Conscientious hydration habits prior, during and following any physical activity are essential to performance and health. Whether you’re a marathon running, taking light jogs to keep fit or dedicated to weight lifting, proper hydration is important. Without sufficient hydration habits, the body is put at risk of serious health concerns. Water supplies energy to the cells and cushions the joints, removes waste and regulates body temperature. Drinking a lot of water minimizes the chance of injury and cramping and also hastens recovery time. No matter if the conditions are chilly or overheated, the body produces twenty times more heat when you’re physically active. The purpose of sweat is to cool the body. However, it also leads to the loss of water and electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium. Sacrificing more than three percent of body weight through fluid can lead to dehydration. Indications of dehydration include headaches, cramps, fatigue and elevated heart rate. Drinking water is necessary not only during the fitness routine, but before and after as well. Good hydration habits help to increase overall performance and protect the body from trauma. The proper amount of water for each person varies depending on conditions, exertion, and fitness level. Temperature, climate and how much a person sweats all play a part into the amount of hydration necessary for optimum performance and health. It’s a good idea to weigh yourself before and after physical activity to ascertain how much fluid you’ve lost. This fluid needs to be replaced. Hydrating two to four hours before working out is ideal. Sports drinks are necessary. Plain old water is the best. There are also a number of electrolyte and hydration tablets on the market that can help to
replenish minerals quickly and efficiently. Make sure to prioritize good hydration habits. Drink water when you feel thirsty. Don’t neglect hydration post-running. Be aware of the need to drink water for up to 24 hours after the workout and consider a snack consisting of water-based, healthy foods, such as watermelon, and oranges, strawberries.