Monitoring hydration levels before, during and after a workout is just as important as wearing properly fitted trainers and the right sports kit. But hydration is usually the one factor that people tend to ignore.
The human body is approximately 70% water and just a 1% drop in body weight from fluid loss can result in a 2% drop in performance; showing just how vital it is to be adequately hydrated to help you perform at your best.
Sweat keeps the body from overheating during exercise as the body uses water as a coolant. Most people don’t realise how much body water is lost during a run and that a lack of hydration can have a notable and negative effect on health and performance.
When exercising, you should try to consume fluids at a rate that keeps pace with your sweat rate – basing your needs on the workout intensity and the heat. The more fluid you lose, the more your performance will be affected and so this is particularly important to bear in mind when exercising in very hot conditions, or during intense training.
Hydration levels do not just affect performance. Fluid loss and dehydration can also compromise the body’s ability to regulate your temperature, muscular function, and can decrease aerobic power. All of these factors have a massive impact on your workout and the end results.
Monitoring hydration before, during and after exercise is essential to make sure that hydration and performance levels do not dip. If you have increased your training, it is likely that your muscle mass will increase and, as a result, your hydration needs may change. So make sure you monitor your hydration levels consistently over time.
By using a Tanita body composition monitor, like the BC-545N or BC-1000, you can keep an eye on your hydration levels to check you’re within a healthy range and keep you performing at your best.
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