Hydration For Sports
How important Is it
Professional athletes understand the paramount importance of staying adequately hydrated during workouts. However, even light and moderate exercise necessitates proper hydration. Water is vital for our survival; while we can survive for about a month without food, we can only last three days without water.
Water and electrolytes play essential roles in our body’s biological processes, particularly muscle movement and nerve function. The following will delve into the significance of hydration for improving athletic performance, general wellbeing, and why plain water may not be enough to achieve maximum output at the gym.
HOW DOES HYDRATION AFFECT ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE?
Even a slight decrease of 2% in body weight due to fluid loss hampers athletic performance, especially in hot weather. For more robust and enduring workouts, it is crucial to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes while exercising, particularly during high-intensity endurance training like bodybuilding and marathon running.
Sodium, a key contributor to optimal nerve function, muscle movement, and blood volume, holds particular importance for athletes. Each can of BrightFox contains 80 mg of sodium, providing a healthy, hydrating dose of the essential electrolytes necessary for breaking personal records.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T HYDRATE PROPERLY DURING EXERCISE?
Moderate dehydration can result in muscle spasms, cramps, and decreased athletic output. In hot weather, the effects of dehydration on performance are even more pronounced. Fatigue is not the only concerning side effect, as more severe symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.
HOW DOES HYDRATION AFFECT OVERALL WELLBEING?
Hydration is not only crucial for professional athletes; it is essential for all types of exercise and overall wellness. Proper hydration offers several benefits:
Boosts the immune system: Water flushes bacteria and toxins from the body, bolstering the body’s defences against illnesses and infections. BrightFox, a premium hydration beverage, enriches the immune system with vitamins and minerals like B-complex vitamins, choline, and potassium.
Transports nutrients to cells: A balanced diet is integral to an effective workout routine. Nutrient absorption in the muscles is optimised through water, facilitating the transport of oxygen and essential nutrients crucial for maintaining healthy cells.
Supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems: Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a healthy brain and heart, which consist of 73% water. A healthy cardiovascular system enhances VO2 max, indicating overall endurance.
Improves sleep quality: Adequate hydration throughout the day is essential for restful sleep, enabling optimal muscle recovery following an intensive workout regimen. Quality sleep sharpens focus, boosts performance, and reduces the likelihood of injury.
HOW CAN I OPTIMISE HYDRATION DURING EXERCISE?
While plain water is hydrating, it may not replenish lost electrolytes during exercise. Many sports drinks emphasise their electrolyte content and popularity among athletes. However, caution is necessary, as these drinks often contain hidden additives and unhealthy ingredients, like high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.
BrightFox is a smarter choice, providing three times the electrolytes without any artificial ingredients found in popular sports drinks. It rehydrates you before, during, and after exercise, providing the edge you need to finish your workout strong. Additionally, its three tantalising, naturally derived flavours ensure you don’t have to compromise taste.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I DRINK DAILY TO STAY HEALTHY?
The general rule of thumb suggests drinking about two litres or eight glasses of water per day. However, individual hydration needs vary based on factors such as age, location, diet, existing conditions, and specific requirements.
Endurance athletes, professional trainers, individuals with impaired kidney function, and those on certain medications may require more water than the average person. Moreover, during summer when more fluids are lost through sweat, everyone should increase water intake. Additionally, individuals following largely plant-based diets of whole fruits and vegetables may need less water than the average person.
HYDRATION AND SPORTS/WELLNESS: THE BOTTOM LINE
Staying hydrated is essential, considering over half of our bodies consist of water. Every organ relies on water for proper functioning. While plain water is essential, it may not be sufficient for achieving remarkable athletic feats, like winning a marathon or setting personal bests at the gym.
Electrolytes play a critical role in managing fluid levels, but we lose these essential components through sweat. While numerous sports drinks boast about their electrolyte content, some contain harmful additives, added calories, and high sugar levels. BrightFox offers a genuine solution, providing water fortified with essential electrolytes and nutrients, without added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial colours. With BrightFox, you can stay unstoppable on the mat and in the gym. Embrace hydration the BrightFox way!