Which One For The Best Workout? Coffee Vs Pre Workout
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Do you want to know the differences between these two?
I got you.
In this article, I discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and utility of each. You can then make a choice and go kill it at the gym!
Let’s see which one comes on top.
Comparison: Caffeine Content
Ready? Set? Drink!
Coffee is the go-to source for a caffeine fix in the world. A regular cup of coffee has around 100mg of caffeine. A big cup, up to 200mg.
Why such a difference? Depends on the type of coffee, size, and the method of brewing.
How about a pre workout?
These really vary between brands and products. Goes anywhere from having 100mg on the low end to over 350mg of caffeine.
That much caffeine will make anyone feel like a space rocket!
But besides caffeine, pre workout also contains other ingredients to help with your gym sessions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Coffee vs Pre-Workout
Want me to keep it simple? Just look at the comparison below.
Love Coffee
Coffee 🙁
Love Pre Workout
Pre Workouts 🙁
It depends on the specific product you purchase of course. Many have these common ingredients that will provide these benefits but also drawbacks.
What’s The Impact of Coffee and Pre-Workout on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure?
Seeing as both contain caffeine, they can both increase heart rate and blood pressure.
The Effect of Coffee and Pre-Workout on Focus and Mental Clarity
Coffee and pre-workout supplements can both give you a nice boost in focus and mental clarity. This of course is thanks to the caffeine for the most part.
Again the boost will depend on many factors for both. Factors such as serving size and potency of the product.
Is it all sunshine and rainbows?
Of course not! Consuming too much of either can have nasty side effects. We’ll discuss these later. For now, let’s talk about the nutritional values of each.
Nutritional Differences Between The Two
Do they differ? Of course.
Coffee is naturally LOW in calories which is great. It also has antioxidants and other compounds good for your body. Great news.
Many pre workout supplements have ZERO calories.
Already fell in love with pre workouts?
Not only do most have zero calories…they also tend to have vitamins and minerals. These are all aimed at giving you results in the gym.
Most Popular Coffee and Pre-Workout Brands
Both have a very large variety of options.
Love a good Starbucks? But you do…
Besides Starbucks, there are also other popular coffee brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, and Folgers. The options are endless.
Popular pre-workout supplements include Cellucor C4, Optimum Nutrition, Ryse Supplements, and MuscleTech Pre workouts.
How About The Cost?
A cup of coffee costs around $0.50-5, make it at home and then it’s dirt cheap. Want to go to a fancy coffee place before heading off to the gym? Then of course the price will be much higer.
When talking about pre-workouts, the cost per serving ranges anywhere from $0.50 to over $3. It really depends on the products you choose.
The Taste Test: Coffee vs Pre-Workout Flavor Comparison
When it comes to flavor, it all comes down to personal preference.
I love the smell of coffee a whole lot but also love the taste of many pre workouts I have tasted during these years.
Coffee offers a wide variety of flavors and roast types. Choose from a light and fruity roast to a dark and bold one.. yet it still offers much less variety in that sense.
A good pre-workout comes in so many flavors. And every brand has a different take on the same flavor like fruit punch. So please… go wild on a taste ride!
How do you choose then? Simple.
Want a warm drink before the gym? Definitely a coffee!
Want a sweet tropical-tasting drink? There’s a large selection of pre workout to choose from that will do the trick!
Simple.
Convenience Factor: Coffee vs Pre-Workout
There is no way around this one.
Pre workout wins. Plain and simple.
Why? They are formulated to be quick and easy. You open the container, get a scoop or two in a shaker, add water, shake, and drink.
Coffee on the other hand… a bit more of a hassle.
Heat up the machine, brew the coffee, wait for it to cool down, and then take a sip.
This can be very nice…IF you have time.
Both will give you a boost in energy and focus.
It’s Not All Sunshine: The Side Effects
There are several drawbacks to drinking coffee or a pre-workout supplement:
Coffee and pre workouts both have caffeine.
Caffeine can make you feel jittery, nervous, or anxious. This is especially for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. It can interfere with your sleep with in turn can impact overall recovery and performance.
Not only that.
Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to you becoming dependent on it. It will require a higher dose each time just to achieve the same effects.
Pre workouts have also other ingredients that could have more side effects.
Some pre-workout also have ingredients like yohimbine. This ingredient can increase your heart rate, cause high blood pressure, and give you anxiety.
Other ingredients like beta-alanine can make you nauseous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coffee replace pre-workout?
Yes, this is surely an option. They both contain caffeine which in the ingredient responsible for giving you a boost in energy.
BUT…
A quality pre workout also contains other ingredients like Beta-alanine and arginine. These provide other benefits like delaying muscle fatigue and increasing endurance.
Do I need pre-workout if I drink coffee?
Well depends.
Coffee can give you a great boost of energy and focus. This is thanks to the caffeine of course.
Good pre workout have other ingredients that will boost your performance in the gym.
Want to drink coffee as a pre workout but still want the other benefits?
Opt then for a stimulant free pre workout to drink next to your coffee. This way you can reap all the juicy muscle-building benefits.
How much coffee is equivalent to pre-workout?
As a general rule of thumb…
One cup of coffee has 100 mg of caffeine.
Pre workouts can have anywhere from 100mg to over 300mg per serving.
There are also zero caffeine pre-workout options available if you want to keep caffeine as low as possible.
Does pre-workout wear off faster than coffee?
This greatly depends on many factors.
It depends on your tolerance, the amount you consumed, the timing of consumption, and the intensity of your workout.
Normally, it takes between 4 to 6 hours but the caffeine dose to lower than 50%. After this, it can take another 12 hours for it to be fully out of your system.
Let’s wrap it up
Coffee and pre workouts both have great benefits.
What is your goal?
Is your goal just to get a boost of energy and focus? Choose coffee.
Want to keep it all natural? Coffee or use Ath Pre which only contains the all-natural ingredient.
Want the full benefits in the gym? Ditch the coffee and use a quality pre-workout. These contain other ingredients proven to get you results in the gym.
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