Hydrating for Exercise

When you exercise, there are several key rules that you must follow in order to keep yourself safe. Of course, you have probably heard that listening to your body and exercising with the proper form are two main rules of thumb, but one of the most important things to do before you even begin your workout is to get hydrated.

As you exercise, you lose body fluid through sweat. This can quickly zap your fluid levels and leave you at risk for dehydration if you do not work to replace the lost fluid. To learn more about safe exercise and other healthy practices, please contact a certified Chicago personal trainer from B4 Health and Fitness today at 773-251-4619.

General Rules for Hydration

Even if you do not exercise, you should always work to remain hydrated. However, if you know you will be exercising, especially in the heat, you should prepare your body well before your workout. If you plan on exercising later on in the day, you should start drinking about 8 ounces of water every twenty minutes when you wake up. Additionally, over the course of a 45 minute workout, you should drink one full water bottle.

Symptoms of Dehydration

When you do not get enough water, you can suffer from dehydration. This can lead to painful, debilitating symptoms such as:

• Dry mouth
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling faint

This can greatly interfere with your ability to exercise. Even if you are the slightest bit dehydrated, you may notice that you feel more fatigued and weaker than normal.

Contact Us

An experienced personal trainer can help you work out safely and effectively, and he or she can hold you accountable for remaining hydrated during your workout. For help in devising the best workout plan for you, contact a Chicago personal trainer from B4 Health and Fitness at 773-251-4619 today.