Caffeine and exercise, by Alex Rapacioli

20.01.2011

This is a subject close to my heart, quite literally!! Being half Italian half French coffee pretty much runs through my veins from that morning cappuccino to after-dinner Espresso, to the nice coffee you have at… hey, anytime of the day! But incorporating coffee, or caffeine to be more precise into my training schedule only came to my attention a couple of years ago. I’d only ever thought of caffeine in a recreational way but the more and more I started hearing about athletes, pro sports persons, cover models and more taking it pre/ during exercise and swearing by the increased focus, energy, endurance and power I decided, with not much hesitation to try it out. So half an hour before my weights workout down went the double espresso- and the proof was in the pudding. I was clear and focused in my session, crisp and precise in executing my sets/rep range, my power seemed more ready whenever I needed it- man even my music was clearer!!

Now some cynics may not agree and say it’s all placebo blah blah blah, but from my experience I believe caffeine works for exercise just as it works to serve that morning wake up, or afternoon lull, or after dinner slump. It acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, increasing the heart rate and blood pressure thus feeling more awake and energetic. Another highly backed theory for improved performance which I agree with is that muscle glycogen is spared. Glycogen is the stored energy in the muscle tissue which is broken down during exercise. This suggests that glycogen sparing is a result of caffeine’s ability to increase fat availability for skeletal muscle use. The more glycogen store we have the more we can endure- simple. Give it a go and see how you feel, as what works for one person may not necessarily work for the other, good luck!!

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Showing comments 1 to 4 of 6 | Next | Last

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Reply #6 on : Thu January 19, 2012, 17:04:52

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Journey
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Reply #4 on : Wed January 18, 2012, 04:27:45

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Thanks for that! It's just the answer I ndeeed.

Jerry
Posts: 6

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Reply #3 on : Mon January 16, 2012, 09:20:49

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That's cleared my thoughts. Thanks for cntoribiutng.

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