Do you want to feel less pain after a long joggle? A couple of cups of tea might be just what you need.

It turns out that caffeine can actually reduce your post-workout muscle pain by nearly 50%! At least that’s what researchers at the University of Georgia report in a recent issue of The Journal of Pain. (Seriously, it’s a real scientific journal).

In their study they recruited 9 female college students who reported pain after an exercise session. They had them take either caffeine or a placebo and then do some thigh exercises. The women who took the caffeine reported less pain than the ones who took the placebo. In fact, the caffeine was more effective than products like asprin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (found in Aleve).

The study had limitations and many questions were left unanswered (as science does) but drinking a little tea or coffee before a workout might just be a good idea.

They say it is particularly useful for people new to exercising because the pain they experience after working out is demotivating. And if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to start running or joggle a marathon, motivation is something you need.

So, before your next workout drink that tea or coffee or diet Dr. Pepper. Your muscles will thank you.

Keep on joggling.

Filed under: Health, Training Tips