What is a benefit of hydration related to fitness?

Hydration plays a crucial role in enhancing exercise performance, making improvement in this area a key benefit of maintaining proper fluid levels. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and transports nutrients, all of which contribute to optimal physical performance during exercise. When the body is well-hydrated, it can function more efficiently, leading to greater endurance, strength, and overall effectiveness in workouts. For example, dehydration can lead to fatigue, decreased coordination, and increased risk of injury, all of which negatively impact performance levels.

In contrast, while increases in muscle mass can be influenced by hydration indirectly through overall health and recovery, hydration alone does not directly cause muscle growth. Similarly, hydration may help in managing appetite, but its primary function is not to reduce it significantly, nor does it inherently increase calorie intake. Instead, staying properly hydrated typically supports better workout outcomes, laying the groundwork for improved fitness results.