You've probably seen ads about how important it is to keep hydrated when exercising. If you're exercising on your own, or part of a sports team, you may be wondering how much you need to drink and whether sports drinks are a good idea.
Of course, if you get thirsty, you should listen to your body. Ideally, you should keep up on your fluids to avoid getting to the point where you're really thirsty. If it's a hot day and you're working up a sweat, drinking some water every 20 minutes or so is a good idea. On the other hand, don't force yourself to drink so much water you feel uncomfortable. It doesn't help, and in some cases it can even be a problem if you take in way too much water.
How about sports drinks? They're fine, but in general water is just as good. It is exactly what your body needs, and you won't get too many calories. If you are exercising hard in hot weather for more than an hour, the electrolytes in sports drinks may give you a bit of an edge. Just keep track of the calories, and don't chug sugary sports drinks all day long.
If you'd like more information, see this article on dehydration: http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/er/dehydration.html.
Finally. don't swap your water bottles with your friends. Although rare, deadly bacteria like "meningococcus" can be spread when people share water bottles. This very thing happened in Fort Collins in 2010.
Incidentally, if you're going to be living in a dormitory in college, you should consider getting the Menomune vaccine. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call one of our partner clinics.
- Steve Ross MD, University of Colorado
Of course, if you get thirsty, you should listen to your body. Ideally, you should keep up on your fluids to avoid getting to the point where you're really thirsty. If it's a hot day and you're working up a sweat, drinking some water every 20 minutes or so is a good idea. On the other hand, don't force yourself to drink so much water you feel uncomfortable. It doesn't help, and in some cases it can even be a problem if you take in way too much water.
How about sports drinks? They're fine, but in general water is just as good. It is exactly what your body needs, and you won't get too many calories. If you are exercising hard in hot weather for more than an hour, the electrolytes in sports drinks may give you a bit of an edge. Just keep track of the calories, and don't chug sugary sports drinks all day long.
If you'd like more information, see this article on dehydration: http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/er/dehydration.html.
Finally. don't swap your water bottles with your friends. Although rare, deadly bacteria like "meningococcus" can be spread when people share water bottles. This very thing happened in Fort Collins in 2010.
Incidentally, if you're going to be living in a dormitory in college, you should consider getting the Menomune vaccine. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call one of our partner clinics.
- Steve Ross MD, University of Colorado
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