| We've all seen those commercials that tell us that our | | | | attention to hydration while working out. |
| bodies are made up of a large percentage of water. | | | | What can be difficult is figuring out how much |
| And while it may be hard to believe, the reality is that | | | | hydration is needed. Each individual must monitor his or |
| water is the central force of life. We are told to drink | | | | her own hydration and re-hydration practices, |
| several glasses of water during the day as a way to | | | | optimizing performance. Beyond individual physical |
| promote our overall health. Doctors and nutritionists | | | | structure and make-up, several other factors influence |
| recommend that we make a conscious effort to stay | | | | the necessity of re-hydration. Length and intensity of |
| hydrated in order to stay in our best physical shape. | | | | exercise largely dictate how much liquid should be |
| Water has several different functions in the body. It | | | | consumed before, during and after activity. Other |
| plays a big role in the transportation of nutrients and | | | | important factors include temperature and altitude. With |
| the removal of waste products. Water lubricates | | | | time and experience, all athletes are sure to be able to |
| tissues and joints and facilitates digestion. Though | | | | figure out what works and what does not. |
| sweating, it regulates body temperature and is | | | | Nowadays, hydration is not achieved only through |
| generally an important player in the function of many | | | | water. While many athletes insist that good old H2O is |
| organs and glands. | | | | the best remedy for a thirsty throat, tons of sports |
| Hydration is extremely important in daily life, regardless | | | | drinks are on the market today. It is sometimes hard to |
| of physical activity. When intense athletic activity is | | | | know which sports drinks are worth it. |
| added in, however, hydration becomes an even more | | | | There is no conclusion when it comes to sports drinks. |
| vital issue. | | | | They do contain electrolytes important to take in after |
| In order to perform physically and athletically, hydration | | | | super intense work-outs, but they often are composed |
| is key. Physical activity and exercise causes us to | | | | by tons of sugar as well. |
| sweat, effectively losing water. When we lose water, | | | | The best idea is to simply proceed with caution. |
| our bodies have to work harder to work. Studies | | | | Remember that sports drinks like Gatorade and |
| show that a loss of only one percent of one's body | | | | PowerAde have calories - about 200 per bottle, in |
| weight from sweating is related to a drop in blood | | | | fact. Such calories are great to take in after a highly |
| volume. This drop in blood volume requires that our | | | | intense work-out, not necessarily after a 20-minute |
| hearts work harder to move blood throughout our | | | | walk. |
| bodies, meaning that physical activity becomes more | | | | Hydration is key to performance in physical activity |
| difficult. Dehydration during exercise can have several | | | | and to well-being as a whole. Get your water bottle |
| adverse effects, including cramps, dizziness, | | | | ready the next time you head to the gym - you may |
| exhaustion and heat stroke. | | | | be surprised at what a difference it makes. |
| It is very important for athletes to pay specific | | | | |
