Study after study has shown that caffeine can increase alertness, sharpen focus, improve mood, improve tolerance for pain caused by exercise, help burn fat, and help athletes do more work for longer periods in the gym and in sport. It’s no wonder that caffeinated pills and drinks are the most common supplement category among bodybuilders, athletes, and gym-goers. However, many reports show that caffeine can have both positive and negative impacts on the human body. Therefore, it is imperative to get a better understanding of the effects of caffeine.

How it Works
Caffeine is one of those elements that is easily absorbed into the body. This simple digestion occurs through the stomach and small intestine, and usually, the blood levels tend to peak close to 40 to 50 minutes after the ingestion. Furthermore, caffeine can have a significant impact on the state of the body. For example, it can increase the stimulation of the brain combined with a solid blood pressure increase. In the same time, it can impact the heart rate and the stomach and can help in the process of burning the stored fat.

Based on several research studies, the effects of caffeine can last for three to twelve hours. However, if you consume caffeine consistently for a few weeks, you may notice a significant drop in the effectiveness. Simply said, your body will start building a tolerance.

Caffeine and Bodybuilding
The main point of interest for us is the relation between caffeine and bodybuilding. It's been demonstrated that caffeine helps improve physical performance in all manner of sports while also delaying mental fatigue. The effects of this element on muscle metabolism and endurance are one of the basics that can improve the overall fitness level.

When we exercise in the weight room, we get into the muscle exhaustion state. During this process, the level of glycogen is usually used as an energy source. Therefore, the body activates another source for energy — stored fat. And when we add caffeine to the equation, the body starts to metabolize the fatty acids. In other words, the working muscles use this extra fat as energy in early exercise.

Caffeine and Fatigue
There has been a debate about the effects of caffeine on fatigue levels. According to a research study, athletes that are using caffeine showed fewer signs of fatigue. These tests also included certain bodybuilders as they were able to judge their efforts during exercise, with half of the group ingesting caffeine prior and the other half a placebo. Based on the results, bodybuilders using caffeine had more energy and significantly less fatigue. Therefore, it is safe to say that caffeine can improve your overall fitness results. And it is no coincidence that the caffeine is the basic element for many pre-workout supplements an energy drinks.

Sources
The simple source of caffeine can be found in a cup of coffee. However, if we look through the prism of bodybuilding the coffee variations is not an effective energy source for bodybuilding workout. That is why many of the more advanced bodybuilders are heavily reliant on the different pre-workout supplements offered. These pre-exercise formulas can offer the needed caffeine amount in combination with additional beneficial ingredients. For example, elements such as Beta-Alanine and L-Tyrosine can improve your focus and mental state during your workout. Additionally, the Betaine Anhydrous found in Big Noise can prompt a strong Nitric Oxide production and great muscle pumps. There are many strong pre-workout supplements on the market that can do the trick for you. If you are new to Redcon1 products, the combination of Total War and Big Noise is a staple in most all of the Tier Operators pre-workout arsenal.

Conclusion
On a final note, we can agree that caffeine is one of the most widespread and socially acceptable drugs consumed. It is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders around the world. The reason behind that is that it is one of those simple elements that can enhance performance. Yet, it is imperative to have a proper adjustment in your daily intakes. That way you will be on the right track to increase your performance levels while eliminating the possibility of negative side effects.

Chris Hazen | @thechrishazen | thechrishazen@gmail.com