Hydration, hydrate, hydrate!
Hydration is key to maximizing athletic performance. It improves your ability to recover faster after training and minimizes muscle cramps and injury.
Optimal hydration requires a balance of fluids and electrolytes. Hydration provides many benefits:
1) moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth
2) provides lubrication to the joints
3) assists in regulating the body’s temperature via sweat
4) transports nutrients, oxygen and wastes in the blood and across cells
5) muscles are 75% water.
Our bodies feel the repercussions of under-hydration especially when we exercise. Headache post-training, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, moodiness, thirst, decreased endurance performance, nausea, cramps and a dark, low volume of urine are all signs of dehydration. Hydrate before, during and after training sessions to ensure proper hydration and optimal performance for workouts. If you are a heavy sweater or exercising outdoors in hot and humid conditions, it is importance to replace lost electrolytes.
Low-carbohydrate electrolyte drinks, 100% pure coconut water, or lightly salted fruits are good choices for replacing electrolytes post-exercise.
