It is important to remember that staying hydrated is a key factor in ensuring that your body is healthy. The body loses fluid during physical activity, thus it must be restored and replenished. Having a well-hydrated body provides several health benefits such as improved skin, teeth, digestive system and even the mind! Drinking plenty of water can also help you reach your goals as it helps you develop muscle and even assist in weight loss.

Some tips to avoid dehydration from the Markham Gym include:

1) Drink plenty of water before you workout!

It is important to hydrate your body before physical activity as the body takes some time to retain the water. The water retention process takes a few hours, so you should aim to drink approximately 17-20 ounces of water 3 hours prior to working out. Also, remember to drink a bit of water right before you do your warm up!

2) Eat Plenty of Fruit!

Consuming healthy portions of fruit allow the body to retain and restore nutrients. Eating fresh fruits such as watermelons, oranges or pineapples can help reduce the risk of dehydration! Fruit also provides several health benefits as it consists of several vitamins and nutrients, which are also disease fighting.

3) Take quick breaks to get hydrated

Always remember to consume 5-7 ounces of water every 30 minutes of your physical activity. This is dependent on the intensity of your workout. Remember to take into account and monitor the amount that you sweat also known as fluid loss. If you are playing sports outdoors on a sunny day, you are bound to have a greater fluid loss; thus need to drink more water to replenish your body.

4) Consider Sports Drinks

Utilizing sports drinks can be useful when engaging in vigorous and lengthy workouts. Sports drinks are effective as they provide electrolytes that help fuel the body. For workouts that are longer than one hour, consuming 5-7 ounces every 30 minutes allows the body to be well hydrated.

Pro tip: When shopping for sports drinks, look for drinks that consist of no added sugars.