FOCUS AND FORM FITNESS

Personal Training at its Finest 305.766.6877

Hydration

HYDRATION

It’s summertime, and it’s hot. The good news is that most of us carry around a perpetual beverage bottle. The interesting news is that most people walking around with sports recovery drinks, or beverages specifically designed to re-hydrate athletes are wasting money and basically making expensive urine.

The truth is that unless you are sustaining activity for a prolonged length of time, it may be boring, but water is your answer. Your electrolytes will not be out of balance, pending no medical issues, if you walk a block to the store. However, if you play tennis for an hour, you may need something extra.

How do you know the difference, and how do you know when you are dehydrated?

The basic rule of thumb is that if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Better yet, I found this great visual aid in my files. I do not have the source, so please forgive me, but it gives you a clear idea of dehydration levels based on science: more specifically, urine color. The left side of the visual is cut off, but the important information is readily available. Here you go:

Please be careful in this summer heat, but do not let it dissuade you from enjoying activities. Just be mindful of hydration techniques and if you are doing any sustained activity, take a sip of water every 15 minutes just to be safe. There are all kinds of pre-sport hydration tips as well. Below are some links to interesting articles and information.

Happy Hydrating,

Shereen Rios BAS, CPT for Focus and Form Fitness

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Staying-Hydrated—Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp#.V40W8bgrK00

http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/hydration-101

http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/water-balance-fluids-hydration/