Every athlete has pre-workout rituals: some rely on their favorite playlist, others need a coffee to “fuel up.” Science now confirms that combining these two habits can enhance athletic performance. A study published in Nutrients and supported by the ISIC (Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee) has analyzed for the first time the synergistic effect of caffeine and high-tempo music, showing that this combination improves peak power, average power, and total work during anaerobic exercises like the Wingate test.
According to the research, drinking coffee (in moderate doses as recommended by the EFSA) an hour before training and listening to a customized high-tempo playlist increases physical performance efficiency, particularly in disciplines such as jumping, sprinting, and weightlifting. Music, already known to boost mood, motivation, and reduce perceived effort, finds a natural ally in coffee: caffeine acts on adenosine receptors, delaying fatigue and stimulating the release of dopamine, the “well-being hormone,” which enhances focus, reaction times, and coordination.“Coffee and music are two quintessential Italian pleasures, and it’s fascinating to see their benefits reflected in sports,” says Michele Monzini, president of the Coffee Promotion Consortium, which has united industry leaders for over 30 years. “Coffee has long been under the spotlight of sports science, confirming its role in athletes’ nutrition.
The perfect combo? An espresso and an energizing playlist!” Beyond being a great source of hydration, coffee has been shown to increase endurance in cycling and middle-distance running, as well as improve sprints and jumps in soccer. And with the right music, the effect is even stronger: just hit “play” and push your limits!
