The Value of Water

Water is one of the most valuable things you consume and it can be free.  It really does make or break your mood and your performance, not only...

Water is one of the most valuable things you consume and it can be free.  It really does make or break your mood and your performance, not only in the gym, but in life.  If you’re dehydrated, you’ll perform under-par or even feel ill.  It also has cleansing effects on the body and flushes a great deal of toxins from your system.

It seems like such a simple system, but it keeps your body functioning well and boosts your metabolism.  With a high metabolism, you’ll burn more fat and have more energy.  With more energy, you’ll drive yourself hard and be successful at achieving your goals.

Day and Night

WaterYou should also have a few glasses of water during the day.  I don’t know what the recommended number of ounces or glasses is (I just hopped out and Googled it, and it seems to be around 64 ounces), but I like to have a glass with breakfast, two with lunch, and always keep one on my desk while I’m working.

Water bottles work great.  You can get some pretty rugged ones with clips and such, so you can carry them around with you.  You basically want to always have it accessible, and your body will tell you when you want to drink from it.  I keep a 20 ounce bottle with me at all times – now I just have to worry about whether it’s cold or not.

I have two large glasses of water before I go to bed every night, so that while I’m sleeping my body can work to flush any unwanted substances from itself.  I also have the added benefit of having a natural alarm to wake me up in the morning when I need to go to the bathroom.  Cleansing your body daily really makes you feel better the next day.

At the Gym

When I’m working out I’ll usually burn through about 60 ounces of water in a single session.  When you’re sweating a great deal, make sure you’re supplementing with additional fluid.  Getting your sweat on is also another great way to push unwanted toxins out, so that they can be replaced by clean new water.  Think of it as a daily oil change.

Spruce it Up

Some people don’t like plain water, but it doesn’t have to be plain.  Try putting a slice of lemon or lime in it.  I also like it a lot more when it’s freezing cold.  I think ice tastes better.  I’m not sure how to explain that scientifically, but that’s not what I’m about here.

If that still isn’t you’re cup of tea and you like soda, try seltzer water.  Polar makes some great seltzer water that comes in a bunch of flavors like raspberry, lemon, lime, and plain.  Don’t get seltzer water mixed up with tonic water either.  They are definitely not the same thing.

Conclusion

Remember too – anything that is better than what you were doing is progress.  If you’re drink 64 ounces of coke or diet coke right now, try trading out just one with a glass of water.  Have at least one glass before bed as an experiment and see how it makes you feel the next day.  I think I’m on to something big here.

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