Drinking is important for your body and particularly essential to the circulation system when exercising. We lose between 0.5-1 litre of water per workout. But it matters when and what we drink. Here, we explain the things to look out for.
When to drink
Before training: Drink half-a-litre approximately 1 hour before your workout.
During training: It is not essential to drink here. It’s sensible to take a break and have a drink if your training session lasts more than an hour, though it is important to just take small sips as it is difficult for the body to absorb water during exercise.
After training: Here, it is important restore your body’s water balance to normal. Drink between 0.5-1 litre to do so.
What do drink
Through sweat, the body loses many of the important minerals for the muscles, heart, and blood circulation. These include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
On top of tap water, it therefore makes sense to drink beverages that rebalance the body’s mineral balance.
Here’s a list of some appropriate drinks:
- Mineral water – contains sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Apple spritzer – juice and still mineral water in a 1:3 ratio
- Cherry juice – helps combat sore muscles, contains a lot of acid
- Low-fat milk – contains protein as well as carbohydrates, calcium, and electrolytes.
What’s more – the temperature of the drink is also crucial. Never drink beverages that are too cold because the body has to raise the drink’s temperature to fit its internal environment. This means you lose important energy. Drink lukewarm drinks as close to your bodily temperature as possible.
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