Is Coffee Good For CrossFit? (How Much caffeine You Should Have Before A Workout)

In order to participate in CrossFit, you must mentally be in the right state of mind and focused. Not to mention, this particular workout requires stamina and a great deal of physical exertion. This leads to some CrossFitters looking for a bit of a pick-me-up. But is coffee good for CrossFit?

Is Coffee Good to Have Before a WOD?

As a general rule, coffee may help enhance your energy levels before your workout. You may be able to achieve the workout you desire by having a bit of a boost to motivate you. Specifically, coffee stimulates your central nervous system. 

Keep in mind that your body naturally releases epinephrine during exercise. This particular hormone is partially responsible for the “fight or flight” response you have when you’re scared. The coffee will also elevate your energy levels, only furthering your body’s natural response. So, in general, the answer to “Is coffee good for CrossFit,” is yes. 

Is It Dangerous?

Coffee has its share of health benefits. For instance, studies have indicated a link between a decrease in your risk of type II diabetes and regular coffee consumption. It also supports cardiovascular health, among other benefits.

With that being said, when answering is coffee good for CrossFit, it’s important to know that it could have a few negative effects on your body. For example, when you drink coffee before a workout, blood is redirected toward the engaged muscle group. As a result, it’s taken away from the digestive tract, leading to slower-than-normal digestion. You might have stomach upset or other digestive problems because of this. 

For some people, and not just during a CrossFit workout, anxiety and nervousness may occur from coffee. Some individuals feel irritable from it. And it’s also known to increase your heart rate, making it not safe for those with heart problems. 

Despite popular belief, coffee — or any caffeinated beverage at that matter — won’t cause dehydration. While you should stay hydrated before, throughout, and after you exercise, coffee won’t impact this. 

What Do Professional CrossFit Athletes Drink?

Some professional athletes will drink coffee before a workout. For one, it energizes them. And in studies, coffee has appeared to speed a person’s metabolism.

As one example, professional athlete Rich Froning does drink coffee. 

Many CrossFit professionals hydrate with water before a workout as well as after. CrossFit athlete, Michael Kummer, for example, recommends you hydrate with water and electrolytes to enhance your workout. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. You need a proper balance of electrolytes to remain hydrated, no matter how much water you drink. Bear in mind that you lose electrolytes when you sweat. Therefore, you’ll want to replace them to keep the amounts balanced in your body for optimal hydration. 

Mary Schwing says she sticks to a few products she’s always used rather than experimenting with new ones. 

How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Caffeine?

Although certain coffees have a higher concentration of caffeine, such as espresso, a standard eight-ounce cup of coffee has 95 milligrams of caffeine on average. The amount varies from 70 to 140 milligrams, though. 

How Much Coffee Is Recommended Before High-Intensity Training?

The amount of coffee, or any caffeinated beverage for that matter, depends on your tolerance for caffeine. If you know you crash after two cups, it’s best to stick with one. 

This heavily relates to your weight. As a general rule, you should aim to keep your caffeine intake between .9 and 2.7 milligrams per pound. Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, the maximum amount of caffeine you should have before a workout is 405 milligrams or about four cups of coffee. 

Coffee has the potential to enhance your WOD, as long as you’re consuming it in a safe amount. However, if you don’t want a pick-me-up, you might want to stick with hydration along with electrolytes. 

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-time-to-drink-coffee

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-increase-metabolism

https://michaelkummer.com/health/workout-hydration/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee

https://boxpromag.com/crossfit-games-athletes-on-hydration-and-pre-wod-beverages/