by Jennifer
Healthy Hydration
March 19, 2008 in General by Jennifer
- Drink one to two cups of fluid at least one hour before the start of exercise.
- Drink eight ounces of fluid 20 to 30 minutes prior to exercising.
- Drink four to eight ounces of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes or so during exercise.
- Drink an additional eight ounces of fluid within 30 minutes after exercising.
- Drink two cups of fluid for every pound of body weight lost after exercise.
- Both caffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, so be sure to compensate for this additional water loss.
Why is water so important for people who are active?
In a dehydrated state the body is unable to cool itself, leading to heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke. Without an adequate supply of water the body will lack energy and muscles may develop cramps.
For regular exercisers maintaining a constant supply of water in the body is essential to performance. Dehydration leads to muscle fatigue and loss of coordination.
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