Whether you’re an old pro at working out or you’ve just added an exercise routine as part of a New Year’s resolution, staying hydrated is key to maximizing your workout benefits and taking care of your body while you put it under strain. But reaping the rewards of a good workout isn’t just about hydrating in the moment—it’s about doing so before and after, too.
Drink Up.
The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking between seven and ten ounces of water during a workout, which is equal to about one cup. That’s why investing in a water bottle for exercise is so important—it’ll let you take sips of water throughout your workout to keep you hydrated while you’re on the move.
After a workout is a great time to maximize your hydration, too, because this is when the body can absorb fluids the most easily. Post-exercise, you should aim to take in around 16 to 24 ounces of water for every pound of body weight you burn off during exercise (about 3,500 calories). So if you went for a lengthy run and burned 4,000 calories, plan to drink about three cups of water afterward to replenish your body’s electrolytes and rehydrate.
But your main intake of water actually should happen around mealtime. If you drink a cup of water before you eat, this will stimulate your nutrient absorption and will help you stay hydrated when the time comes for another fitness boost. And staying hydrated throughout the day with a cup of water or two will only serve to help you further. Whatever your exercise goals may be, hydration is a key step to not only maximizing the benefits of your workout but also keeping you safe and healthy during physical activity. Hancock Health offers a variety of wellness programs and specialized fitness and nutritional coaches to help you meet your goals. Find a location near you and contact us to get started.
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