Imagine having a secret weapon that not only fuels your workouts but also takes your performance to a whole new level.
That’s exactly what caffeine can do for you!
With its stimulating effects and countless benefits, caffeine has become a cornerstone in the fitness world.
This definitive guide, backed by extensive research and expert insights, will help you understand the ins and outs of caffeine and reveal the secrets to harnessing its full potential for bodybuilding.
So, buckle up as we take you on an exhilarating ride through the world of caffeine-powered gains.
What is Caffeine and What Are Its Specific Uses for Bodybuilding?
Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cocoa plants, is renowned for its myriad of benefits in bodybuilding.
As a performance enhancer, it targets various aspects of the body, including muscle endurance, muscle strength, focus and attention, metabolic health, and cardiovascular health.
Here’s how these benefits translate into real advantages for bodybuilders:
Improved muscle endurance: Caffeine reduces the perception of fatigue and allows athletes and bodybuilders alike to maintain higher levels of performance for longer. [1] This increased endurance will have you push through longer and more intense workouts, leading to greater gains.
Increased muscle strength: Studies have shown that caffeine, at 5mg per kg of body weight, can lead to increased muscle strength, resulting in greater power output. [2] This not only translates into the ability to lift heavier weights but also helps accelerate muscle growth and improve overall performance.
Elevated energy and focus: Everyone knows caffeine’s stimulant properties sharpen mental focus and concentration and elevate your energy. [3] Experiencing this heightened sense of awareness helps ensure proper form and technique, minimizing the risk of injury, improving mind-muscle connection, and keeping your concentration at peak during the entire session.
Metabolic health booster: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing metabolism and facilitating fat oxidation. [4] All of this is very likely to help bodybuilders maintain a leaner physique while still building muscle mass during their cutting phases.
An Overview of Caffeine for Bodybuilding
| Factors of Use in Bodybuilding | Caffeine Details/Recommendations |
| Common Use Cases | ✓ Pre-workout to improve performance ✓ Fat loss thermogenic properties ✓ General mood elevation/energy booster |
| When To Take It | Morning or pre-workout |
| Ideal Dosage | 100-200mg |
| Max Daily Dosage | 400mg |
| Common Supplements It’s Found In | Pre-workout, fat burners, and cognitive (nootropic) boosters |
| Negative Supplement Interactions | Creatine |
| Negative Medications Interactions | Antipsychotic, antimanic, antianxiety, and sedative medications |
As you’ve seen, caffeine is a versatile supplement, often used for improving workout performance, promoting fat loss, and boosting focus and energy.
Typically taken in the morning (about 90 minutes after you wake up) to jumpstart your day or right before a workout, the ideal dosage ranges from 100-200 mg (depending on various factors such as tolerance and body weight).
Going over 400mg is not recommended, so try to keep it near or below this threshold.
Also, caffeine is commonly found in pre-workout supplements, fat burners, and nootropics, so its intake can easily rack up during the day – so be mindful if you drink a lot of coffee and you take pre-workouts.
There are also reports it can interact negatively with creatine and certain medications, but the latter is usually where your focus should be.
The Pros and Cons of Caffeine for Bodybuilding
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Increased energy and focus during workouts ✔ Enhanced muscle strength and endurance ✔ Increased metabolic rate and fat oxidation ✔ Reduced muscle soreness and fatigue ✔ Improved mental alertness and mood | ✖ Can cause dehydration ✖ May disrupt sleep patterns ✖ Might lead to dependence and tolerance ✖ Can cause jitteriness and anxiety |
As you can see, despite being wildly beneficial – there are still some drawbacks to caffeine.
First of all, one of the primary concerns is dehydration, as caffeine can have diuretic effects and increase fluid loss. Thankfully, this can be easily counteracted by drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Additionally, caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, especially if taken later in the day, due to its relatively long half-life (about 5 hours on average) [5] As you know, losing sleep will make it harder to get the rest and recovery needed for optimal muscle growth.
Finally, long-term use of caffeine can lead to dependence and tolerance, meaning that the body may require increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. In other words, you could easily put yourself in harm’s way trying to achieve the caffeine buzz you once had the pleasure to enjoy.
As for the pros – we’ll cover them down below.
The Benefits of Caffeine for Bodybuilding
Explaining the effects of caffeine is one thing, but really understanding the benefits is another. So, let’s check those out:
Get More Work Done
Unlocking the power of caffeine in bodybuilding can be a game-changer, taking your performance from mediocre to exceptional.
Just picture yourself pushing through a grueling workout with ease, thanks to caffeine’s ability to boost muscle endurance.
Neat, right?
Makes You Stronger
Caffeine’s impact on muscle strength lets you lift heavier weights, turning you into a force to be reckoned with.
The increased power output allows you to challenge yourself and reach new heights, further enhancing your bodybuilding journey.
Keeps You Laser-Focused
Caffeine keeps you mentally sharp and dialed in during your workouts – there are no two ways about it.
You’ll find yourself focused on every rep, ensuring your form is on point, injuries are away, and never again wondering which rep you’re on.
Ensures You Keep Lean
Staying lean while you build muscle is crucial, and caffeine’s metabolism-boosting properties have your back.
Its ability to stimulate fat oxidation helps you maintain a leaner physique, supporting both muscle growth and a toned appearance regardless of the season.
Keeps A Healthy Heart
With improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles, caffeine ensures that your heart keeps up with your ambitious fitness goals.
Enhanced cardiovascular health translates to more efficient muscle recovery and growth, keeping you in top form for each workout session.
In a nutshell, incorporating caffeine into your bodybuilding routine is like adding rocket fuel to your workouts.
Why Do Some Bodybuilders Avoid Caffeine?
Despite its benefits, some bodybuilders choose to avoid caffeine for various reasons.
One of the main reasons some folks stay away from caffeine is due to its effects on sleep quality and quantity.
The truth is, many bodybuilders work out later in the day, as well as in the morning, and taking a high dose of caffeine in the afternoon pretty much guarantees they won’t be able to sleep and rest properly, which is all but beneficial when your training for a show.
Also, caffeine’s an anxiety trigger for many. Disturbed stomach, jittery feelings, and irritability are just one of the many side effects associated with high doses of caffeine.
Couple that with the effects of other stimulants or PEDs many bodybuilders are on, and it’s easy to see why some choose to stay away for their own good.
Finally, caffeine is known to negatively interact with certain supplements and medications, such as antianxiety meds or sedatives, so that’s another reason some bodybuilders take on different stimulants to power their workouts.
What Supplements is Caffeine Usually Found In?
- Pre-workout
- Fat burners
- Cognitive mood boosters
Caffeine is the main ingredient in pretty much every pre-workout out there.
And for a good reason.
Considering its stimulatory and performance-enhancing properties, it’s only natural for it to be the flagship ingredient in these formulas.
Fat burners are, generally speaking, a waste of money.
However, thanks to its diuretic properties and effects on fat oxidation, caffeine has become one of the main ingredients in many fat-burning products. And quite frankly, caffeine is often the only element in the whole formula that actually has any profound effect on the actual fat loss.
Finally, nootropic supplements or cognitive mood boosters also heavily depend on caffeine for its effects.
Now, while the elevated focus is definitely one of caffeine’s most notable effects on our body, the rest of the proposed benefits, such as memory-boosting, leave a lot to be desired. So, keep that in mind.
Different Forms of Caffeine in Supplements
Understanding the various forms of caffeine found in supplements will definitely help you make better-informed choices.
On that note, aside from regular, the two primary forms of caffeine found in supplements are:
- Caffeine anhydrous
- Di-caffeine malate
Caffeine anhydrous is essentially dehydrated caffeine.
It is a highly concentrated version of caffeine, providing a potent and fast-acting energy boost.
Due to its high concentration and rapid absorption, it is widely used in pre-workout supplements and fat burners.
Di-caffeine malate, on the other hand, is a blend of caffeine and malic acid, providing a smoother and more sustained release of energy.
This form of caffeine is known for its reduced side effects, such as jitters and stomach discomfort, and is an excellent option for those looking for a steady energy boost without post-workout crashes.
How Caffeine Compares to Other Stimulants in Supplements
As we mentioned briefly a moment ago, some bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts decide to take a non-caffeinated route, in which case, they usually go with stims like green tea extract, TeaCrine, or Rauwolscine.
So, how do those stack up against caffeine?
- Caffeine vs. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract, which contains some amount of caffeine (up to 10%), also provides antioxidants and catechins that boost overall health and well-being, aside from being stimulating.
That said, while green tea extract may offer a milder energy boost, it certainly doesn’t provide the same level of stimulation as caffeine which is why this ingredient is the usual go-to caffeine alternative.
- Caffeine vs. TeaCrine
TeaCrine is a patented compound derived from theacrine, a natural stimulant found in some teas.
It is similar to caffeine but offers milder and longer-lasting energy and focus boost without the jitters or crashes often associated with caffeine.
- Caffeine vs. Rauwolscine
Rauwolscine, also known as alpha-yohimbine, is a stimulant and fat-burning agent that targets specific fat receptors.
It is a stimulant, so it can provide an energy boost just like caffeine, but it may also cause more side effects than caffeine, such as increased anxiety and elevated heart rate.
How Caffeine Can Help a Bodybuilder When Taken Pre-Workout
As a natural stimulant, caffeine quickly kicks in (in about half an hour), and that’s precisely why many take it before a workout.
What will usually happen when you take caffeine pre-workout is you’ll start to feel more energized and focused.
This alone is enough for many bodybuilders to get in the zone and crush a workout.
Now, while we did mention the rest of the benefits, like increased strength and endurance, that is generally not why bodybuilders take caffeine, as there are far more potent compounds that do the exact same thing.
How Much Caffeine Should a Bodybuilder Take for Physical Performance Benefits?
Most bodybuilders will take upwards of 200mg of caffeine to experience physical performance benefits.
Now, this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone.
As we mentioned earlier, there are several factors at play here, with the most notable ones being tolerance to caffeine and overall body weight.
A 170-pound bodybuilder will probably require a significantly lower dose of caffeine than a 250 or 300-pound one.
Also, tolerance is a really big deal.
If you’re someone that drinks coffee on the regular, or you’ve started at an early age – there’s a good chance that you’ve built up quite a tolerance over the years. Therefore, you probably need a more potent dose.
Does Caffeine Have an Impact on Fat Loss?
Yes, caffeine has an impact on fat loss.
However, caffeine alone is definitely not enough to lose weight or shed fat.
The only truly effective way to shed fat or lose weight is to eat in a caloric deficit and train hard so you can burn more calories than you use up.
Now, if you’re on the top of your game, as most bodybuilders at a high level are, then, using caffeine and other fat-promoting substances can definitely have an impact.
Not a very significant one, but still, more than enough to push the bar a bit further.
How Much Caffeine Should a Bodybuilder Use for Fat Loss?
For fat loss purposes, most bodybuilders will use 100-200mg of caffeine once or twice a day.
While its effects might not be fairly significant, leveraging the effects of caffeine to further enhance fat loss can be beneficial if you’re at a particularly low body-fat level and you’re trying to push your body to burn off the fat it wishes to preserve.
How Often Should a Bodybuilder Take Caffeine?
There isn’t a general recommendation on how often a bodybuilder should take caffeine. But in most cases, bodybuilders can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine on a daily basis, taking two smaller doses throughout the day, one before each workout.
Is it Ok to Have Caffeine Every Day?
If you’re a healthy individual, it is OK to have caffeine every day – whether you’re a bodybuilder or not.
As long as you’re not particularly sensitive to caffeine, taking more than 400mg, or taking medication that could negatively interact with caffeine, daily consumption shouldn’t be an issue for you.
When is the Best Time of Day to Take Caffeinated Supplements?
Considering caffeinated supplements could mess up your sleep, the best time of day to take caffeinated supplements is around 90 minutes after you wake up or half an hour before you hit the gym.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best you avoid caffeine within 6 hours of bedtime to mitigate the risk of sleep disturbances.
In other words, if you lie down at 10 pm – your last dose of caffeinated supplements shouldn’t be after 4 pm.
Is it Bad to Take a Caffeinated Pre-Workout at Night?
It could be bad to take a caffeinated pre-workout at night, as its stimulatory effects could result in sleep disturbances.
Not only will caffeine potentially keep you awake, but it could also interfere with your ability to achieve deep sleep and REM sleep during the night.
In other words, you could fall asleep and stay in bed for eight, nine, or even ten hours, but unless you effectively cycle through your nREM and REM phases during the night, it’s very likely that your body won’t properly rest no matter how long you stay in bed.
Does Caffeine Offset the Effects of Creatine?
Some studies have suggested that caffeine may interfere with the ergogenic effects of creatine. [6] However, many other studies have not found a significant interaction between the two, so it’s safe to say that the research we have on this particular issue is conflicting.
At the same time, research suggests that caffeine has no effect on creatine’s ability to increase phosphocreatine stores in skeletal muscles, which is more than good news, as that’s one of the primary effects of creatine.
In the end, it’s somewhat safe to say that caffeine and creatine work rather well, and while there may be some not-so-positive interactions between the two, taking them together often leads to positive results.
Will Taking Caffeinated Supplements Have Any Side Effects?
Yes, taking caffeinated supplements may have several side effects.
Some of the possible side effects of caffeinated supplements include:
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Jitteriness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Fortunately, most people tolerate moderate caffeine consumption well.
While individual mileage may vary, in most cases, the abovementioned side effects are mild-to-moderate and often short-lived and can be easily managed by adjusting the dose accordingly.
Is Taking Caffeinated Pre-Workout Safe?
Taking caffeinated pre-workout supplements is generally safe for most people when taken as directed.
Yet, we must note that it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage guidelines, listen to your body, and be aware of any potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Is it Safe to Take Caffeine Pills Before a Workout?
Not only is it safe, but taking caffeine pills before a workout is often considered a healthier alternative to industry-standard pre-workout products.
That said, it all depends on your particular circumstances and health conditions, but for an average, healthy individual, it is more than safe to take caffeine pills before a workout.
Is it Worth Taking Caffeinated Supplements for Bodybuilding?
Yes, it is worth taking caffeinated supplements for bodybuilding.
In the sea of potentially hazardous and outright ineffective products, caffeinated supplements are in the minority when it comes to stuff that’s actually worth it.
First of all – they actually work.
But also, their benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, they’re generally safe to take, and they’re usually incredibly cost-effective – especially when compared to some other, popular supplements on the market.
Our Overall Rating on Caffeine for the Purposes of Bodybuilding:
All things considered (the numerous benefits, relatively low risk of side effects, amount of research behind it, cost-effectiveness, head-to-head comparisons with similar products, etc.), we give caffeine a perfect rating – 5 out of 5.
With proper dosage and timing, caffeine can be an extremely valuable addition to your supplement regimen, which is the main reason why the vast majority of bodybuilders use caffeine on a daily basis.
FAQ
Is Caffeine Bad for Building Muscle?
Caffeine is not bad for building muscle. In fact, caffeine can enhance workout performance, which may contribute to muscle growth.
Is 300mg of Caffeine a Lot Before a Workout?
Taking a 300mg dose of caffeine before a workout may be a lot because it may cause side effects such as jitteriness and anxiety. However, there are bodybuilders who may find this dose ineffective if they’re accustomed to the effects of caffeine or are very heavy. So, it depends.
Does Caffeine Stop Protein Absorption?
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that caffeine can stop protein absorption.
Some data suggest that it may lower the total amount of protein your body can absorb, but once again, there’s no conclusive evidence backing this claim up.
Does Caffeine Give You a Muscle Pump?
Caffeine doesn’t directly cause a muscle pump. While it could lead to an increased blood flow to the muscles, these effects don’t usually translate to a more pronounced muscle pump. Vasodilators like L-citrulline are a much better option if you’re looking to get a pump.
Is 700mg of Caffeine in One Day Too Much?
Yes, consuming 700mg of caffeine in one day is too much, according to an RDA of 400mg. Moreover, consuming 700mg of caffeine in one sitting can lead to potentially life-threatening side effects such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiac arrest, or stroke.
