A new study performed by Victor Maridakis, kinesiology researcher at the University of Georgia, found that women who consume any type of caffeine supplement either before or after a workout reported a significant decrease in muscle soreness, according to a U-wire article.
Maridakis said that this could be especially good news for beginners, since they usually experience higher amount post workout soreness then more advanced exercises.
“If you can use caffeine to reduce the pain, it may make it easier to transition from that first week into a much longer exercise program,” he said, adding that caffeine has the potential to block adenosine, a chemical that triggers pain receptors in the body.
Freshman Shannon Dennis was pleased to hear that new benefits of coffee have been discovered.
“I like coffee. I drank it before I knew it had benefits, so I will continue to drink it,” said Dennis.
The study claims that caffeine led to a 40 percent decrease in post workout muscle soreness. But, in addition to being a diuretic and a cause of dehydration, caffeine can increase blood pressure, especially when ingested in high doses, according to an article found the WebMD website.
Many women on campus were skeptical about the possibility of caffeine being a wonder drug for workout recoveries.
Melissa Driscoli’07 is worried about these possible side effects caffeine could take on her body and discussed them as finished her post workout stretching.
“I may take it a good amount of time after the workout, but not directly after. I know (caffeine) can cause dehydration, especially after exercise,” she said.
“Water and electrolytes are better for the body than coffee, especially after a workout,” said Nicole Fersa’ 10, who was on her way to the treadmill.
Claire Franczyk’10 who not only works out, but also works at the Recplex wasn’t buying into the studies results either.
“I don’t drink coffee anyway, but I won’t just because of this. Drinking water and stretching are better ways than drinking coffee. If your muscles are sore, than at least you know you did something right.”
Caffeine may reduce muscle soreness after a work out, but many girls on campus will continue to grab a Dasani at the Stag before going to the gym, instead of a French vanilla latte at Jasmine’s Cafe.
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