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Wetting the whistle while exercising.

A healthy idea to think about:

Many exercisers think that they only need to drink water when they are thirsty.  Unfortunately, they can become dehydrated well before they experience thirst.  The best strategy is to drink water on a periodic basis during your exercise.

 

Consult with your physician before beginning any exercise regimen.

 

Comments

 

matthadd said:

At my old gym, I used to do a spin class and frequently sat next to a guy who intentionally refused to drink while exercising.  I asked him why and he said he was training for a tri and thinks exercising without water helps to increase his heart rate, and would ultimately help his race performance, as he would maintain his hydration in a race.  

Is there any validity to his training methodology?  Frankly, it sounds a liottle unsafe to me.    
January 4, 2007 2:52 PM
 

BRENDA said:

Some times for me drinking water all day. I fell like nothing is coming off. Sometimes for me drinking and working out don't mix.
January 5, 2007 7:33 AM
 

blochln said:

I found a 2.2 liter water container, approximately the recommended daily amount, at a kitchen and bath store.  I fill it each morning when I arrive in the office.  I don't always empty it but it does help track the amount I am drinking during the day.  It's a visual reminder if I'm falling below expectations and usually prompts me to have some water.  
January 5, 2007 10:26 AM
 

dalpra said:

I need to drink more water during exercise.
January 6, 2007 7:35 PM
 

HornJM said:

Not drinking water while you're exercising/training/racing is NOT a good idea.

While it is understandable to be callenged with difficulty injesting while running, for instance, that shouldn't stop you from hydrating yourself.  Stop and walk, or stand if necessary.

Dehydration, no matter what anybody says, is NOT a performance enhancer.

By the way, blochln, that 2.2 liter water container is a fantastic idea.  I'm going to look for one of those.  Thanks!
January 6, 2007 7:58 PM
 

sandy01 said:

I have to drink water all day at work or I'm sooo dehydrated, but I'm also making multiple trips to the bathroom!  Also, I've participated in a marathon, 10k and 5k and can't believe how many times I have to pee before the race even starts...any tips on how to alelviate THAT?!...That's really embarrassing...but it's true!
January 7, 2007 12:09 AM
 

HornJM said:

Just hold it.  "...we're NOT stopping until we get there, or I need to get gas..."

This may not be, but is it possible you are over-hydrating yourself?  I've read a couple articles on this and I seem to remember the dangers are similar and the symptoms may even be similar as well.

My understanding is that, at least during exercise, the important thing is to replace what you've sweated out.  So, if you are having to go to the bathroom in the middle of your races, perhaps your drinking too much.  There's probably no getting around the bathroom (or porta-potty) visits before the race.  Generally, that's a good sign.  Just make a packet of flushable wipes something you always bring with you on race day.
January 7, 2007 8:06 AM
 

jesshadd said:

I've read similar articles about how over-hydration has actually caused a number of death's at marathon's over the past few years.  Essentially, if you overhydrate, you can dilute the salt and things you need.  

January 7, 2007 10:21 AM
 

Irish1 said:

I have been giving this a try.  Great idea.
January 14, 2007 10:27 PM
 

DeniseW said:

Sounds worth trying!
January 17, 2007 8:36 AM
 

Bantaman said:

I have been trying to drink as much
water as I drink diet coke. It causes
me to get my waters in and in return
helps in my weight loss.
January 24, 2007 1:13 PM
 

mamag said:

I really believe in the sports drinks, to replace the electrolytes you are losing is a must and an energy booster.  When we do long runs we place drinks at a few mile markers to rejuvinate ourselves along the way. It really makes a difference and we recover much quicker.  

Rule of thumb for a 40 minute spin class is 40 oz. of a sports drink (total) before during and after. Stay hydrated and have fun.  If you get headaches after a long workout, that also could be a sign of dehydration.
January 27, 2007 8:58 PM

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