A moderate intake of coffee and/or other caffeinated beverages DOES count towards fluid needs. Approximately 80 percent of Americans drink coffee. Most studies conclude that caffeine does indeed enhance performance and makes the effort seem easier. Caffeine stimulates the brain and contributes to clearer thinking and greater concentration. The average improvement in performance is about 12 percent, with greater benefits noted during endurance exercise than with shorter exercise (eight to 20 minutes) and a negligible amount for sprinters. More benefits [...]