Staying hydrated has many benefits, including weight loss. Managing a healthy weight becomes easier when your body receives water in any form. Though there are many health drinks on the market nowadays, water remains the number one priority that simply cannot be replaced. We need water for the proper functioning of all muscles, tissues, and bones. Summer is a perfect time to incorporate regular drinking water. Besides, people who workout need an extra amount of water to balance their body temperature.
Disclaimer: All content in this post is for general health information only. Please consult a specialist physician before trying any new exercise, diet, or health advice. There are no affiliate links attached to this post.
Benefits of drinking water:
- Water accounts for nearly 60% of your body weight.
- Water eliminates waste and toxins from the body
- Regulates body temperature
- Prevents joints from excessive friction and damage
- Keeps the skin moisturized
- Helps regulate oxygen levels in the body
- Helps in blood circulation
- Revitalizes the body
- Makes you feel full when hungry
- Helps in digestion
When and how much to drink water before, during, and after workout?
The amount of water an average person requires varies depending on their physical activity. But it’s important to not overhydrate before a workout.
Yes, there is something called “over hydration,” which means drinking too much water that can lead to drowsiness and is definitely not appropriate to workout in such a condition.
I have struggled a lot with overhydration because I get full quickly. Ideally, there should be an eating and drinking gap of at least half an hour before the workout. I have also experienced that when you are over tired, stressed, or even in a rush, it’s better to start slow with your workouts. It signals the body and the brain to get ready to workout. And you participate actively and with more focus.
“During prolonged exercise, you may need additional electrolytes, which are the minerals that help your body actually make use of the water you take in.”
Drink water only when you are thirsty or take a small sip before working out. Keep hydrating yourself in between rest intervals from the workout circuit. After the workout, do some basic stretches, walk slowly and then have water.
Drinking cold water after workout
Temperature is important because cold and warm liquids are absorbed differently into the body. If you like to drink cold water before a workout, then during the summer it refreshes your body and awakens your brain. However, remember that you are trying to warm up your body. It’s always better to drink room temperature water.
“To determine how much you should rehydrate, weigh yourself before and after exercising. For each pound you lose in sweat, aim to drink 16 to 24 ounces of water.”
Positive effects of drinking cold water after workout:
- Lowers body temperature which is much needed after an intense workout
- Restores water lost through sweat
- Tastes better and relaxes the mind
- Burns a few calories
Avoid drinking cold water after workout because:
- Sends shock to the internal organs
- Restricts the body from optimal absorption
- Bodies have to use extra energy to first warm up the body for rehydration
- Can lead to post workout cramps
Drinking warm water after workout
Drinking ice cold water or cold water may seem like the ultimate go-to, but fitness experts and doctors recommend otherwise.
But can a hot drink be refreshing after a heated workout?
One way of understanding the effect of drinking hot beverages is that, after consuming a hot drink, the body tries to balance the body temperature, which results in sweating, and when the sweat evaporates, it cools down the body. This method may be used when you are not working out. Hydration for the body refreshes by restoring electrolytes but also for a cooling impact.
Positive effects of drinking warm water after workout:
- Detoxifies the body quickly
- Opens skin pores and removes stiffness from muscles that helps in better performance
- Helps in digestion therefore no cramps
- Hydrates the body better and quicker
- Burns more calories than cold water
- Stimulates the blood circulation
- Combats menstrual pain
Conclusion
There are more benefits to drinking water at a warm or room temperature than cold water. But that does not mean that you avoid cold water altogether. Drinking cold water after 15 minutes of rest from a workout will definitely help your body to regulate body temperature in a better way. If you are preparing for a competition or in a long dance rehearsal, it’s important to add a low-calorie sports drink to restore lost electrolytes faster. Whether you drink cold or hot water, the important thing to remember is to stay hydrated and healthy.
References:
Should You Drink Cold Water When You Exercise? by Wendy Bumgardner, April 20, 2021 for http://www.verywellfit.com
https://www.verywellfit.com/is-drinking-cold-water-when-exercising-good-or-bad-3435421
COOL DOWN IN THE SUMMER • WHAT’S BETTER — COLD OR HOT DRINKS? by Jen Rhines, July 30, 2019 for http://www.runtastic.com
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.runtastic.com/blog/en/stay-cool-warm-cold-drinks/amp/
Should You Not Drink Ice Cold Water After Exercise? by Lisa Maloney CPT, March 3, 2020 for http://www.livestrong.com
https://www.livestrong.com/article/532678-why-you-shouldnt-drink-ice-cold-water-after-exercise/
This is an informative post. Never give much thought to the effects of the temperature of water on the body. Definitely going to start drinking RT water before a workout. Thanks for sharing.
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It means a lot to receive a comment on a fitness blog from a good chef. I am always intrigued by how different temperatures can make a difference to preserve food and its impact on the body. Thank you so much Kevin for your valuable feedback.
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