Healthy Hydration for Physical Activity
Observations of sweat rates in various sports have shown significant variation in mean sweat rates
(from 0.29 to 2.37 L/h), depending on the type and intensity (training or competition) of the activity.
For example, during one hour in warm weather, a trained male adult loses approximately 2:
Staying well hydrated: before, during and after exercise
The amount of sweat produced increases with the intensity of the exercise, but also with the temperature and humidity of the ambient environment.
Physical activity therefore results in increased water requirements that parallel sweat losses. If these hydration needs for exercise are not met, the body can enter a state of dehydration.
Dehydration during exercise is recognized as having a detrimental effect. Indeed, dehydration has been shown to increase both heart rate and body temperature3. For example, when plasma volume is reduced, the heart has to work faster to maintain delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
Numerous studies, reviewed in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM),2 show that dehydration increases physiologic strain and perceived effort to perform the same exercise task, and that warm-hot weather increases this phenomenon. The ACSM also considers that dehydration above 2% of the body mass can degrade aerobic exercise performance, and therefore endurance performance.
This is why people are advised not only to ensure proper hydration during exercise, but also before and after, in order to match the water losses, without waiting for thirst to appear.2 For exercise lasting less than one hour, water is sufficient to cover the body’s needs.1
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents and caregivers that “Water is generally the appropriate first choice for hydration before, during, and after most exercise regimens”.5
When we exercise, our muscles produce heat that needs to be evacuated to maintain body temperature.
Water acts as a carrier of heat through blood, and as a refrigerant by removing excess heat via sweat evaporation on the skin.1
Water acts as a carrier of heat through blood, and as a refrigerant by removing excess heat via sweat evaporation on the skin.1
Observations of sweat rates in various sports have shown significant variation in mean sweat rates
(from 0.29 to 2.37 L/h), depending on the type and intensity (training or competition) of the activity.
For example, during one hour in warm weather, a trained male adult loses approximately 2:
- Swimming: 0.4 L
- Soccer: 1.5 L
- Tennis: 1.6 L (during a competition)
- Cross-country running: 1.8 L
Staying well hydrated: before, during and after exercise
The amount of sweat produced increases with the intensity of the exercise, but also with the temperature and humidity of the ambient environment.
Physical activity therefore results in increased water requirements that parallel sweat losses. If these hydration needs for exercise are not met, the body can enter a state of dehydration.
Dehydration during exercise is recognized as having a detrimental effect. Indeed, dehydration has been shown to increase both heart rate and body temperature3. For example, when plasma volume is reduced, the heart has to work faster to maintain delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
Numerous studies, reviewed in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM),2 show that dehydration increases physiologic strain and perceived effort to perform the same exercise task, and that warm-hot weather increases this phenomenon. The ACSM also considers that dehydration above 2% of the body mass can degrade aerobic exercise performance, and therefore endurance performance.
This is why people are advised not only to ensure proper hydration during exercise, but also before and after, in order to match the water losses, without waiting for thirst to appear.2 For exercise lasting less than one hour, water is sufficient to cover the body’s needs.1
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents and caregivers that “Water is generally the appropriate first choice for hydration before, during, and after most exercise regimens”.5
References
- Péronnet F. Healthy Hydration for Physical Activity. Nutrition Today 2010;45:S41-4.
- Sawka MN, Burke LM, Eichner ER, Maughan RJ, Montain SJ, Stachenfeld NS. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Exercise and fluid replacement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39:377-90.
- Armstrong LE, Maresh CM, Gabaree CV, Hoffman JR, Kavouras SA, Kenefick RW, Castellani JW, Ahlquist LE. Thermal and circulatory responses during exercise: effects of hypohydration, dehydration, and water intake. J ApplPhysiol 1997;82:2028–35.
- Kavouras SA, Arnaoutis G, Makrillos M, Garagouni C, Nikolaou E, Chira O, Ellinikaki E, Sidossis LS. Educational intervention on water intake improves hydration status and enhances exercise performance in athletic youth. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011.; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01296.x
- Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate? Pediatrics2011;127:1182-9.
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