Does Drinking Water Help Make Muscles Look Bigger?

Drinking water is crucial for proper hydration of muscles during strenuous exercise. In order to function at a high level, the muscles being worked during physical activity recruit different types of fuel from the body's energy stores. In addition, the body's natural demand for oxygen increases during exercise, which also forces the body to use additional fluids. Drinking water pumps muscles to maximum size during intense strength training workouts and supplies the body with a necessary resource that increases performance.

Water As Fuel

Muscles need more than protein to grow stronger, according to Men’s Health. Drinking a sufficient amount of water is a key component of strength development. Water consumption makes muscles appear bigger because water molecules are used in the process of rebuilding torn muscle fibers after a workout. In addition, water helps energize muscles and muscle performance suffers when the body is dehydrated. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking at least 17 ounces of water two hours before working out and consuming water at regular intervals when training.

Staying Hydrated

Why Drink Water with Creatine?

Learn More

Drinking water during exercise promotes healthy muscles to keep the body strong. Staying hydrated enables you to perform basic human functions without feeling fatigued and also increases your ability to exercise at a high level. Dehydration occurs when the body’s water level becomes depleted. This can lead to dizziness and fatigue, and is also cause for severe medical problems. The National Institutes of Health states that it’s important not to force your body to perform strenuous physical activities under the harsh conditions of dehydration because you will not be able to function accordingly.

Recommendations

Muscles respond to physical activity by building muscle tissue to increase size. Getting 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous levels of exercise every day will help you maximize muscle growth potential. Drinking water is a complementary factor to making your muscles look bigger, but eating a balanced diet also helps. A diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat foods, lean protein and whole grains will boost the body’s natural ability to grow new muscle tissues.

Nutrition

Why Do I Feel Light Headed When I Drink Water?

Learn More

Four-fifths of muscle tissue is made of water, according to Men’s Health. The remaining one-fifth is contrived from protein, which is why it’s important to eat a diet high in lean protein to increase the size of your muscles. High-quality lean proteins can include eggs, fish, meat and poultry. Muscle-building supplements cannot replace the benefits you receive from sufficient hydration, good nutrition and proper training.