If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to boost your workouts and push yourself harder, the answer might already be in your kitchen: coffee. While many people already use these beverages to improve muscle glycogen recovery following a workout, they can also make a great addition to your pre-exercise routine when used sparingly. Incorporating coffee as a pre-workout can provide numerous benefits, including improved energy and focus to help you hit your fitness goals. We’ll discuss five great tips for using coffee as a pre-workout drink and how it can be a game-changer in your fitness routine.
Choose the Right Type of Coffee
When selecting a coffee to use as your pre-workout, pick one with minimal additives and calories. This means avoiding flavored syrups, copious amounts of sugar, and calorie-laden creamers. Instead, opt for black coffee or one made with calorie-free sweeteners and a splash of milk. Keto coffee can also be particularly effective at keeping your body in Ketosis while ensuring you have the energy you need to make the most of your activity.
Ingest the Right Amount of Caffeine
To acquire the desired energizing effects without suffering from caffeine jitters, make sure you consume the right amount of caffeine for your body weight. This means ingesting around three to six milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. For a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg), that equates to a range of 200 to 400 milligrams of caffeine. Once you’ve calculated your ideal caffeine dose, plan your coffee intake accordingly and avoid overconsumption to prevent negative side effects.
Time Your Coffee Consumption Wisely
The timing of your pre-workout coffee is crucial to getting the most out of its energizing effects. Caffeine’s peak benefits occur between 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, so aim to consume your coffee around a half hour to an hour before you begin exercising. This will also prevent potential gastrointestinal disturbances that can occur if you consume coffee too close to your workout.
Combine With Other Workout-Enhancing Foods
Another vital tip for using coffee as a pre-workout drink is to eat a balanced meal with it. Combining your coffee with other performance-enhancing foods, such as eggs and fruit, can energize your body further and allow you to put the work in where it counts. The nutrients found in carbohydrates can also complement the cognitive and physical effects of caffeine. With the right diet, you’ll have the necessary fuel to sustain your energy levels throughout your entire workout.
Listen to Your Body
Lastly, always listen to your body. While coffee can be a great tool for enhancing your workout, you must respond to any adverse effects responsibly. If you’re experiencing increased heart rate, dizziness, or headaches, consider reducing your caffeine intake or opting for alternative pre-workout supplementation.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of coffee as a pre-workout drink. Give it a try today, and watch as you get more out of your workouts and crush your fitness goals.
