Learn Everything You Need To Know About Caffeine and Its Bodybuilding Benefits

As far as physical exercise is concerned, generally speaking, many of us tend to suffer from drops in motivation and energy levels, resulting in us feeling tired and lethargic, meaning that our workouts suffer, or that we sometimes simply forget about working out on that particular day altogether because we just cannot be bothered.

Now, in order to get ourselves motivated, energised, and focussed, many of us tend to turn to stimulants such as pre-workout supplements or even simply just a regular cup of coffee.

These products contain one ingredient that we find extremely beneficial when it comes to stimulating our senses and our bodies, and this one ingredient is caffeine.

Caffeine is contained in a number of various foods, products, and supplements, and it is considered absolutely amazing when it comes to hitting the gym and working out intensely.

Here’s a look at a few of the benefits associated with caffeine, and how they can help you to pile on the muscle.

Firstly, what exactly is caffeine?

In basic terms, caffeine is a stimulant that is found naturally within a whole variety of various plants, especially tea and coffee beans.

One of the main reasons that caffeine has such a stimulating effect on the body, is that it can help to inhibit a substance which is known as adenosine.

This neurotransmitter actually helps to suppress activity within the Central Nervous System (CNS), which causes the body to slow down and become drowsy. As caffeine helps to suppress this substance, the body become more energised and alert as a result, until the caffeine levels begin to naturally wear off.

So, what are some of the main benefits of caffeine?

• It can boost your metabolism – Let’s face it, bodybuilding is all about body image, with the main intention of most bodybuilders to build as much muscle as possible, whilst losing as much body fat as possible at the same time.The metabolism is responsible for our body’s burning fat and converting fat and calories to energy, and as caffeine has been proven to help jump-start the metabolism, it’s no wonder that it’s so beneficial for physically active bodybuilders, as it not only allows them to burn fat, but it also helps to provide them with additional energy to make their workouts that little bit more efficient.
• It provides you with an energy boost – The main benefit associated with caffeine, is the fact that it provides the body with a temporary boost in energy and mental alertness.This basically means that if you’re feeling tired and lethargic, and are thinking about forgetting your workout for the day, then caffeine could be exactly what you need to perk you up and get your energised and focused for the workout that lies ahead.
• Caffeine improves mental focus and alertness – Another key benefit associated with caffeine is the fact that it can improve mental focus and alertness, which can help you to think clearer, solve problems easier, and focus more on your actual workouts.It may not sound like much, but being able to think clearer can really help your training, especially when it comes down to the mind – muscle connection

What are some things to be wary of?

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that should be treated with respect as it does also have the potential to cause some side effects, some of which could literally be life threatening.

One of the main things to be wary of is the fact that as it’s a stimulant, if you consume caffeine later in the day, then insomnia could be a problem whilst it remains in your system.

People with heart problems should also be extremely wary of caffeine, as it can increase heart rate which could potentially be very serious. It can also temporarily increase blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure should also exercise extreme caution and should always consult a Doctor before using any form of caffeine based product.