If you workout regularly, you’ve probably heard of pre-workout supplements, or use them yourself. While some pre-workout supplements have great formulas and offer more benefits than just energy for your workout, these supplements are unregulated and get pretty expensive! A super simple alternative to pre-workout supplements is coffee. 

Coffee was, of course, the original “pre-workout”, though overtime as the fitness industry has evolved, we’ve steered away from it. It may surprise you, but using coffee as your pre-workout, comes with a number of benefits! 

Coffee contains several stimulants, including: caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and theobromine. The most important of these stimulants is caffeine, which has been studied heavily in relation to exercise, metabolism, and fat loss. In fact, studies have shown that consuming caffeine before a workout can increase your metabolism by up to 20%, and help you continue burning more calories post-exercise. 

Research has shown that coffee is able to improve circulation in the body due to the caffeine content. Healthy blood flow is vital for athletic performance, which is why most pre-workout supplements contain additives that affect circulation. Coffee is able to naturally improve blood flow in the body, leading to better oxygenation, which boosts performance and helps you get better results! 

Several studies have shown that drinking 2-3 cups of coffee about 30 minutes to an hour before a workout can reduce muscle pain and soreness both during and after a workout. In fact, coffee showed almost a 50% improvement in the muscle pain of the research participants, whereas over the counter painkillers only showed a 20-30% improvement. 

Fascinatingly enough, caffeine has been found to offset the age-related loss of muscle strength in the body. Coffee consumption triggers the release of a growth factor called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDFN), which is also expressed in the muscles where it supports the neuromotor. The neuromotor in the muscle is like the ignition to the muscles’ engine, and is essential. This is part of the muscle that degrades over time, leading to strength loss. This is where coffee may be a great way to preserve muscle strength as we get older.

Dopamine is one of our feel-good neurotransmitters. It is particularly important when it comes to learning, goal setting, and motivation. Coffee has been found to trigger a dopamine release in the brain, which can have a positive effect on your pain receptors and mood before a workout. Essentially, it can help you feel not only more energy, but more motivation and enjoyment during your training! 

Coffee is a great alternative to pre-workout supplements as it’s much more affordable, and simple! You know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s much easier to find a good quality coffee than a supplement that will fit all of your needs. It also offers many other benefits that can support your health over the long term and generally boost your performance! 

Our favorite coffee is our brand new Daily Wake-Up! It’s a USDA Certified Organic Arabica coffee that is high in antioxidants, low in acidity, and mold free. Check it out before your next workout!