If you have been following my recent articles you will have noticed that my work outs can be quite intense.  That intensity is the only way I could ever maintain such a high degree of physical fitness that I needed to compete for the world championships and now, to train others.  But I would never be able to maintain such a high level of intensity if I was not properly hydrated.  Prior to the mid sixties conventional wisdom said that taking in liquids during exercise would actually cause cramping of the muscles, muscle fatigue and other undesirable side effects.  Then some scientists at a major university in the southern United States discovered what vitamins, minerals and other substances the human body lost during physical exertion.  So they developed something to counter act the effects.  Thus, the sports drink industry was born.  From those early days that industry has burgeoned into a multi-billion dollar industry with countless brands occupying our grocery shelves.  You may or may not have a favorite brand.  Like me, you may prefer plain old water or fruit juice.  It doesn’t really matter what you choose to consume.  What does matter is that you remain properly hydrated during exercise.

There are several reasons to keep properly hydrated.  First and foremost, water is probably the most essential element of the human body.  The human body is composed of over 80% water.  It makes up most of our muscles and fatty tissue.  It cools our body when we work hard or are in a heated environment.  It protects our vital organs and helps regulate most, if not all of our body’s systems.  It transports nutrients to our cells and washes waste from them.  You would literally die if deprived of water for over a week.  If you want all your organs to function properly, you must replenish the liquids and nutrients lost through normal activities.  The more intense the activity, the more water lost and it must be replaced to remain hydrated.  Again, through sports drinks, juice, water and whatever you like.

Dehydration or an improper supply of water can cause muscle fatigue and loss of coordination.  If you lose your coordination or equilibrium you will definitely struggle with any physical activity.  Contrary to the sentiments of the 1960’s, dehydration is the culprit when it comes to muscle cramping and fatigue.  If you are dehydrated you will not be able to cool off and this could lead to heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke which can be fatal. 

So, to sum it all up, I can’t over emphasize the importance of proper hydration when it comes to optimum physical performance.  Consume plenty of water in whatever form you choose before, during and after a workout or any physical activity.  You will perform at a much higher, more efficient level and you will enjoy yourself more.  After all, enjoying your workout and avoiding injuries is what will keep you exercising on a long-term basis.