We all know that it is important to stay hydrated but why is it so important? Hydration is key to not only your overall health, but performance in the gym and sports. In this blog we will explore why it is so important to stay hydrated and supplements that you can purchase from Warrior in order to help stay hydrated.
Benefits of staying hydrated
Water is very important for many reasons. It has many health and performance benefits. These include:
✔ Keeping your organs functioning properly,
✔ Clearing Toxins,
✔ Reduces excess sodium from your body,
✔ Hydrates your muscle cells.
✔ It even liberates fat stores on your body so they are burned off as an energy source.
✔ Increased immune system function
✔ Lowered blood pressure
✔ Better muscle contractions
✔ Lowered chance of headaches
✔ Can help prevent the loss of memory also as we age.
✔ More lubrication within joints which can aid against things such as arthritis
Why is it so important for athletes to consume enough water
Physical activity, such as bodybuilding, exposes people to a variety of influences that can lead to water loss. Everything from the duration and intensity of the workout, the environmental conditions in which it was performed and the type of clothing worn all greatly effect water loss (Sawka et al. 2007). Additionally, the individual's physical characteristics such as body weight, gender, age and metabolic efficiency also influence water loss.
In bodybuilding, the contracting of muscles during weightlifting produces metabolic heat. Since the body prefers to maintain a certain core temperature, this excess heat must be dissipated to the external environment. Hence exercise is always accompanied by sweating.
The loss of water through sweating can lead to changes in plasma volume resulting in the impaired ability to evacuate heat, increases in body temperature and decreased cardiac output (Ritz et al. 2003) In terms of the workout, dehydration results in a decrease in aerobic power and physical work capacity (Sawka and Montain 2000).
Frequently drinking during a workout is recommended at a rate of 0.4 - 0.8 litre's per hour (~14oz per hour). Post workout, the goal is to fully replace any fluids. If time permits, consumption of meals and beverages will restore the proper fluid balance. If the food or beverages have sodium in them, it is even better.
Warrior supplements and products to improve hydration
Warrior Amino's - Warrior Aminos combines best-in-class 8 to 1 Ratio Branch Chain Amino Acids, with a bespoke Pump & Nutrient Transportation Matrix, and Electrolyte Replenishment Blend to create an incredible intra-workout solution.
Warrior 2.2l Jug - If you are just trying to increase the amount of water you drink per day, brining a Warrior jug to work is the perfect alternative to your smaller water bottle.
