The Importance of Hydration
[ Another of my guest posts at CrossFit Genesis ]
As summer temperatures are already upon us, we need to remember to stay properly hydrated. I find that even on a moderately warm day, an intense workout will leave me rather parched. Some common symptoms of dehydration include cramping, headache, general sluggishness or fatigue, and sometimes even hunger. While sweating during a workout is one of the most obvious ways we lose water, it is not the only way so it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. I typically keep a glass of ice water at my desk and fill it up at least a couple times throughout the day. I don’t grab the super-size variety cup because a smaller glass ensures I always have ice-cold water to drink and that I get up from my desk more often to walk around and stretch when I need a refill.
Sometimes after a long or particularly sweaty workout I find that plain ice water doesn’t cut it. It either tastes funny or just doesn’t quench my thirst. When that happens I know I’m likely a little low on electrolytes so I either make myself an electrolyte drink or make sure I eat something with a little salt. I’ve used products from CytoSport, Hammer Nutrition, and Ultima during and after long runs and rides, but many electrolyte drinks can be pretty heavy on the sugar and other carbs (Ultima is actually really low – about 3g carbs) and endurance athletes also use them as a fuel source. Most of us working out less than a couple hours at a time, though, can do just fine with a pinch of salt in a glass of water or 1/2 tsp of salt mixed in about a 1/2 cup of good ol’ orange juice.
Share your hydration tips in the comments.
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