Runner enjoys water from a bottle

How to Stay Hydrated for Your Sport

It is critical to remain hydrated whether you are a dedicated athlete or merely workout for fun. Hydration involves drinking enough water prior to, during, and after any activity.

Water keeps your body temperature stable and your joints lubricated. It aids in the transfer of nutrients, which provide energy and keeps you healthy. Your body cannot function at its best if you are not well hydrated. You might have fatigue, muscular cramps, disorientation, or other severe symptoms.

How much water should you have?

The American Council on Exercise recommends the following guiding principles for drinking water:

  • 2 to 3 hours before you begin exercising, drink 17 to 20 ounces of water.
  • Drink around 8 ounces of water roughly 20 to 30 minutes before beginning your workout or throughout your warm-up.
  • During the activity, drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Drink around 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes of finishing your workout.

What exactly is heat illness?

Heat sickness occurs when your body becomes dehydrated and is unable to adequately cool itself during activity in hot or humid conditions. Always ensure that you’re adequately hydrated in hot conditions because your body will need it to generate the amount of sweat required to regulate temperature.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are all symptoms of excessive heat.

To avoid any of these heat-related issues, make sure you’re staying hydrated all of the time.

Make sure you always have a couple of extra bottles of water just in case, and soon you’ll find yourself handling tougher workouts or game situations better because you’re well-hydrated!