Coffee and Cardio

MLeigh18
MLeigh18 Posts: 120 Member
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I know you shouldn't drink coffee for at least 4 hours post strength training because it increases your cortisol level, i.e. belly fat.

But what about after cardio? I did spin class this morning before work, and I'm about to crash here on my keyboard.

I can go get an energy drink if necessary, but i prefer coffee in the morning.

And yes I already ate, and it didn't help wake me up.

Any thoughts?

Replies

  • Gabbahh
    Gabbahh Posts: 35
    It's okay. Don't sweat it. BIG differenct having caffeine RIGHT AFTER a workout compared to many hours later.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    I dont see why it'd be a problem.

    Lots of people take caffeine before/during workouts, so theres still gonna be some in your body.

    I wouldn't worry too much about a little coffee increasing cortisol. I think you're overthinking it :)
  • stylistchik
    stylistchik Posts: 1,436 Member
    I've actually read that caffeine reduces muslce soreness after a workout?
  • gorgeouss9
    gorgeouss9 Posts: 221
    this is news to me! i drink at least 1-2 cups a day!
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    Where did you get this information? I have a cup of coffee before my morning runs (it helps me) and a cup or two afterward. I think if you need some caffeine, go with Green tea or any tea if you don't feel comfortable drinking coffee. I think those energy drinks are nasty and a waste of money.
  • mahidac
    mahidac Posts: 126 Member
    I know you shouldn't drink coffee for at least 4 hours post strength training because it increases your cortisol level, i.e. belly fat.

    But what about after cardio? I did spin class this morning before work, and I'm about to crash here on my keyboard.

    I can go get an energy drink if necessary, but i prefer coffee in the morning.

    And yes I already ate, and it didn't help wake me up.

    Any thoughts?


    Caffiene is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor it doesn't increase circulating cortisol. When your body is stressed it may release cortisol that's true but its also releasing catecholamines - catecholamines bind directly to adipose tissue and cause lipolysis so the idea of cortisol causing fat deposition when under stress doesn't make sense

    Al through med school we actually looked a lot of physiologic studies and caffeine post workout in combination with an insulin spike and protein was a great way to build muscle (insulin does build fat as well by shunting glucose into adipose - one of the many reasons its so hard to build muscle and lose weight) - I take lots of caffeine 9more just to help me stay awake to study) and I have seen no negative effects from taking it post work out

    The only time when cortisol is going to aide in fat deposition is when you have it being released in response to a hormone stimulation - the idea that stress induced cortisol builds fat just doesn't make sense to me physiologically - but I have heard people say that a lot.

    sorry about the pseudorant

    ---

    TLDR version: I take lots of caffeine post workout in both coffee and pill form and haven't noticed negative results
  • MLeigh18
    MLeigh18 Posts: 120 Member
    I dont see why it'd be a problem.

    Lots of people take caffeine before/during workouts, so theres still gonna be some in your body.

    I wouldn't worry too much about a little coffee increasing cortisol. I think you're overthinking it :)

    I dont drink "a little" coffee. I drink 5-8 cups/ day depending on the day. But yes i tend to over think things.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories