Could a few cups of coffee be the key to post exercise recovery?

Consuming a combination of carbohydrate and caffeine after exercise could be the fastest way to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles. Glycogen is the muscles’ primary energy source and restoring supplies as quickly as possible is associated with faster recovery and greater muscle development. The research found that athletes who ingested caffeine with carbohydrate had 66% more glycogen in their muscles fours hours after exercising, when compared to consuming carbohydrate alone.

“If you have 66% more fuel for the next day’s training or competition, there is absolutely no question you will go farther or faster,” said Dr. Hawley, the study’s senior author.

    The exact process in which caffeine speeds up the replenishment of glycogen is not yet clear, however it is believed that caffeine may increase the activity of certain key enzymes. The study required large amounts of caffeine to be consumed in order to gain significant improvements, indeed the equivalent of around 5-6 cups of strong coffee. More research is being carried out looking at the effectiveness of lower amounts of caffeine.