Caffeine, and how it can help you!

Many of us consume vast amounts of coffee, soft drink and tea all day long. However, little do some of you know, how effective it can be when consumed or taken (caffeine in supplement form) prior to working out.

You see, caffeine is a stimulant for our Central Nervous System (CNS). It creates alertness in our CNS, which can awaken and prime our body for working out. I've found a good calculation for consuming caffeine pre-workout is to multiply your body weight (in kilograms) by 3ml, and to ingest this amount to get the adrenaline effect. So this would mean an 80kg male would need 240ml of caffeine to have enough caffeine in the body to boost performance.

Be careful though.

Caffeine can last in our bodies for up to 6 hours - if you workout at night, I strongly suggest you do not consume any at all.

It can also produce a laxative effect on those who do not tolerate caffeine well. Don't think we want that now....

We've also heard about elite athletes overdoing caffeine supplementation, so use caution.

Caffeine is a drug.

It is addictive.

Just ask this cat:

Whoa kitty, ease up

Try it next time for a cheap alternative to a pre-workout supplement.

Yours in training,

Matt