Is it Better to Drink Coffee Pre or Post-Workout?

When it comes to food and fitness, we’re always full of questions. Should we drink protein shakes before or after a workout and should we drink coffee pre or post-workout? Today, we’re going to focus on the latter and finally give you an answer to this question.

Caffeine is a stimulant, so it boosts workouts and improves your metabolism. Some research has even shown that consuming caffeine pre-workout can increase caloric burns several hours after you exercise. But, when having caffeine before a workout, it’s important to have the right amount, especially if you’re sensitive to it. If you drink too much coffee pre-workout, you can get shaky, anxious, and nauseous.

The best time to drink coffee is 20 minutes before your workout, so you have time to digest it. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with drinking just a small cup of coffee or trying a decaf, which still has a bit of caffeine in it. Over time, once you know how your body reacts to the coffee while working out, you can increase the amount you drink.

One caveat is drinking coffee before nighttime workouts. Drinking coffee at night pre or post-workout can negatively affect your sleep, so don’t drink it too close to bedtime. Try other non-caffeinated sources to get energy like beetroot or maca.