More on Coffee and Exercise

There is new research on the effects of caffeine on exercise induced muscle soreness. I wrote about this topic before here. The recent research as reported in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2009, was done at the University of Illinois and looked at college aged males performing high intensity 30-minute cycling workouts. They were given a pill containing either a dose of caffeine equivalent to 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (about 2-3 cups of coffee) or a placebo. The cyclists reported a reduction in quadriceps muscle pain after consuming the caffeine. The researchers believe the reduction in pain is due to caffeine blocking adenosine, a biochemical in the brain that is involved in pain processing. If this reduction in pain leads in a greater likelihood that you will continue to exercise on a regular basis, it could be a helpful addition to your daily routine. I wouldn't suggest that you get your caffeine through one of those $5 calorie laden drive-through drinks, but maybe a couple cups of regular coffee have their place in a healthy lifestyle.