Our bodies are made up of more than 60% water - a huge and almost unimaginable amount. This essential fluid is quite possibly the most important element of life, facilitating its very existence. This is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that we drink seven to ten glasses of water during the day as a surefire way to promote health and well-being. We are told to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated as a way to benefit our physical and mental selves.
Water is important for the transportation of nutrients, the removal of waste products and the facilitation of digestion. It regulates body temperature through sweating and lubricates tissues and joints. Water is an important player in the function of many organs, glands and tissues.
Hydration is extremely important in daily life, regardless of physical activity. When intense athletic activity is added in, however, hydration becomes an even more vital issue.
In order to perform physically and athletically, hydration is key. Physical activity and exercise causes us to sweat, effectively losing water. When we lose water, our bodies have to work harder to work. Studies show that a loss of only one percent of one's body weight from sweating is related to a drop in blood volume. This drop in blood volume requires that our hearts work harder to move blood throughout our bodies, meaning that physical activity becomes more difficult. Dehydration during exercise can have several adverse effects, including cramps, dizziness, exhaustion and heat stroke.
These are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that athletes pay special attention to hydration will working out.
What can be difficult is figuring out how much hydration is needed. Each individual must monitor his or her own hydration and rehydration practices, optimizing performance. Beyond individual physical structure and make-up, several other factors influence the necessity of rehydration. Length and intensity of exercise largely dictate how much liquid should be consumed before, during and after activity. Other important factors include temperature and altitude. With time and experience, all athletes are sure to be able to figure out what works and what does not.
Once the amount of hydration and rehydration is determined, the beverage chosen for hydration must be determined. Many athletes and coaches insist that water is always the best choice. Nevertheless, today more and more sports drinks are hitting the market and many people are turning to them.
Opinions vary on sports drinks as a whole. While many recognize that they contain electrolytes that are important to replace after intense workouts, others argue that they are simply sugar-filled concoctions that do very little to promote hydration and health.
The general view when it comes to sports drinks is to proceed with caution. A bottle of Gatorade has calories - about 200 of them in fact - and can easily erase the calories burned in a 20-minute walk. It is vital to remember that unlike water, these drinks have carbohydrates, sugars, fats and calories, just like soft drinks. After intense activity, these drinks are important in replenishing lost fluids and nutrients. After moderate or light activity, however, they should be consumed in moderation.
Hydration is key to performance in physical activity and to well-being as a whole. Get your water bottle ready the next time you head to the gym - you may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
Water is important for the transportation of nutrients, the removal of waste products and the facilitation of digestion. It regulates body temperature through sweating and lubricates tissues and joints. Water is an important player in the function of many organs, glands and tissues.
Hydration is extremely important in daily life, regardless of physical activity. When intense athletic activity is added in, however, hydration becomes an even more vital issue.
In order to perform physically and athletically, hydration is key. Physical activity and exercise causes us to sweat, effectively losing water. When we lose water, our bodies have to work harder to work. Studies show that a loss of only one percent of one's body weight from sweating is related to a drop in blood volume. This drop in blood volume requires that our hearts work harder to move blood throughout our bodies, meaning that physical activity becomes more difficult. Dehydration during exercise can have several adverse effects, including cramps, dizziness, exhaustion and heat stroke.
These are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that athletes pay special attention to hydration will working out.
What can be difficult is figuring out how much hydration is needed. Each individual must monitor his or her own hydration and rehydration practices, optimizing performance. Beyond individual physical structure and make-up, several other factors influence the necessity of rehydration. Length and intensity of exercise largely dictate how much liquid should be consumed before, during and after activity. Other important factors include temperature and altitude. With time and experience, all athletes are sure to be able to figure out what works and what does not.
Once the amount of hydration and rehydration is determined, the beverage chosen for hydration must be determined. Many athletes and coaches insist that water is always the best choice. Nevertheless, today more and more sports drinks are hitting the market and many people are turning to them.
Opinions vary on sports drinks as a whole. While many recognize that they contain electrolytes that are important to replace after intense workouts, others argue that they are simply sugar-filled concoctions that do very little to promote hydration and health.
The general view when it comes to sports drinks is to proceed with caution. A bottle of Gatorade has calories - about 200 of them in fact - and can easily erase the calories burned in a 20-minute walk. It is vital to remember that unlike water, these drinks have carbohydrates, sugars, fats and calories, just like soft drinks. After intense activity, these drinks are important in replenishing lost fluids and nutrients. After moderate or light activity, however, they should be consumed in moderation.
Hydration is key to performance in physical activity and to well-being as a whole. Get your water bottle ready the next time you head to the gym - you may be surprised at what a difference it makes.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth, a keen amateur cyclist, recently put together the Cycling Water Bottle website. He understands how crucial a bike water bottle is to hydration on the long rides.
