If you bounce out of the gym a few pounds lighter after a good work-out, you could be fooled into thinking you’ve lost pure body fat that is until you drink your next glass of fluid and the pounds bounce on again!
When we exercise we produce heat in our bodies. Sweating helps to cool us down and prevent us from over heating. Some people sweat more than others and big sweaters can lose up to 1-2 litres of sweat in one hour in hot weather.
If you’re interested in performing at your best, whether you’re in the gym or competing at your sport, staying hydrated is critical but often overlooked.
Just a 2% reduction in body weight through dehydration causes a 10 -20% loss of performance and early fatigue. Higher losses cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting and ultimately heat stroke.
Preventing dehydration
You can check for dehydration by noting the frequency, colour and volume of your urine. Aim for light pale yellow coloured urine, high volume and high frequency. |
