Is Coffee the Perfect Pre-workout for Exercise?

A cup of coffee before training is one of the oldest tricks in the gym bag, and one of the cheapest. You probably already own the equipment. This post covers what caffeine can do for a workout, when to drink it, and which beans belong in your pre-workout cup.

1. What coffee can do for a workout: Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It can improve focus and reduce perceived exertion, which means hard sets feel a little less hard, and that can carry over into better performance and longer endurance. Coffee may also help mobilize stored fat, a possible aid for fat-burning during exercise. The antioxidants in coffee have been linked to reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery after you train.

2. Timing and dosage: Drink your coffee 30 minutes to an hour before you start. That window lets caffeine reach peak levels in your bloodstream right as the workout begins, so you get the full effect where it counts. For the dose, the usual recommendation is 1-3 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight, depending on your tolerance. Push past what your body handles and you trade a good session for jitters and a rough night of sleep. Find your number and stick to it.

3. Choosing the right coffee: The beans matter more than people think. Keep these in mind when you pick a pre-workout brew:

• Buy a quality roast. Fresh-roasted, high-quality beans give you the most flavor and the most from your cup. Stale beans waste the ritual.

• Drink what you like. Some people want a bold, heavy cup. Others want something milder. If you enjoy the coffee, you will actually drink it before every workout instead of skipping it.

• Try cold brew. It runs smoother and less acidic than a hot cup, which makes it a good pick if your stomach is sensitive or you want a gentler caffeine release while you exercise. It also travels well in a shaker bottle.

Want CBD in the mix? Buddha Beans roasts a line of blends that pair single-origin coffee with the potential wellness benefits of CBD. The lineup includes:

• Burundi CBD Coffee: The Burundi CBD Coffee comes from the hills of Burundi and leads with ripe berry flavors plus a touch of CBD. Bright and easy to reach for.

• Colombia CBD Coffee: The Colombia CBD Coffee grows in the lush regions of Colombia. It is a medium roast with balanced acidity and a gentle infusion of CBD, rich and smooth in the cup.

• Ethiopia CBD Coffee: The Ethiopia CBD Coffee is a light roast from the birthplace of coffee itself, full of the vibrant flavors Ethiopian beans are known for, complemented by the calming touch of CBD.