Energy Drinks and Exercise Don't Mix

Ashley Davis

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Although energy drinks can give you that extra boost when having a sluggish day, experts caution against consuming them before workouts. The extreme amount of caffeine in the drinks combined with raising your blood pressure and heart rate can potentially cause some serious health problems.

An energy drink can range from about 80 milligrams of caffeine- the equivalent of an average brewed coffee- up to 250 milligrams per serving. Consuming high amounts of caffeine can lead to dehydration, which is something you want to try and avoid during a workout. The dehydration occurs because caffeine is a diuretic, which causes your body to loose fluid. When you add this to an already sweaty athlete, the effects can be very dangerous. Cramps, elevated body temperature, and even seizures or abnormal heart rates can occur.

If you cant bare to give up your energy drinks before your workouts, just make sure to consume plenty of water in order to avoid becoming dehydrated!