The Importance of Water in Bodybuilding
By: Mat D.
What happens if you go without calcium for a week? You may get white bits on
your fingers nails...
What happens if you go without water for a week? You drop dead. That's
right, dead; As a block of wood.
The most important nutrient known is undoubtedly water. Well, not the most
important maybe, because most nutrients are essential, but you can go a long
time without most nutrients. A week is your absolute limit without water.
Any longer than that and it's game over for you. I don't mean to scare you,
but I'm just putting the importance of water in perspective for bodybuilders
and everyone!
So why is water so important?
For a few reasons really. The human body typically consists of between 60%
and 75% water. In the body, water's responsibilities include removing waste
material from the body and moving other nutrients around the body. It also
keeps your body temperature correct, for example the loss of water from the
body (sweating) is the bodies way of keeping you cool.
How much water do I need?
The average human adult needs AT LEAST 8 glasses of water per day, but a lot
more water is recommended. There is no stereotype person. Some people will
need less than 8 glasses, some will need more, but on average, you probably
need more. If you were to join the army, you would learn that you can tell
if you're drinking enough water by the color of your urine. If it's dark,
then you need to increase your water consumption. If it's clear, then you're
drinking plenty. Sorry for that, but it's pretty important. Especially to
athletes and bodybuilders.
When should I drink?
All the time! Thirst is your bodies way of telling you that it needs
rehydrating, but you should really not get to the stage when you are
thirsty. Drink as often as you can. Also, if you do feel thirsty, drink
lots - not just enough to wet the inside of your mouth. You should also
drink water before, during and after exercise. You should start drinking
more water about 2 hours before you exercise (bearing in mind that your body
can only absorb 1 glass of water every 20 minutes) and keep drinking right
up until you exercise. Whilst exercising, sip water every few minutes. I
drink water between every set. DO NOT wait until the end of your exercise
period and then gulp down lots of water as this is not good for you.
Do I HAVE to drink water?
I always do, and I recommend bodybuilders do because there is no extra
nutritional content (like there is with carbonated beverages, cordial mix
drinks and all other unnatural liquids). But the answer, actually, is no.
You can drink those things if you want. Coffee is a good pre-workout drink,
as is Lucozade (It's a UK Gatorade thing I think). I realise that some areas
(like where I live) the tap water is pretty horrible. It tastes of chlorine
because that's what they disinfect it with. I like to drink bottled water,
but some people have water filters to filter out the horrible taste, and I
think they work pretty well (e-mail me if you know please!)
Anyway. the bottom line is this: Drink plenty of water and you'll be fine.
Oh, and on a side note, the first woman to ever complete training for the
Royal Marines Commando all arms course (an 8 week course, not the full 30
week one) has failed the final tests.
LONG LIVE BODYBUILDING!!!
(and bodybuilders who drink lots of water)
mat@toughguy.net
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