Caffeine/Coffee

[rekud300]

I do like to drink quite a bit of coffee in the morning, then after lunch drink mostly water maybe a can of pop now and then.

Does caffeine help or deter muscle growth or is it a non factor? Only drink coffee black, no creams or sugars.

If it does affect training how so, just for my info, and I am willing to cut back to a limited amount but not sure about cutting it out completely.

Read through the forum here in different areas and haven't seen anything on this.

Thanks in advance

Chris

[Doug]

Originally Posted by rekud300

I do like to drink quite a bit of coffee in the morning, then after lunch drink mostly water maybe a can of pop now and then.

Does caffeine help or deter muscle growth or is it a non factor? Only drink coffee black, no creams or sugars.

If it does affect training how so, just for my info, and I am willing to cut back to a limited amount but not sure about cutting it out completely.

Read through the forum here in different areas and haven't seen anything on this.

Thanks in advance

Chris

Hi, A few cups of coffee will be ok....unoless it is like tar..

Regular intake of caffeine reduces your muscles strength and resistance training performance by slowing down the muscle contraction and relaxation cycle.

High intake of caffeine displaces calcium absorption, which may partially explain the adverse effect to muscle contractions, as calcium plays an important role in nervous system function, as well as bone growth and structure, the chronic, day-after-day ingestion of caffeine should be avoided during serious periods of training. The occasional (once or twice a week) pick-me-up caffeine containing drink or pill is less damaging, but ideally abstaining from caffeine intake is best for muscle growth.

RESEARCH SAYS In the brain, caffeine competes with the compound adenosine for receptors — adenosine slows down brain activity and makes you feel tired. When caffeine does its thing by blocking adenosine receptors, it leads to a significant increase in energy, drive, focus and concentration. Caffeine also increases muscle strength by positively affecting the molecules inside muscle fibers that cause muscles to contract, and enhances muscle endurance by blunting muscle pain during exercise and encouraging the burning of bodyfat for fuel. Although you can reach for a cup of coffee to get a caffeine dose, before workouts you would be better with a with a caffeine supplement; studies show the form of caffeine used in supplements tends to produce greater performance benefits than coffee. Take 200-400 milligrams (mg) about 1-2 hours before workouts. Ideally not on a regular basis though.

[Growler]

Any comments on decafe? I normally drink a cup as a 'social event' in the mornings (water cooler chat).

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Growler

Any comments on decafe? I normally drink a cup as a 'social event' in the mornings (water cooler chat).

Decaf would be fine, as would a small amount of coffee's taken in the day, Its only when these super strong coffee's are taken that some problems may occur......

Just enjoy your social event....

[Iesto]

I read in men's fitness that research shows that drinking 1-2 cups of coffe after a workout can decrease muscle sorness by 40%. Don't exactly know how this works but if it does then its coffe for me after a chest workout. Awch

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Iesto

I read in men's fitness that research shows that drinking 1-2 cups of coffe after a workout can decrease muscle sorness by 40%. Don't exactly know how this works but if it does then its coffe for me after a chest workout. Awch

Yes I have read the study that was done, but it was only a small study..it said that drinking the equivalent of two cups of coffee can reduce muscle soreness by 48%. But it was for people who are not regular coffee drinkers, regular coffee drinkers will be less sensitive to the effects of caffine.

The study was on nine female college students who were not regular caffine users and were not regular weight trainers.

The researchers studied nine female college students who were not regular caffeine users and did not engage in regular strength-building training. The researchers also stated that the study should be replicated on a larger scale and the findings may not be applicable to regular coffee users or men.

The researchers warned there were limitations to their findings though.

For example, the small size of the study means it will need to be replicated on a larger scale, and the findings may not be applicable to regular coffee users, or to men.

Greg Whyte, a physiologist at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, said the soreness felt after exercise is normal and actually a sign that muscles are responding to the exercise.

He said if caffeine is merely reducing the symptoms but not the underlying causes of the pain then it could be useful, but as it can have a diuretic effect it "may cause other problems" after exercise when rehydration is important.

[grearfWralk]

great post man.