SELF HEALTH + HEALING

"A cup of joe jolts your mood, reduces disease risk, and adds a kick to workouts."

A morning cup of coffee is a must for many runners. It wakes you up, energizes your workout, and—how can we say this nicely?—gets your systems moving, too. But there's more reason to indulge in that second or third cup. The latest research shows that drinking coffee is a (mostly) healthy habit that may make you happier and less stressed, and reduce risk for diseases. Caffeine isn't the only beneficial compound in coffee—it's also a rich source of antioxidants, which means decaf drinkers benefit, too.

You know that girl, the one with a Starbucks cup stashed in the cup holder of the elliptical during her a.m. sweat sesh? Admit it: you’ve judged her. But, turns out, she might be on to something. Drinking a couple cups of coffee before a workout could actually make it feel more enjoyable, according to new research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. 

The study basically simulated your average morning: a mug of coffee to wake up, a little gym time, another cup with breakfast, followed by lunch. Fourteen participants completed two moderate workouts on a stationary bike: one where they took caffeine (equal to two 8-ounce cups of coffee or 4 cups of black tea) 90 minutes before the workout, and one where they took a placebo. When caffeinated, the participants reported the ride as way easier than it was without the stimulant.