Proper Hydration

I started out Week 5 with a very successful workout!
Made all my new lifts, all weights were greater then last week, so I have made progress! I do need to improve my dead lifting technique (think I mentioned that last week), anyway, not that I hurt myself or anything, but I don't think I'll be able to continue going up in weight every week with my current form.

I'll have to do some research online into proper dead lifting technique. I'm sure I can find a mind blowing YouTube video of a 165lb power-lifter dead lifting 500lbs or something equally crazy and motivating.

12 Feb 07: Day 29
Today, I kept myself really hydrated, and felt really energized before my workout. Afterwards, it was a different story...LOL!

Before I go I'd like to give you info about the importance of hydration. Hopefully, this info will help you improve or get more out of your next workout....Until then; keep getting it done!


Many people underestimate the importance of water to the body. Many people think it is just a "mom's tale", like you need to drink your milk. What is even more alarming is that even among the most experienced athletes, and this includes weightlifters (strength and bodybuilders) there is a huge gap in knowledge regarding the understanding as to why proper hydration is important for health, and for competitive success as well.


Water
The Single Most Critical Nutrient

The human brain is composed of 95% water; blood is 82% water; the lungs are nearly 90% water. As one can imagine water is also the single most critical nutrient for health, growth, and development. It is not only the most important nutrient in the body, but also the most abundant. Water is critical to the balance of all the body's systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and muscles.

How important is this balance? A 2% drop in body water can cause a small but critical shrinkage of the brain, which can impair neuromuscular coordination, decrease concentration, and slow thinking. Dehydration can also reduce endurance, decrease strength, cause cramping and slow muscular response.

Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. How common a problem is this in the US? Estimates are that seventy-five percent of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration. This is alarming since proper hydration is required for maintaining healthy blood flow, proper kidney function, proper sodium/potassium /electrolyte balance and proper digestive functions.

Read the whole article here: Proper Hydration