Fitness: Mixing java and exercise

As the weather cools, winds whirl fiercely, and rain falls viciously on students scurrying to class, it's no wonder the length of the lines at Hillside have reached startling new heights. Stopping to grab a cup of coffee to battle the cold has become a vital part of many of our days. There's nothing like a warm "cup of joe" to help you make it through the day, but is that all? As I sit and sip my own cup of coffee (my second today) I can't help but wonder: Are there any health or fitness benefits for my daily obsession? About 110 million Americans drink coffee daily and another 51 million drink it occasionally. And 65 million Americans are on a diet, picking one of 30,000 plans. Since drinking coffee and dieting has become a daily ritual for millions, the research on caffeine's effect on our bodies is extensive. As it turns out, that daily cup of joy can not only brighten your icy day, it can also help you shed pounds. Caffeine serves a number of benefits for our bodies. It's a mild stimulant that increases the activity of the nervous system, which helps you stay alert and focused. This added energy boost can make workouts appear simpler and less painful. Case in point, caffeine serves as an ergogenic aid increasing the body's capacity for bodily or mental labor, particularly by eliminating fatigue symptoms. Some studies (like the one conducted by the National Association of Coffee) have demonstrated that drinking coffee an hour before exercise can enhance your performance. Caffeine has been proven to improve the performance and endurance of long-term exhaustive exercise, as well as short-term, high-intensity exercise. Want more? Coffee also makes it easier to burn fat. Caffeine mobilizes the fat stores inside the body so that more of it can be burned as fuel during exercise. These findings have lead to a whole new market of functional coffees, like JavaFit, that are marketed as weight-loss aides. While drinking coffee has produced many positive research findings, there are risks as well. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes a loss of fluids. This is important for cardiovascular exercise. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. For others, drinking coffee has also shown to produce restlessness, headaches, or irritability. This varies from person to person, so be sure to listen to your body. Moderation is the key to avoiding risk. So, as we edge closer to winter, feel free to swing by Hillside or McElroy's Chocolate Bar to order your favorite coffee. Your taste buds and body will thank you.