Coffee and its influence on sports performance: facts and myths from Romania

Caffeine and physical activity have gone hand in hand for many years. Numerous studies show that caffeine consumption can significantly improve endurance during high-intensity exercise such as running, cycling and swimming.

It is important to note that to obtain maximum benefits, you should choose pure coffee, without additives. The fact is that milky or overly sweet coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos do not help achieve high caffeine levels in the body.

If you find yourself in Bucharest and value an active lifestyle, then do not miss the chance to combine sports with pleasure in the store Hotspot Coffee! Our coffee paradise will help you choose your ideal type of invigorating drink to maximize your energy.

How does caffeine affect athletic performance?

Did you know that billions of cups of coffee are consumed every day around the world? This is an indication that caffeine is the most widely used natural performance stimulant on the planet.

Many scientists believe that the mechanism by which coffee can improve athletic performance is due to caffeine’s interaction with receptors for various substances in the nervous system. Caffeine has the ability to suppress the production of adenosine. This process may be a key factor influencing our fitness and athletic performance.

Caffeine “defeats” fatigue. And it is caused by adenosine, an organic substance that, when absorbed by nerve cells, helps slow down their activity and cause a feeling of fatigue. Caffeine is able to interact with these same receptors. It blocks adenosine, reducing the sensation of pain and fatigue, which can positively affect athletic performance.

Scientific studies have also shown that caffeine promotes faster muscle recovery after exercise. This, in turn, can reduce the intensity of muscle pain that occurs as a result of intense physical activity.

According to scientific research, drinking coffee before training or competition increases alertness and improves reaction speed. That is, caffeine helps to be more focused on the process and effective in sports activities.

Benefits of drinking coffee before physical activity

Some people may be sensitive to coffee. Even drinking one cup may increase their heart rate. After two or three coffee drinks, they may experience stimulation of the central nervous system. So if you fall into this category, you may want to avoid drinking coffee before your workout. However, for those who enjoy drinking coffee and do not notice side effects, this drink may well be useful for increasing workout performance. But it is important not to consume more than one cup half an hour before training!

What are the benefits of coffee for athletes?

• Helps increase adrenaline levels. This hormone stimulates the secretion of fats, which serve as a source of energy. And coffee can be considered a natural fat burner, so this tandem works well together.
• Acts directly on the muscles. Caffeine stimulates and improves muscle function. Research confirms that athletes who drank coffee before exercise experienced 47% less pain after exercise.
• Caffeine suppresses feelings of fatigue. After drinking coffee, you feel like you are capable of more! However, it should be remembered that this effect is temporary and is more of an “increase” in vigor. If you don’t take action, your alertness levels may drop again within 30 to 60 minutes of consuming caffeine.
• The temporary increase in testosterone levels caused by caffeine gives the body extra strength and speed.

In addition, caffeine can reduce muscle glycogen consumption, which, simply put, means that working muscles produce less lactic acid. As a result, endurance levels are increased by reducing pain and discomfort, and muscle fibers can do more work over time. In the long term, this can help athletes increase their running speed and the number of high-intensity movements they perform.

In one study, researchers examined how different forms of caffeine affected running speed. They also looked for a link between athletic performance and improvements with caffeine consumption. In the experiment, 14 athletes ran 5 kilometers after taking a placebo or one of three forms of caffeine: chewing gum, oral dissolvable strips or tablets. The results showed that all forms of caffeine, in moderate doses, helped improve running performance by an average of 95%.

In another interesting study, researchers looked at the effects of caffeine on the brain. They observed two groups of people: one group consisted of coffee drinkers, and the second group consisted of non-coffee drinkers. Using MRI, the scientists tracked their brain activity in three states: resting, performing certain tasks, and shortly after drinking coffee. Participants’ stress and anxiety levels were also assessed.

The results of the study showed that coffee drinkers in both conditions demonstrated better ability to concentrate and control their movements. In the second group, the effect was noticeable only after drinking coffee. However, it is worth noting that scientists were more likely to identify signs of stress in coffee drinkers, and men had an increased sense of anxiety.

Anti-stress effect of coffee: Norwegian scientists make important discoveries

Scientists from Norway have discovered an interesting aspect of the effect of coffee on our physical and emotional state after exercise.

A study conducted in Norway found that coffee can help reduce stress levels after a workout. This finding is unusual because coffee is typically associated with wakefulness and arousal rather than relaxation. However, the results of this study confirm that coffee may have a calming effect on post-workout health.

Scientists conducted an experiment in which athletes participated after moderate physical activity. After the workout, one group of participants was given a cup of coffee, and the other group was given a placebo or inactive substance. After a certain time, the level of stress and tension was measured in both groups.

Surprisingly, the results showed that the group that drank coffee had 6% lower stress levels compared to the group that was given a placebo. This means that coffee can actually help relieve post-workout stress and improve your overall emotional well-being.

However, it is worth noting that this study does not advocate coffee addiction as a means of coping with stress. You should remember to use moderation and not overindulge in caffeine consumption, as this can lead to other health problems. As always, it’s important to find a balance in your coffee consumption and take care of your overall physical and mental well-being.

Thus, scientists from Norway made a stunning discovery about the positive effect of coffee on stress levels after exercise. This discovery may be useful for those who exercise regularly and are looking for ways to improve their physical and emotional well-being. However, never forget that you need to drink coffee wisely and do not forget to take care of your overall health.

Caffeine and running: what helps improve performance?

According to the recommendations of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, it is recommended to consume from 3 to 6 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight. In some cases, this range can be extended to 9 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight. However, it is important to remember that exceeding this dose does not lead to additional improvements in athletic performance.

Research shows that to get the most benefits from caffeine, the best time to consume it is 60 minutes before starting a race or other physical activity.

Can caffeine harm your heart?

If after drinking a cup of coffee you notice trembling, rapid heartbeat or slight dizziness, then this is not an accident. Exposure to caffeine increases levels of adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormone. This in turn causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Some studies warn of a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease when drinking coffee. While others note its positive effects on heart and blood vessel health.

It is believed that excessive coffee consumption may contribute to aortic stiffness, which increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.

At the same time, other studies highlight that drinking three or more cups of coffee a day may even help prevent atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, obstructing normal blood flow.

The amount of coffee you should drink during the day depends on your own preferences and feelings. The main thing is to listen to your body, drink coffee in reasonable quantities and, of course, look after your health!

Energy and success for athletes with Hotspot Coffee in Bucharest

Do you love an active lifestyle and strive for outstanding results in sports? Then our coffee is from Hotspot Coffee – Your essential companion on the path to success!

We know how important it is to get the most out of every workout, and that’s why we offer you the best natural coffee from quality beans. Moreover, it is espresso or Americano, which are recommended for lovers of coffee and an active lifestyle, that will help you fully experience the aroma of a real invigorating drink. Why is this so? Because they contain a high concentration of caffeine, which will give you the alertness, energy and focus you need to achieve maximum results.

With a cup of invigorating drink from Hotspot Coffee before training, you will receive:

• Coffee made by professionals who share your passion for sports.
• Excellent service will help you choose exactly your taste, which will help you gather your strength and thoughts.
• A selection of delicious treats to help replenish your post-workout energy.

Contact Hotspot Coffee and discover a unique combination of sport and coffee pleasure! Here you will find an inspiring assortment, aromatic coffee and delicious treats. Enjoy a great coffee before your workout to boost your energy, or relax afterwards. With Hotspot Coffee, your day will become even brighter and more successful! With us you will be one step closer to victory.