Water makes up 71% of the earth. The human body is not too far behind. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and 75% of our muscles are water. That means that water is the most important substance we consume. It helps regulate our body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and lubricates our joints. This is especially important when engaging in physical activity.

Exercise, though good for you, will decrease the amount of water in your system. As our body temperature increases and we begin to sweat we must make sure to replenish the water in our system to maintain homeostasis. If we are not careful, we can risk dehydration. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, headaches, dry mouth, or clammy skin these may be signs that you need to hydrate immediately. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke, muscle cramps/fatigue, or even a breakdown of the skeletal muscle. Making sure to hydrate before, during, and after your workout is the best way to protect yourself from dehydration. On average, it is recommended to drink 7-20oz of water at least two hours prior to your workout, 7-10oz every 10-20 minutes during your workout, and 16-24oz for each pound lost after.

Water is all around us and what keeps our bodies healthy. Without water our bodies and our planet would breakdown. Making sure we stay hydrated especially during our workouts will allow us to optimize our bodies potential and maintain proper function. Let's all get together and stop by our water stations for some smooth H2O.

References: Mayo Clinic; Water Essential to Your Body by: Allyn Wergin R.D.N. 9/29/2022 University of Michigan; The Importance of Water While Exercising by: Erica Wald 03/2012