According to researchers at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, caffeine-packed coffee makes exercising easier. That’s because caffeine effectively blocks the neurotransmitters that signal feelings of discomfort during exercise. Women participating in the study were given either regular coffee—with its full dose of caffeine—or a decaf an hour before a cycling workout. Those who drank decaf reported feeling 40% more pain during exercise than those who had high-test.

A study from the University of Birmingham in the UK shows similar findings, with a combination of caffeine and carbs packing a strong punch. Researchers here also found that a strong shot of caffeine improved the performance of cyclists working out. As in the Illinois study, participants were given a caffeinated or a decaf drink. Results showed that those given caffeinated coffee were much more energized than those who drank decaf – reportedly absorbing 23% more carbs. Visit MSN Healthy Living, for more interesting caffeine-related fit facts.