When it comes to surviving motherhood—whether you’re in the trenches of newborn life or navigating the wild ride of teenage years—everyone jokes about wine being the go-to mom drink. Don’t get me wrong, wine has its moment, but let’s be real… it’s coffee that truly keeps us going
I’ve been an avid coffee drinker for as long as I can remember, but once I started having kids, it became clear that I need coffee to function. Early mornings, long afternoons, and late nights must be fueled by coffee (and a regular exercise routine).
As a personal trainer, I also look at and love the benefits of coffee to a fitness and exercise routine. The benefits go way beyond just giving you energy; you might even be surprised by how much a simple cup of coffee can do. Here’s how coffee can benefit your fitness routine.
1. Improve Endurance and Performance
Caffeine increases adrenaline levels, which prepares your body for intense physical exertion. This can help enhance endurance during cardio sessions. Coffee can also help delay fatigue and help you push harder and longer during your workout.
2. Increase Metabolism
Coffee speeds up your metabolism and increases fat oxidation, making it easier to burn more calories during and after a workout. Caffeine also can stimulate the breakdown of fat cells, allowing your body to use fat as a source of energy, which is beneficial for weight loss or fat reduction.
3. Enhanced Focus and Concentration
Caffeine in coffee increases focus, attention, and mental clarity, helping you stay engaged in your workout routine. Better concentration also improves coordination and reaction times during the workout.
4. Muscle Preservation
Coffee has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce muscle soreness and promote quicker recovery post-workout.
5. Boost in Short Workouts
For moms who prefer quick, at-home workouts (guilty!), coffee provides an energy boost that helps maximize performance even in shorter exercise sessions. You’ll be motivated and get through the quick workout with ease.
6. Faster Recovery
The antioxidants in coffee may help reduce inflammation, speeding up recovery after workouts. Post-workout coffee may help quickly replenish energy stores and improve recovery times, allowing you to bounce back for the next session.
Overall, coffee can be a natural pre-workout drink that enhances performance, aids in fat loss, and improves focus—all important factors for effective and efficient workouts. It’s even been approved by a personal trainer and a mom!
