Does Drinking Coffee Give Energy To A Workout?

Drinking coffee before a workout can give you energy and increase your stamina during exercise. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Caffeine works to increase your energy and alertness, but during exercise it has been shown to provide extra beneficial affects. The right amount of coffee before a workout varies depending on your size and tolerance.

Coffee and Exercise

A study conducted by the Australian Institute of Sports in 2003 found that those who drink caffeine while exercising experience an increase in endurance and stamina. Researchers split cyclists into two groups. One group received caffeinated drinks during exercise and the other group drank only water while exercising. Those drinking caffeine were able to work longer and harder. Another study published in the "American Journal of Physiology" in 2003 found that caffeine can also reduce or attenuate post-exercise fatigue.

Mechanism

Coffee can affect the action of your nervous system and metabolism during exercise. The stimulation of the nervous system from coffee increases the release of adrenaline during exercise which results in a lower perception of pain and fatigue while exercising. Metabolically, coffee increases the available fats for energy production. When there is more fat available for use during exercise, glucose stores are spared. Running low on glucose is a limiting factor for endurance. Being able to rely more on fat and less on glucose can increase the length of your workout.

Amount

The amount of coffee you need to have an affect during exercise varies by your size. A larger person has more body composition that will require more caffeine. According to a report in "U.S. News" you should consume between 0.5 to 1.4 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight. Coffee holds about 20 mg of caffeine per ounce.

Considerations

Coffee should not be used as a substitute for nutrition or fuel during a workout. Drink your pre-workout coffee with a carbohydrate-rich snack, such as a piece of fruit or oatmeal. Pairing your coffee with food gives your body the nutrients it needs to perform a fulfilling workout. Your body can also build up a tolerance to the caffeine in coffee. If you plan on using coffee to help you during a big event or competition, slowly reduce your caffeine intake during the weeks before. Then, on competition day, your body will respond better to the coffee you would normally be consuming.