We've all been told how important it is to drink water, but did you know that sweating out as little as one percent of your body weight can put unnecessary stress on your cardiovascular system? Next time you plan to workout step on the scale before you get started and then step on it again after you're done. Did you lose anything? Chances are you lost water, and in a 150 pound person losing just a pound and a half is enough to get you off your game.
If your weight is fluctuating more than just a little after a workout due to dehydration, your physical performance may begin to suffer. Reduced hand-eye coordination, decreased mental sharpness, and enhanced physical fatigue are just a few repercussions of not drinking enough water.
In addition to drinking the recommended 2-3 liters of water each day, The American College of Sports Medicine suggests the following:
- Drink at least 16oz of water two hours before physical activity.
- Drink 5-10oz of water for every 15-20 minutes you workout.
- Drink 16oz of water after a workout for every pound you've lost.
Over the coming weeks challenge yourself to drink those 2-3 liters of water daily. Try out the ACSM guidelines for hydration before, during, and after exercise. Making these changes should not only help improve the way you feel and workout, it may also help curb your appetite throughout the day. Good luck!
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