The importance of hydration is something I have always struggled with as a trainer, and it’s something that certainly not everyone agrees on 100%. I have, admittedly, been all over the board from drinking tons of water to not really worrying about it at all. It is something, however, that has seemed to make a dramatic impact on physical health for me over the past 6 months, so as we lean into the conversation of hydration this week I invite you to be open minded, to try some new strategies and to find out where your optimal level lies.
Over the past year or so I have started each morning with 15 ounces of water, lemon and salt. Instead of coffee first thing I have a warm bottle of lemon/salt water on my drive to work. It has made a big difference in my ability to drink enough water throughout the day and, maybe most importantly, it starts each day with a decision that just felt really healthy. There is science in the fact that good decisions lead to more good decisions – so where better to start than the first choice of the day?
In January I made a really concentrated effort to increase the amount of water I drank throughout the day, likely averaging about 100 ounces per day. While this all anecdotal, there is research to support most of these claims and it’s a pretty easy and inexpensive thing to try if you’re looking for better health and results.
Upping my water intake has seemed to have great affects on my:
- Overall hunger levels throughout the day more controlled
- Joint pain reduction
- Decreased alcohol intake (fizzy water with lime)
- Decrease in body fat / weight management
Of course, the increase in water intake isn’t the only things I have changed and adapted, but it is certainly a part of the equation. And it’s the easiest “change” I have implemented. Likely worth a try for most of us. Max Steele is the newest Hyatt Training intern. His post on habit forming is a great place to start with examining how to increase your intake (and why). Reva’s post on the pitfalls of dehydration should solidify why it’s worth the effort. Enjoy!
Author Jeremy Hyatt is a personal trainer and co-owner of Hyatt Training. He believes it’s important to start with the basics and move from there. Too often, people get into complicated movements and goals before they have the proper fundamentals, which can lead to negative results.
Learn more about Jeremy, or get in touch with him by emailing us at Go@HyattTraining.com.
Hyatt Training is a collective of certified, enthusiastic and innovative personal trainers in Portland, Oregon.
