It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially on those days when we’re in action mode from the minute we wake up. One thing we’re all guilty of forgetting, whether at work or the gym, is staying hydrated…
When it comes to working out (and just in general, really) staying hydrated is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies. During a workout, our bodies lose water through sweat, and if we don’t replace that water, we can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and in extreme cases, even heat stroke. Not to mention, being dehydrated can make it much harder to achieve our fitness goals.
So, how much water should I drink per workout?
Water is one of the most important nutrients that the human body needs to function properly. The amount of water you need depends on several factors, including your body weight, the intensity of your workout, and the climate you’re in. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you drink at least 500ml of water 2 hours before your workout, and then around 250ml every 15 minutes during your workout.
After your workout, continue to drink water to replace any fluids lost during exercise. If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, a good way to gauge your hydration level is to monitor the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow, then you’re well hydrated. However, if it’s dark yellow, then you need to drink more water.
Tips to stay hydrated
We need to ensure we’re staying hydrated throughout the day, not just during our workouts. Try these simple tips:
- Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. Having water easily accessible makes it more likely that we’ll drink it.
- Infuse your water with fruit or herbs. If you don’t like the taste of plain water or find plain old water boring, adding a few slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint can make drinking water more enjoyable.
- Set reminders on your phone to drink water. It may sound silly, but sometimes we need a little nudge to remember to take care of ourselves.
- Drink water with every meal. This will not only help you stay hydrated but can also aid in digestion.
- Pay attention to your body. If you’re feeling thirsty, your body is telling you it needs water. Don’t ignore those signals. Click here to read more about how to know if you’re dehydrated.
At Fernwood Fitness, we believe that taking care of our physical health and bodies is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves – and staying hydrated is a crucial part of that. So, the next time you come in for a workout, make sure to bring your water bottle and take a few sips before, during, and after your sweat session. Your body will thank you!
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