Five Ways Coffee Can Help Your Workouts
It might sound like a bad idea to drink coffee before a workout, but there are some health benefits as long as you don't go overboard.
According to Health.com, here are five good reasons to have that coffee before your workout:
- It improves circulation. Which leads directly to a better workout, because your muscles get more oxygen.
- Less pain. One study showed that two or three cups of coffee before high-intensity exercise caused a reduction in perceived pain during the workout. This could be because the muscles get more oxygen, or because you push harder and get stronger.
- Better memory. Caffeine enhances memory for up to 24 hours after you consume it. So you won't leave things out of your routine when you're in the gym all afternoon.
- Muscle preservation. Caffeine can help you stay stronger as you age. It basically keeps your muscles younger, and that reduces the risk of age-related injuries.
- More energy to the muscles. Drinking coffee along with your post-exercise meal can help the body produce more fuel for your muscles. So you'll have more energy in reserve the next time you work out.