Hydration before, during and after exercise is crucial and is often affected by the type of physical activity you are engaging in. To ensure that you’re properly hydrating with the right type of drink for your type of workout, the exercise experts at Life Fitness suggest these drink tips:

Strength Training: Every time your muscles contract, they release toxins that are stored in the tissue into your bloodstream causing your body to become dehydrated. Dehydration leads to muscle fatigue and cramping, exhaustion and loss of coordination. To prevent dehydration try a properly formulated sport drink to help replenish your carbohydrates and electrolytes to healthy levels, which is important for maintaining fluid balance, and helping with muscle contractions and energy levels as you exercise.   

Cardio Exercise: If your cardio sessions last 60-90 minutes and are at a high intensity level, you should consider a sports drink during your workout that includes carbohydrates and electrolytes. For a moderate intensity workout that causes you to work up a sweat and lasts less than 60 minutes, water can usually do the trick for fluid replacement. You should drink 4-6 ounces of water for every 15 minutes of moderate activity.

Group Cycling Class: If you have ever taken one before, you know they aren’t always a ride in the park. - you often leave the class drenched in sweat. Water isn’t the only thing your body loses when you sweat. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride are lost in sweat as well. Water may be sufficient after light exercise, but you may be surprised to know that drinking plain water after high-intensity or long duration exercise is not always effective for rehydration. For proper hydration levels to be restored, water needs to be consumed with foods that contain sodium and other minerals. Try a recovery sports drink or foods containing adequate amounts of sodium such as nuts, pretzels, trail mixes or energy bars.  

By understanding how drinks play a part in maintaining fluid balance in your body before, during and after exercise, you may find that proper hydration can make your longer, more intense workouts a little easier!

Hydration before, during and after a workout is cruical