Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Stay hydrated in the heat!

This summer has been one of the hottest all over the country, but that doesn't mean that you have to burn up as you workout. It's important to listen to your body as you workout in the heat (click here on safety tips for exercising in sizzling weather) and replenish the fluids that you are sweating out. Here's the rule for keeping hydrated during any workout...especially those during the hot summer days (and nights!)


If you lose a pound or two during a major sweat session, what you’ve lost is not fat, it’s 2 ½ CUPS of water per pound lost from your body-yikes! Dehydration sets in once you lose about 2% of body weight due to water loss (so a 175 lb man could lose only 3.5 lbs of water during a hard workout and succumb to dehydration…scary!)


Sweating is a good thing; it keeps our bodies cool, but it also causes us to loose water and so we must replace what has been lost. It’s super important to drink water before, during and after a good sweat session in normal conditions, but it’s actually a crucial requirement to do such when it’s hot out. Tips to staying hydrated:


*Remember to drink about two cups (16 oz) of water and hour or two before exercise *Drink ½ cup (4 oz or about 2-3 gulps) every 15-20 minutes during exercise.
*Be sure to continue drinking water even after your workout is complete to ensure that you are properly hydrated. Remember to listen to your body when exercising in the heat. If you start to get dizzy, light headed or if you stop sweating when you’re working hard, it’s time to quit for the time being and drink some water.

Cheers to your health!

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