Ask Amy: The Caffeine Question

Ask Amy: The Caffeine Question

How can I wean myself off my coffee fix without experiencing headaches and crankiness that will disrupt my rehearsal process? —Lauryn Trust me, I know the feeling—I love my morning coffee! However, caffeine is a habit-forming stimulant. Drinking excessive amounts,...
Avoid Weak Muscles

Avoid Weak Muscles

Need a caffeine boost before class? Think twice before you grab that can of cola. A recent study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice shows that too much cola consumption can weaken muscles—the last thing a dancer wants to hear. Reach for tea to get out...
Step Away from the Energy Drink

Step Away from the Energy Drink

Are you an energy drink fiend? You might want to think twice before getting your next fix. On Monday, the FDA announced that it was investigating five deaths and a heart attack that were allegedly caused by caffeine toxicity after drinking Monster Energy.   Caffeine...
Step Away from the Energy Drink

Another Excuse to Drink Coffee

We’ve talked about the benefits of caffeine many times before. It can boost your short term memory and improve your physical performance. But drinking coffee has always come with a warning: Just a few cups can lead to dehydration. New studies, though, might...
Step Away from the Energy Drink

Energy Boosts—Are They Worth It?

We all know that a cup of coffee can provide a much-needed energy boost during a long day of dance. And several studies from the past few months have reiterated that caffeine can improve athletes’ performance in endurance activities. According to research from...