How does caffeine affect exercise performance?

Caffeine is well-documented for its ability to enhance endurance performance in athletes. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant, which can increase alertness and reduce the perception of effort during prolonged exercise. This heightened state can enable athletes to sustain higher intensities for longer periods, effectively improving their endurance capacity.

Moreover, caffeine can help mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissue, allowing the body to use fat as a fuel source during exercise as well as sparing glycogen stores. This is particularly beneficial in endurance sports where maintaining energy levels is crucial over extended periods.

While caffeine may have some impact on muscle soreness and delaying fatigue, its primary, most recognized effect is its role in enhancing overall endurance performance. It is important to note that individual responses can vary, and the effectiveness of caffeine can depend on factors like dosage and habitual use.