've seen it's not the best idea to drink coffee before working out. It can cause your heart rate to increase even before you start your cardio exercise and if you work out often then you know that you should keep your HR close to your Target Heart Rate and not too much above it! Especially be conscious of this if you had a history of heart problems in your family b/c you can really damage your heart! And drinking water is key! Be safe and be healthy! 😉

Links to any medical research that didn't use extreme amounts of caffeine? The studies i have seen on the matter all used amounts that would equal 2 litres of coffee...

The small increase you would get from any less than 1800mg (about 8 cups of coffee) is not significant... I wish it was though, then you could just drink coffee and stay in your target heart rate zone all day long...

 

[redheadednurse]

I understand what you are saying but to 'stay in your target heart rate zone the rest of the day' could also be harmful. Having a good cardio workout that keeps you at your THR for 45 minutes, 3-5 times a week is very good for your heart but it also needs time to rest and preform other functions... I would rather stay away from caffeine all together but that's just me!

Good Site

 

[glugglug]

The small increase you would get from any less than 1800mg (about 8 cups of coffee) is not significant... I wish it was though, then you could just drink coffee and stay in your target heart rate zone all day long...

What if your coffee is so thick the spoon practically floats?

 

[redheadednurse]

lmao! Random but funny!

 

[Mallow]

probably dehydrate you at the least.

 

[Fausto]

This is totally anecdotal, but I feel like I get a better workout in if I knock back a couple cups of coffee before heading out on a ride. The little caffeine boost makes my legs feel snappier on the hills and just generally more into what I'm doing (30-50 mile bike ride usually). I have noticed that much more than two cups and my heartrate will definitely go a bit higher than usual on climbs so two's usually the limit for me. I've never done any kind of "exeriment" to see if the glycogen-sparing effects make any real difference with endurance, but I figure it can't hurt. 😉

 

[Spamela]

Originally posted by: Fausto1
This is totally anecdotal, but I feel like I get a better workout in if I knock back a couple cups of coffee before heading out on a ride. The little caffeine boost makes my legs feel snappier on the hills and just generally more into what I'm doing (30-50 mile bike ride usually). I have noticed that much more than two cups and my heartrate will definitely go a bit higher than usual on climbs so two's usually the limit for me. I've never done any kind of "exeriment" to see if the glycogen-sparing effects make any real difference with endurance, but I figure it can't hurt. 😉

i usually pop some excedrin before i workout - it gives me the caffeine boost (i need it at 5AM) & helps deal with the post-workout leg/back soreness that powerlifting regularly provides.