Caffeine before execise??

slipss

Here I was just wondering whats the general rule on taking caffeine before exercise? Is it a bad idea, extra strain on your heart ect? I'm just asking because I be exhausted after work so the last week or two I've been drinking a strong cup of coffee before I leave work and it wakes me up enough so that I am able to go for a run when I get home instead of just collapsing onto my couch and falling asleep. Anyone know the deal? Thanks.

yomchi

Its fine as long as you have suffer no side effects, which you probably don't. Caffeine is sold seperately as a stimulant in some cases and is a main ingredient in 95% of thermogenics (fat burners).

hunnymonster

caffeine actually has a beneficial effect on your endurance (measures at something like 20% in the correct doses). The effect is most pronounced in people who do not regularly take caffeine. Not everyone can tolerate it though and it gives some people the jitters and makes them pee.

Jumpy

hunnymonster wrote:

makes them pee.

lots. especially since it make me very thirsty.

connundrum

Coffee has a bit of a laxative effect and for that reason alone I wouldn't tend to indulge at least 1 hour before training. But maybe thats just me and it might affect me more

yomchi

Personally as someone who avoids caffeine, any use of it has poxy effects on me. Shakes, irritability and im unable to focus.
But thats just me! Caffiene is also a diuretic hence the peeing!

Jak

Can be beneficial alright.

I used to use caffeine tabs for all weekday sessions when I used to train ~7am. Haven't used it for a few years now though.

All I would say is that mileage varies in terms of individual sensitivity to the effects. If you find it works well for you and you are using it often the only suggestion I would offer is that you cycle your usage levels - as effects tend to mitigate with regular usage.

JAK

John_C

I'd often have a cup of coffee before training. The only negative effects are being a bit thirsty and needing a pee.

quozl

If you're used to it and it doesn't cause you any problems then don't worry about it. I can't touch the stuff with a bargepole if I'm planning on serious exercise.

Normally if I'm running I won't need to piss at all - I think the kidneys stop flushing excess water out during exercise as you may need it. One .5 litre bottle of lucozade (which I'd forgotten has caffeine) before a 15 mile run two weeks back meant I had to piss 5 times during the run! That's while losing water from sweat too. That's not good for performance or comfort at all.

It's another 'your mileage may vary' one.

Odysseus

Generally I always aim to have a coffee before a training, especially a long run, however, as I take plently of fluids when training, I don't find the hydration issue a problem. However,for example if I'm going for a run at lunch time I drink herbal teas during the morning instead of coffee and leave the cooffee to just before.