9 reasons why hydration is important during exercise

If you exercise regularly, you probably already know that hydration makes you feel 100 times better during your workout. However, there are actually some pretty compelling biological reasons why hydration is so important during exercise. Take a look at the top reasons you need to keep your water bottle close by the next time you're sweating.

1. You lose hydration when you exercise

When we sweat, our bodies lose water at a faster than normal rate.

This means we need to drink water to rehydrate and make sure we don't leave the workout with a headache, dehydration and tiredness. During exercise it is important to hydrate to replace lost water.

2. You need to avoid overheating

Water plays a huge role in our body temperature and without the correct water balance flowing around our bodies we can easily overheat. This can lead to all sorts of problems and make you feel very uncomfortable, especially if you are training in the heat.

3. Staying hydrated while exercising can eliminate fatigue

Exercising is hard enough without adding dehydration to the mix. When we're dehydrated, our body doesn't want to deplete its energy stores and makes us feel tired and lethargic to tell us to drink more water.

Fatigue and lethargy are not components of a lethal workout, so staying hydrated during your workout is crucial if you want to stay alert and energetic.

4. Hydration increases reaction time

Water allows your muscles to work at their best, which means your reflexes and brain-muscle connection are improved when you're hydrated. If you are exercising and want your reaction time to be optimal, then staying hydrated while exercising is a must.

5. Hydrate to avoid cramping

As we mentioned, hydration helps the muscles to perform at their best and, conversely, dehydration forces the muscles to work harder. As they have to work harder, they can sometimes overheat and suffocate, leading to the sensation of cramping.

Without enough water, your muscles will struggle to get the electrolytes, sodium and potassium they need from the blood, which can lead to cramps. If you experience cramps during exercise, a sip of water and a banana to replace the lost potassium, calcium and magnesium will usually solve the problem.

6. Encourage detoxification and sweating

There's nothing better than a good sweat, but did you know that if you're dehydrated, your body will hold on to water and not let go? This means you won't be able to detoxify as effectively and will struggle to sweat as much as you should.

7. Improve muscle function

Your muscles need water to function and to achieve balance in your body. If the water balance is just right, your muscles will cramp up and not get the nutrients they need.

When you're trying to hit a PB, move your body and get the endorphins flowing, the last thing you need is for your muscles to play up. Make sure they can function effectively by making sure you stay hydrated during exercise.

8. Improve blood circulation

Water is vital for circulation as the blood needs H20 to rejuvenate itself and flow freely around the body. Hydration is key if you want to improve circulation, which helps transport oxygen and other essential nutrients around the body.

9. Maintain a healthy blood pressure

Blood pressure refers to the amount of blood circulating through your veins and having a normal amount running through your veins is vital. If you don't have a good blood flow that isn't too low or too high then your body will struggle to get the nutrients it needs from the blood.

When you are dehydrated, your body cannot maintain a healthy blood flow and this can lead to problems. Make sure you maintain a healthy blood pressure by making sure you stay hydrated during exercise.