The Secret to a Better Workout: Coffee.

Scientists have been looking at caffeine’s effect on athletics since the 1900s. While there is still some disagreement as to the exact mechanism by which caffeine consumption affects exercise performance, and whether taking a break from it until game day can give you an edge, most agree that a cup of coffee before working out can improve performance, whether you’re playing for the N.B.A..or just running through your neighborhood.

Whether consumed via coffee, a workout supplement or an energy drink, caffeine tends to improve performance by an average of 2 to 5 percent.  While caffeine moderately improves anaerobic activities (intense, shorter workouts), like weight lifting, sprinting and high-intensity interval training, it appears to show the most benefit with aerobic efforts (less intense, longer exercises), like swimming, cycling, or jogging.

Whether physical or mental, the benefits of caffeine apply to competitive athletes and those just wanting a slight improvement in their workout. When it comes to getting the most out of your workout, caffeine might be your secret weapon. For over a century, scientists have studied the effects of caffeine on exercise performance, and while the finer details are still debated – like whether abstaining from caffeine until game day gives you an edge – one fact remains consistent: caffeine works.

Caffeine doesn’t just supercharge your body – it also improves focus, alertness, and motivation. That’s why pre-workout coffee isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s also ideal for casual exercisers looking to enhance endurance, concentration, and overall workout results.