Go fill your glass, your water bottle, or your gallon jug, stick your head under the faucet or use the water fountain, whatever works for you. Now take a big drink. Right now before you read any further. Just go do it. It’s ok, we’ll wait… Feel better? Ok, now we can get started. Enjoy this post from Big Sky Vernon Group-X Manager, Anne Crone:
Water makes up almost 60% of your body and 70% of your muscle tissue. It regulates body temperature, breaks down food and dissolves amino acids, glucose and minerals. It also helps eliminate toxins and body wastes, so the more water you drink, the better your kidneys will function.
Even being slightly dehydrated can zap you of energy and can be the culprit behind symptoms including:
- Dry mouth
- Swollen tongue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
- Confusion
- Sluggishness
- Fainting
We all know it is essential to drink water while exercising, but did you know being slightly dehydrated can affect your workout? It can slow you down and make your workouts feel like death. Ugh! Try to drink about 16 ounces of water two hours before your workout, and then of course during and after.
Not only will drinking water help your insides but your hair, nails and skin will look better – bonus!
Ways to make water a habit:
- Drink 16 ounces of water 30 minutes before each meal. Many times people confuse dehydration with hunger when actually they are thirsty.
- Have a water bottle attached to your hip. Lol! But seriously, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day.
- Substitute water for that second cup of coffee (most of us need at least one cup of Joe to get started). Instead of soda, drink water!
Use the pee test – if your urine is dark yellow or worse – it is time to start increasing that water intake!
- Track how many times you refill your water bottle. My Fitness Pal is a great app that encourages you to log your water.
While drinking water is beneficial, too much of it is never good. Hyponatremia, or water intoxication, results when the sodium concentration of the blood falls too low due to prolonged sweating combined with excessive fluid consumption. Symptoms include dizziness, muscle cramping, confusion and stomach bloating. Severe cases can lead to seizure, coma and even death!
The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day.
Don’t be afraid to dress up your water! Try adding slices of lemon or other natural fruits. Bottoms up!
Always remember… Better Gyms, Better Workouts, Better RESULTS !
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