A 1.5% drop in your hydration levels can cost you 10% of your maximal strength, and a 2% drop can cost you 11% of your max VO2 (how much oxygen your body can process for the sustained output of aerobic power) - as well as cost you your properly functioning joints and sliding surfaces...
These drops in performance are ****ing massive!
You can have the best programming and supplementation regimen in the world, but if you personally don’t attend to ‘small details’ like hydration, proper food and adequate sleep then you are significantly limiting your progress in your athletic endeavours.
Drinking 2 - 3 litres of water per day is a good guideline for the average adult athlete.
Now for an extra special bonus tip: have you ever been thirsty despite drinking loads of water and always going to the bathroom? It’s because you weren’t able to absorb the water… Adding a pinch of salt to your water solves this problem.
Add some salt to your food, and if necessary, if you’re drinking water without food, consider adding a pinch of salt or some electrolytes to it to help the absorption. You’ll know when it’s necessary because you’ll still be thirsty despite choking down loads of liquid and peeing clear…
- Look after your hydration levels - aim for at least 2 litres of water daily. - Add some salt to your food. - If necessary, add a pinch of salt or some electrolytes to your water…
Electrolytes fascinate me. Be grateful I didn’t go off on one about their role in the proper functioning of digestive, nervous, cardiac, and muscular systems; voltages of cell membranes; nerve impulses and muscle contractions; blood volume, etc…