According to the USGS, the human body is approximately 60% water, it should come as no surprise that staying hydrated is vital for optimal performance. This is true at any stage in life, but it’s especially prevalent during sports because we lose more water via perspiration while engaging in these activities. At WaterMonster we are dedicated to keeping people hydrated, especially during sporting events. Our sports water station is the ideal set up to keep all athletes hydrated before, during, and after any sporting event.
Hydration affects virtually all of our bodily functions. Water helps to regulate our body’s temperature, and to breakdown food, absorb nutrients and transport them around the body. Water also lubricates joints and serves as a catalyst for chemical reactions throughout our bodies. Not only this, but dehydration also means the loss of electrolytes, which play a huge role in regulating muscle and nerve functions. In comes our sports water station, providing the water needed to keep athletes in top condition during their event.
While performing physical activity, these processes increase in intensity. Hence, we must consume more water to replenish that which is lost. Dehydration has numerous detrimental effects on athletic performance. It leads to increased fatigue, making each movement require more effort to perform. Athletes will suffer a noticeable drop in strength, power, and endurance. Muscles are more likely to cramp while dehydrated too, thus increasing your likelihood of suffering injury.
The key to staying hydrated during a race or competitive event is to begin hydrating yourself before the activity. Athletes can accomplish this by utilizing our sports water station. Pre-sport hydration is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for remaining hydrated throughout an event and maintaining performance while you do. Most people drink when they’re thirsty, but by this point it’s too late – you’re already dehydrated.
While the exact amount of water you should drink varies for every individual, as a guide it’s advisable to drink 500 ml (about 16.91 oz) of water approximately 30 minutes before you start physical activity. The idea is that you go into the activity fully hydrated which will help to account for the dramatic increase in water loss you’re about to experience once you start sweating. Then, at regular intervals of 15-20 minutes, drinking 200-250 ml (about 8.45 oz) of water will help to maintain your hydration throughout your session.
Hydrating yourself consists of two major factors – replenishing water levels and replenishing electrolytes. If you exercise regularly, then a sports drink that contains electrolytes will be optimal for maintaining your hydration and performance levels. Our sports water station can be outfitted to provide both water and sports drinks to athletes so they can stay hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes.
Even if you have been regularly drinking water and electrolytes, you will have lost a lot of fluid and minerals which you need to replenish. Electrolytes help recovery as they provide a neutralizing alkaline to balance the lactic acid built up in the muscles during exercise, thus maintaining a healthy pH balance.
Hydration is our game here at WaterMonster. We want nothing more than for athletes to perform their best during any sporting event and we help this by providing several hydration options, including our sports water station. For more information, please contact us today!
