Athletes, Rehydrate, & increased Performance

When It comes to increasing athletic performance one of the most important things is one simple detail...

HYDRATION!!!

Most athletes are aware that they need to be adequately hydrated in order to perform at an optimal level - however, I'm not completely sold that athletes;

1.) know why it is critically important to keep hydrated
&
2.) know how to actually hydrate themselves correctly.

So just to clarify here are the basics;

Water is the basis for all fluids in the body. It is essential for the metabolism to function correctly, and without it we don't exist. In fact when we lose fluid we also lose electrolytes and minerals, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium - which by the way are electrolytes. These electrolytes are responsible for regulating the body's fluid balance and metabolic processes.

Did you know a Fluid loss as little as 2% - 5% can decrease sports performance?

Yup - just 2% - 5%

this is happens because when you have decreased body fluid - you also decrease blood volume & oxygen delivery to muscles and organs.

So how do you stay hydrated to prevent decreased performance?

Here are a few simple and easy steps to ensure proper hydration during practice and competition

Weigh in without clothes before and after exercise, especially during hot weather. For each pound of body weight lost during exercise, drink two cups of fluid.

Drink a rehydration beverage containing sodium to quickly replenish lost body fluids. The beverage should also contain 6-8 percent glucose of sucrose (carbohydrate).

Drink 2.5 cups of fluid 2 hours before practice or competition.

Drink 1.5 cups of fluid 15 minutes before the event.

Drink at least one cup of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during training and competition

There you have it. So now you know the importance of not just staying hydrated with water, but you now know it's critical to supplement with a electrolyte replenishing beverage like rehydrate (pictured above). However, not all electrolyte beverages are created equal...

That's why at Optimal Performance we only allow our athletes to drink Rehydrate.

Why Rehydrate?

Here's the scoop;

Rehydrate Electrolyte Replacement Drink provides the necessary nutrients to maintain proper metabolism and delay the onset of fatigue. It hydrates your body by re-establishing your electrolyte balance with its superior formulation. Rehydrate drink has a low glycemic index that produces a more gradual insulin response and it is isotonic, thus providing rapid gastric emptying and rapid rehydration. Furthermore, this drink helps support the body's energy cycle and provides carbohydrate fuel necessary for energy production.

Rehydrate drink has a 1:1 ratio of sodium and potassium, two of the most vital electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. Rehydrate helps prevent cramping by providing calcium, magnesium and L-glutamine to support the contraction and relaxation phases of muscles. Rehydrate helps sustain carbohydrate energy by including chromium in its unique formulation, strengthening endurance at any activity level. Rehydrate also has antioxidants which aid in the fight against of free radicals, and the amino acids support blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system.

So the moral of the story...

Drink Plenty of water and use Rehydrate to ensure Optimal Performance

JZ