What You Need To Know About Coffee & Your Fitness Goals: Doctors Weigh In

There's nothing quite like a strong, fragrant cup of coffee. After just one sip I feel invigorated and ready to take on the day, and I know I'm not alone in my passionate feelings toward a steaming cup of joe in the morning.

Because I exercise shortly after I've had my coffee and find I have a better workout for that reason, I've been pairing the two for years. But it recently occurred to me that fueling my workout might not be all that healthy, so I decided to do some digging.

Make no mistake: Drinking water is extremely important when you're exercising. In addition to his morning cup of coffee, Joel says he has a glass of room-temperature water, organic green powder, and lemon before heading to the gym.

If coffee upsets your stomach, you probably shouldn't be drinking it all—and you certainly shouldn't be pairing it with working out. Another thing to be aware of his how your body metabolizes caffeine.

Unfortunately, you can't swing by Starbucks every morning for a sugar-filled drink and expect to crush the half-marathon you're training for. Joel recommends a pinch of sugar in your coffee at most (black preferred) and notes that the filters used in drip coffee are beneficial, as they trap the chemicals that raise blood cholesterol.

"Make sure it's organic. Pesticides aren't cool," Will adds. "Go for coffee that's been third-party tested for mold, which can be high in some beans. If you go for decaf, try ones that are decaffeinated with Swiss water process, which is nontoxic. Avoid the blends with artificial flavors. You are real; your coffee should be as well."