Proper hydration is crucial during exercise for several reasons:
1. **Regulates Body Temperature:** Hydration helps maintain your body's ability to sweat and cool down, preventing overheating.
2. **Prevents Dehydration:** Adequate fluid intake ensures that you don’t lose too much water through sweat, which can lead to dehydration, affecting performance and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
3. **Supports Performance:** Staying hydrated helps maintain endurance, strength, and overall physical performance by keeping your muscles and joints properly lubricated.
4. **Facilitates Recovery:** Proper hydration aids in the recovery process by helping to replace fluids lost during exercise and supporting nutrient transport and muscle repair.
5. **Maintains Electrolyte Balance:** Drinking fluids that contain electrolytes (like sports drinks or electrolyte-enhanced water) can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat and maintain proper muscle function.
To stay hydrated, drink water before, during, and after exercise, and consider electrolyte-rich drinks for extended or intense sessions.