Stimulants are one type of performance-enhancing drugs that athletes may use during workouts or even athletic competitions. They work by stimulating the central nervous system, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Stimulants like caffeine can also delay the onset of fatigue in the muscles, allowing you to perform more work before your body wears down. But the use of these stimulants comes with risks.
Types
The most common stimulants used for workouts and exercise are caffeine and amphetamines. Cold medications also contain amphetamines that can affect athletic performance --- these include ephedrine and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. Some illegal recreational drugs have a stimulating effect, including cocaine and methamphetamine, but these come with severe addictive risks, are illegal as well as often banned from athletic competitions and leagues, and come with a whirlwind of health risks.
Effects
Stimulants can effect the body in several ways in relation to athletic performance. The reduction of fatigue in the muscles helps improve your body's endurance, particularly in aerobic activities like running and bicycling. Your appetite is often suppressed by stimulants, keeping hunger pangs from causing problems during a workout. Stimulants also tend to increase alertness and aggression in people, which can benefit your workouts and/or athletic performance.
Risks
Stimulants come with a wide range of risks, particularly when they are abused. You may suffer from nervousness, irritability, dehydration and difficulty sleeping, according to MayoClinic.com. Your body can develop a tolerance to stimulants, requiring you to consume more each day to enjoy the benefits you are accustomed to --- this can increase your dependency and addiction to the stimulants. In more serious cases, you may suffer from weight loss, tremors, convulsions, hallucinations, mild increases to your blood pressure, heart palpitations or rhythm abnormalities, heart attack and/or stroke.
Considerations
The only stimulant commonly used to provide a boost during physical performance is caffeine. Caffeine doesn't pose the same risks as illegal drugs like cocaine and isn't banned from most governing leagues of sport. Even so, taking too much caffeine can lead to caffeine poisoning in a person, resulting in unwanted side effects and health problems. If you do use caffeine, keep the dose moderate, such as the equivalent of a cup of coffee.
Member Comments