Caffeine is a well-studied and effective ergogenic aid. That means it improves endurance and speed. But before you go pounding energy drinks before exercising, let’s look at how much you need. While caffeine can improve athletic performance, too much may leave you jittery and dehydrated—not exactly ideal during a work out. Like almost all things in life, there’s a balance to achieve. Just enough to aid performance but not so much that you feel like garbage.
What’s the sweet spot? How do you introduce caffeine without going overboard? Here are some expert opinions on adding caffeine to your fitness routine so you can crush your goals without crashing.
Experts In This Article
- Celine Thompson, RDN1, registered dietitian nutritionist
- Mandy Tyler, RD, CSSD, LD, registered dietitian
- Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, Miami-based registered dietitian nutritionist and National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
How caffeine improves athletic performance
Wondering if it’s worth it to use caffeine before your next workout? Sports dietit