Lets answer the pressing question you wonder while you’re on the elliptical.

According to a registered dietitian, drinking coffeebeforeyou work out in the morning is totally fine.

In fact, it actually offers plenty of potential benefits to your fitness routine.

(Sigh of relief.)

That said, there are a few exceptions, too.

Here’s what this expert has to say about pairing caffeine and exercise.

Brittany Michels, MS, RDis a nutrition expert for The Vitamin Shoppe.

Drinking coffee post-workout may help with your workout recovery.

Some who rely on caffeine may need to address the root cause of their poor energy levels.

Not everyone benefits from coffee before a workout.

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes tocoffee and caffeine consumption,” says Michels.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee Before Exercise

We know thatcoffee is good for us(in moderation.

She adds that coffee is one of many caffeinated beverages that may offer these benefits.

Some other research suggests that pre-workout caffeine may increase caloric burn for several hours post-exercise.

“Athletes need to determine dosage tolerance and benefits on an individual basis,” she says.

Avoid specialty coffees with lots of milk and sugary syrups for pre-workout caffeine.

Guest NS, VanDusseldorp TA, Nelson MT, et al.

International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr.

2021;18(1):1.

2015;25(1):46-53. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0037