How Coffee Improves Exercise

2010 August 29
by Mike Chronos

Do you want to get into shape? You may be able to help your efforts by consuming coffee. Researchers say drinking coffee can be a valuable addition to your pre-exercise routine since it has a number of health benefits. Among others, it delays muscle fatigue and keeps you focused and energetic. But don’t gulp large amounts of coffee yet. Huge intakes can lead to sleep problems, headaches, irregular heartbeat or even high blood pressure in caffeine-sensitive individuals.

This is certainly good news to the average American adult who drinks 3 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per kilogram (kg) of body weight every day. A recent survey also showed that 33 percent of British track and field athletes and 60 percent of British cyclists took caffeine to boost performance.

How exactly does coffee help athletes? For years, researchers thought that caffeine melted fat quickly. While this remains unproven, they believe it stimulates numerous body systems – not merely the muscles. Others say that caffeine, through the central nervous system, changes the perception of pain or effort. For people who do away with their morning coffee fix, this beverage can boost alertness and mood which translates to better performance.

Knowing this, how much coffee should you drink to avail of its benefits? Experts say the correct dose of caffeine for better performance is about 5 to 6 mg per kg of body weight. But effects may vary depending on the person and the degree of caffeine consumption.

So if you plan to go to your local coffee shop before your next marathon, make sure you’ve been drinking coffee during training. But don’t drink too much. Large amounts of caffeine can make you jittery and nervous – factors that may impede your performance. Its also worth remembering that caffeine can help empty the digestive system.

For a unique coffee experience, visit http://www.chronoscoffee.com/.

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