Headed to the gym this morning? Take a minute to swill down a cup of joe before you go. It turns out that drinking a cup of coffee in the morning can actually improve your workout. A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that athletes who ingested caffeine before they exercised burned around 15 percent more calories in the three hours after their workouts than those who didn't.


And that's not all!

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Caffeine has also been linked to improved circulation, and decreased pain during exercise. Caffeine supposedly also helps offset the loss of muscle that naturally occurs during aging. When consumed in moderation, caffeine can help preserve overall fitness and reduce age-related injuries.

And if you feel like quaffing a coffee after your workout, that couldn't hurt either. A post-workout caffeine boost resulted in a 66 percent increase in glycogen four hours after an intense glycogen-depleting exercise. Glycogen is super necessary to provide energy during exercise. So coffee up! It's worth it! [Health]