Can I Drink Coffee Before My Workout?

You have probably heard both good and bad things about drinking coffee before working out. The truth really does depend on who you ask and on your body. It is important to know how caffeine may affect your body and how it can affect you during a workout so that you can make the decision to either drink or skip the java before hitting the treadmill.

Hyperthermia and Dehydration

Caffeine is a diuretic, however, a study has shown that coffee will not make you more dehydrated. It will also not increase your body temperature - any more than exercise will anyway. Even if you consume a relatively moderate amount of caffeine, you will still not really have to worry much about a fluid-electrolyte imbalance, or diminished heat tolerance or temperature regulation. Now, I am not telling you to go and down six shots of espresso before your next workout, but I am saying that if you have a cup of coffee before your workout, you will be fine.

Coffee Will Not Help You Either

Now that we have established that coffee will not hurt you, we need to make it clear that coffee will not improve your endurance, strength, flexibility or speed either. Studies have shown that caffeine is just another beverage ingredient when it comes to exercise, so do not consume it expecting improved results. Sure, it may help to wake you up a bit, but this is about all you will get out of it. Also, never drink excess amounts of caffeine in an attempt to get more energy for working out. This could be harmful to your health.

Can I Personally Drink Coffee Before Working Out?

This is something you have to figure out. Some people can and some people cannot. A big reason that some cannot is because of the effect that coffee has on many people's digestive system. To put it simply, coffee has the habit of stimulating a bowel movement and some people will not get through a full workout without having to get to a restroom. If this is not a problem that you have, then you may be okay to have coffee. Some people experience flatulence or other digestive issues with coffee, so exercise isn't the best idea right after a cup of java. If coffee does not cause you any issues, then you can probably finish you cup and go right into your workout routine without issue. If you have any concerns, just give your doctor or healthcare provider a call.

Resources

National Women's Health Resource Center: Coffee Before Working Out