Hydrate for Better Performance

In order to get the most out of your workout, you want your body to be functioning at it's best and being hydrated is key. How do you determine if you are drinking enough water? Some objective measures to use are:

• Losing more thant 1% of your bodyweight. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning and use the next two items to determine your hydration status.
• Your first urination will tell you the most about how hydrated your are--low volume and dark color indicate dehydration (these can be altered by sweating, so check volume and color before working out).
• If you are thirsty, you need water. If you combine this with weight lose, lower urine volume, and darker urine color you need to up your intake of water.

Experts say to drink at least 1/2 your body water in water (per ounce). I am 120 pounds so I should drink about 60 ounces. Use this as a guideline and cross reference with the three criteria above as everyone is different. For more information, check out the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.