Though hydration is an important factor for health year-round and regardless of activity, as temperatures rise and you incorporate exercise into your routine it becomes even more essential. Slight dehydration of even just 2% of your body weight can negatively impact your energy, health, and performance, all of which are of utmost importance heading into a long day of riding.

 

 

It’s been shown in studies that this nutritional intervention of staying properly hydrating is the best way to enhance or improve performance.

 

Signs that you’re dehydrated:

• Dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness
• Dry lips, mouth and skin
• Physical and/or metal fatigue
• Decreased pace and/or performance
• Darkened urine
• Increased body temperature, heart rate, and/or rate of perceived exertion (an exercise effort that usually feels easy suddenly feels much harder than usual.

 

Replace electrolytes

Electrolytes are tiny electronically charged particles that are lost via sweat during exercise. The four main electrolytes that play vital roles in hydration and exercise performance are: sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

• sodium: maintains fluids balance
• potassium: prevents muscle cramps
• magnesium: relaxes muscles
• calcium: required for normal muscle functions

 

Electrolytes are essential for basic health and body function, and even more so for performing your best during an athletic endeavor. Electrolyte drinks such as nuun are perfect for pre, during, or post exercise as they contain the electrolytes your body needs without the carbohydrates that it doesn’t.

 

 

How much should I hydrate?

Maintaining a good hydration status by drinking fluids through the day, everyday, is the best approach to staying ahead of dehydration. Waiting until you are thirsty to drink fluids is too late – you are already dehydrated and you’ll find yourself constantly playing the game of catch-up!

 

On average, you should try to consume half your body weight (in pounds) in liquid ounces plus what you sweat out in training (your sweat rate).  For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim to consume 75 ounces of water or electrolyte drink per day plus losses that occur during workouts.

 

To calculate your sweat rate, weigh yourself pre-workout and post-workout without any clothes on, and complete an hour of exercise without consuming fluids in between. Every pound lost during the workout is 16oz of electrolyte-rich fluids that you should be replacing while exercising (per hour). This is a great exercise to complete leading up to a milestone athletic event so that you can be prepared to perform your best through proper hydration.

 

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nuun hydration is a proud sponsor of Bike New York and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. At nuun, we’re on a mission to inspire a healthier, happier, more active lifestyle so that everyone can achieve life’s next personal best. Hydration means more than water, so make your water count. nuun is packed with electrolytes, clean ingredients, and is low in calories & sugar. The light, refreshing taste will keep you reaching for your bottle.