Your body needs to stay hydrated for general health, but it’s extra important when you work out. When you exercise, your body needs water to combat dehydration, joint paint, muscle cramps, and potential exhaustion. It also helps you perform at your best level so that your workout will be more effective. These are the reasons why you need to hydrate before and after a workout.
To Perform at Your Highest Level
Proper hydration will also improve the effectiveness of your workouts. You will not lag as much, your body will feel rejuvenated, and you can increase your endurance. It will be a more efficient session when you drink plenty of water.
To Avoid Injuries
While quality equipment helps to prevent injuries, something as simple as drinking enough water is equally beneficial. Your muscles and joints need hydration. Much like the oil that coats car parts helps your vehicle run safely, water does the same by lubricating your muscles and joints. By hydrating them, you strengthen your muscles, prevent joint friction, and avoid inflammation and fatigue that would lead to injuries if unmanaged.
To Replenish After Fluid Loss
The body loses a lot of fluid in sweat during a workout. That’s why you need to drink plenty of water. It replenishes your body of the hydration you lost during exertion. That, in turn, speeds up recovery time, prevents soreness, and removes toxins from your body.
To Prevent Exhaustion
Preventing exhaustion and fainting is one of the most pressing reasons why you need to hydrate before and after a workout. While all exercise lowers blood pressure, not drinking enough water can drop your blood pressure to an unsafe level. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your blood volume goes down, significantly lowering your blood pressure. It prevents your brain from getting enough blood and leads to lightheadedness. Be sure to also listen to your body during the workout. Give it hydration when you feel it’s needed.
To Regulate Body Temperature
When you work out, your body temperature and heart rate increase. You will notice more sweat, which is your body’s natural way of cooling you down. You may see your forehead getting pink as your body regulates its temperature. Those are natural and necessary processes, but they can’t do all the work alone. Drinking water helps your body to regulate its internal temperature so that you can avoid overheating during a workout.