We all love something that will regenerate our bodies after an intense workout. We love something that is quick and easy to grab to replenish our bodies soon after we leave the gym. But when we are looking for that quick refreshment, is coffee a good choice for our post-workout drink? Essentially, we are asking is, can you drink coffee after a workout, or will it negatively affect the results of the workout?
Coffee contains caffeine which is a stimulant, stimulants excite our bodies and cause them to function at an increased rate. The caffeine in coffee will cause your brain to go into overdrive and release chemicals that will often increase your energy levels. Which is perfect for a post-workout drink.
If you want to know if you should drink coffee after your next workout, see what we say below about this controversial topic.
Should You Drink Coffee After A Workout
A study by The American Physiological Society has stated that the intake of caffeine, such as that found in coffee, can be beneficial for people after they workout. They say that the intake of carbohydrates and caffeine after an intense workout helps to replenish glycogen.
Glycogen is what your muscles need to use as fuel when completing any type of physical activity. Coffee beans have caffeine so if you consume caffeine after a workout, you essentially refuel your body’s glycogen. This is enhanced even further when carbohydrates are added along with caffeine.
Despite the research, can you drink coffee after a workout? It is a discussed topic by many experts, and some disagree on whether you should drink coffee after a workout.
If you choose to drink a pre-workout that also contains caffeine, be warned, as this may cause jitters when caffeine is consumed both before and after a workout.
Pros And Cons of Drinking Coffee Before A Workout
As we said, caffeine for a post-workout replenishment is controversial to many, as is using coffee as a pre-workout. Below we will look at some pros and cons.
Pros Of Drinking Coffee Before A Workout
- Increases Physical Performance
- Elevates Brain Function
- Stimulates Weight Loss
- Boosts Endurance
- Reduces Pain
Cons Of Drinking Coffee Before A Workout
- Upset stomach
- Feeling jittery
- Frequent need to urinate
- Possible headaches
- Can increase heart rate too much
Can I Drink Black Coffee After A Workout
If you are not sensitive to caffeine, having a cup of black coffee can be a great way to repair your muscles after an intense workout. Black coffee after a workout may shorten the time needed to recover from your workout and boost your mood after.
If you choose to drink a cup of black coffee after a workout, be sure to understand how much caffeine you are getting. The average amount of caffeine in one cup of black coffee is almost 100 milligrams. If you choose to drink a large cup of coffee or multiple cups of coffee, the amount of caffeine will increase with each ounce.
More than 400 milligrams of coffee can lead to a caffeine overdose. Symptoms of an overdose are anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, or even death. It would take many cups of coffee to lead to the last symptom. But if you are using large cups and consuming many per day, you may want to try limiting yourself.
Is It Better To Drink Coffee Before Or After A Workout
Drinking coffee before your workout can have benefits such as enhancing your physical performance and stamina. The caffeine from coffee will be absorbed by your body within 25 to 45 minutes after consumption. You will feel the full effect within one hour. During this hour you will receive the most benefits from the caffeine.
Drinking black coffee before your workout will also make you more alert, allowing you to have the proper focus needed for your workout.
If you would rather drink black coffee after your workout it will also come with added benefits. Consuming caffeine after a workout will help to increase your glycogen levels, which will help refuel your muscles. Caffeine post-workout will also help you perk up from a tiring workout. It will boost your energy levels which will wake you up.
Drinking coffee either before or after a workout has its benefits. You know your body and what it needs. If you feel that a caffeinated pre-workout will help you perform better, then you may prefer to have your coffee an hour before you hit the gym. But, if you feel that you need a post-workout mood boost and muscle repair, then drinking your coffee after you work out might be what your body needs.
Can I Drink Coffee After A Workout For Weight Loss
If you are drinking coffee after you work out for weight loss, you may be in luck. The caffeine that is found in coffee is a known metabolism booster. It is a stimulant that increases the rate at which you digest food and burn it off. When you increase your metabolism you aid your body in quicker weight loss and less weight gain.
Caffeine is also known as an appetite suppressant. An appetite suppressant is something that helps your body feel less hungry. When you consume an appetite suppressant you eat less. Less food means fewer calories, and when you eat fewer calories you create a calorie deficit. Calorie deficits are what allow your body to begin losing weight.
A calorie deficit, as well as a calorie-burning workout, will knock off your extra pounds even quicker. But, be sure to drink plain black coffee when you want to achieve weight loss. Adding sugar, milk, cream, or any other extras will add calories to your drink. These extra calories will not allow you to have a calorie deficit and may even cause you to gain weight.
Related article I wrote on how long does It take to digest coffee, find out more.
Does Caffeine Help Muscle Recovery
Caffeine is great at helping your muscles recover from an intense workout. When you perform any activity that causes you to use your body’s stored glucose, you must replenish it. If you don’t, you will not be able to perform again. Your body is a machine that needs to be maintained after each use.
After you workout and need to replenish your glycogen, consuming coffee will help. The caffeine in coffee has shown a 66% increase in glycogen replenishment after being consumed post-workout, along with the consumption of carbohydrates.
Caffeine has also been tested to see if it can reduce soreness in your muscles after an intense workout. In one study, athletes took caffeine pills after they worked out and they had reduced muscle soreness. This theory needs more testing but is widely speculated.
The Verdict
So, can you drink coffee after a workout? The consumption of coffee and the caffeine it contains has been discussed by many experts. Some believe that coffee has more benefits when consumed before working out, and others feel that coffee gives you the maximum benefit after you have completed your workout.
Consuming coffee before or after has its benefits, and ultimately the decision is up to you and what you want for your body. If you choose that you prefer a pre-workout boost to help get you going, then drink your coffee before your workout. But if you would rather have the benefits of replenishment to your body then having a cup of coffee after you work out will be the best decision for you.
Always remember to listen to your body and not over consume any caffeinated drinks. Overconsumption of caffeine can be worse than having none at all.
