29 July 2009 16:29 | Posted by: Chris Mcmanus
Tags: Hydration, Pre-exercise, Dehydration
Dehydration (loss of 2% body weight) can compromise exercise performance and may impair mental/cognitive performance. Therefore, athletes BEGINNING exercise in a state of dehydration severely reduce their potential for optimal performance, and should look to address this.
Having recently analysed the hydration status of athletes upon arrival to training or competition, it was evident that large numbers were significantly dehydrated before beginning exercise (Adult Running Club = 55%; Semi- Pro Football Team = 38%; Youth Elite Tennis Squad =72%; Adult Rugby Team = 56%).
Furthermore, it has been shown in previous research that 55% of males and 62% of females were beginning exercise within a gym environment in a state of dehydration. It is well established that dehydration greatly influences the onset of fatigue and avoiding this can prolong exercise duration and increase self selected intensity level.
The table inserted below demonstrates how to easily assess your own hydration status from the colour of your urine, ensuring you begin exercise in an optimal state every time.
Do you have your own pre exercise strategy to ensure you are hydrated before you begin?
Is your whole team aware of this simple necessity to begin hydrated?
Please feel free to post any questions you may have regarding fluid requirements in the build up to training or competition.
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