Drink Up

Are you drinking enough water? Maybe you're thinking - "sure, when I'm thirsty, I drink." Don't use thirst as an indicator. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.

Water is "THE" most important nutrient for energy, tissue repair, and the regulation of your metabolism. Your body is comprised of 50-70% water. It makes up about 75% of muscle tissue and 25% fat. So, it only makes sense that if you lose water weight from dehydration, you lose muscle strength. And, if you lose muscle strength, it will slow progress -- it may take longer to reach your particular fitness goals.

But strength isn't the only thing water is good for. Every cell in the body relies on water to carry out it's activities. It transports other nutrients to cells, it keeps the joints lubricated, and it regulates the body temperature; sweating or "perspiration" helps protect the body from heat exhaustion. Not drinking enough water can also cause fatigue. Water removes waste from cells, and it also keeps you "regular" by helping food move through the digestive tract.

How much water should I be drinking? It's recommended that you drink 8 oz prior to exercise, and another 16 oz after.

To determine your daily intake, try this formula:

Bodyweight x .66 = ounces per day