Happy Monday beautiful people,
HYDRATION. Yep, like I haven’t run over this dead horse 80 times in the past with each one of you already. We are going to run over it, yet again. Just in case…
SO. Just because it’s getting cooler and we may not be sweating as much while we’re outside, doesn’t mean we can’t get dehydrated in the fall/winter seasons too! Beginning stages of dehydration can make you feel a little lethargic, may cause headaches, cause a feeling of “hunger” yet it’s thirst, dry skin, chapped lips, and constipation.
Water plays a role in metabolism, cellular membrane function, regulating our body temperature (sweating is a great example), aiding in digestion to break down foods, helps deliver oxygen throughout your entire working body, aids in digestion from saliva production (which also houses digestive enzymes), lubricates joints, helps our brains create hormones and neurotransmitters, keeps our mucosal membranes moist (think of your lung and digestive tissues), transports nutrients from our foods (especially water-soluble vitamins), and keeps our cells rejuvenated, reproducing, and surviving.
So basically… It is vitally important… got it??
A big PRO TIP is to try and focus the “in-between” meal time as your “hydration time”, sipping on hot tea, water, sparkling water so you’re focusing on drinking enough water. On that note, today I am going to dive into some other simple, yet “creative” ways to help us drink enough water and help us stay hydrated throughout the day!
1. You need a water bottle, a big one!!!!! It is essential! One that is filled always and never leaves your side! Set yourself up for success here.
2. Set alarms on your phone that encourage you to drink more water. It can be as simple as naming your alarm “Hey, drink some water!”.
3. Drinking out of a see through container. This can help you visualize how much water you have already consumed and how much more you have to go!
4. “Dress it up” if necessary! If you need to make your water more “exciting” while you get used to consuming more, more frequently let us spice it up a bit by adding sliced lemons, limes, mint, etc. Yum!
5. Start off your day with drinking plenty of water after you wake up, by planning it the night before. Before you go to bed, fill up a large water bottle and put it on your nightstand or in the bathroom so that first thing in the morning you can hydrate.
6. Have backups!! For example, keeping a water bottle with you at all times, but for ease, keeping one in the car, one at the office, one in the gym bag, etc. can ensure that you have a water bottle wherever you go no matter if you accidentally leave one behind!
7. Last but not least! The ever so popular… Set water goals for yourself!! So that by X time of day you’ve drunk 2 water bottles or by X time of day you’ve drunk 4, etc. Setting goals for time can help you stay on track with how many you drank already and how many you have left to go.
There you have it guys and gals! I know this seems so simple, yet so many of us do NOT get nearly enough water daily. Please note that if you’d like to talk to me more about specifics, in terms of amounts needed for your unique body, physique goals and activity levels etc. we can talk! BUT chances are… if you are already working with me, we have had this talk and will continue to do so! If it isn’t sleep, the answer is almost always hydration. Spread the word!
Love and cherish you all, be well.
This is NOT your generic box. Coaches are well-trained and provide exceptional, cutting edge training and advice. They are knowledgable about integrative approaches to health (eating, sleep, hormones, psychological wellbeing). I was most impressed when I was in the process of attempting to get pregnant. Hands down the Best!
If you want to be a beast you have to train with beasts! Excellent facility, excellent team of coaches that all of them have a grand knowledge in almost everything fitness! Would recommend this box to anyone! Keep it up!
I moved away from San Juan a decade ago before Crossfit was introduced to the island and I was not sure what it was going to be like dropping in to a box here. Aggressive is excellent, well staffed, well equipped, well located in an easy to find space in the Santurce area. Dropped in at 10am on Saturday and was treated with excellent hospitality. Ernesto was a great coach. Welcoming to athletes of all levels and disciplines (crossfit, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, gymnastics). I will definitely drop in next time I visit my hometown.