Water is such an important part of life. Plants need it to grow, animals need it to survive. The human body needs water too, considering that up to 70% of it is composed of water. A person can survive up to two to three weeks without food but only survive up to 3 days without water. For a person to be in optimum health, it is recommended that they drink at least 8 glasses of water a day – and that excludes sodas, juices, coffee, or tea.
For a person to be in optimum health, exercise is just as important. Whatever the exercise – a brisk walk, a jog, yoga, or a heavy workout session at the gym – drinking water is also of utmost importance.
Drinking water during exercise is vital to avoid dehydration. The more strenuous the exercise, the more water is needed to replace the fluids lost when a person perspires. However, the water intake should be minimal – a few gulps at certain intervals. If the exercise is not too intense, there is not much need to take in a lot of water, but just enough to replenish the fluids in the body.
Drinking water during exercise helps keep joints lubricated so the person can move properly and minimize the risk of injury. Water keeps the muscles from getting cramps when too much fluid is lost and the body uses up the sodium and potassium.
Also, water helps regulate body temperature during exercise. As the workout becomes more intense, the body temperature rises and drinking water helps in cooling down the body to keep from overheating, which is dangerous during exercise.
Drinking water during exercise helps keep your body functioning at its best, thus performance is also at its best. A good workout is beneficial to the body in many ways, contributing to the general well-being of the person.
Of course, it is also important to drink water before exercising, to ensure that the body is prepared for the work it will do. It is also just as important to drink water after exercise to cool down the body and to help in the recovery of the muscles from all the work is completed.
While sports drinks are good for replacing the lost electrolytes in the body during strenuous and vigorous exercise, it is not always necessary for short-term workouts and will be much beneficial for long-distance runners or activities that last longer than an hour. Water is still the best drink while doing exercise.
Drinking water is also a good reason for taking a breather in between workouts and getting the time to chat up with fellow fitness buffs if you are in the gym. In Nashville, fitness is encouraged so you can gain new friends while you are working your way to good health and well-being.
If you are on the lookout for Nashville TN gyms that would suit your schedule, your workout preference, and your lifestyle, Next Level Fitness might be just the one for you as you journey to the best version of yourself.
