With the weather that we are currently experiencing in san diego, i don’t think that there’s a more appropriate subject than hydration. seriously, it was the very first thing that came to mind when i was trying to decide what to write about. now if you haven’t been outside in a couple of days, you should know that scorching 95 degree heat awaits you, and that’s the temperature coastal! i can’t even imagine what it’s like inland right now
So let’s talk about water, and all of its magical properties. actually, first let’s talk about what happens when you don’t drink enough water and you become dehydrated:
- Muscle fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- Irregular body temperature
- False hunger
- False exhaustion
- Irritability, mood swings and headaches
- Cramps and gastrointestinal distress
Don’t those sound fun? okay, back to the magical properties i mentioned. by keeping your body fully hydrated, you’re helping to prevent some pretty nasty side effects. water helps you digest your food so that your gi system works efficiently and nutrients are well digested and distributed. in blood, water transports glucose, oxygen and fats to muscles that are working, and then it also helps to carry away metabolic by-products like carbon dioxide and lactic acid. when you pee and your urine is bright yellow? it’s a clear sign that you’re dehydrated! water in urine helps to eliminate metabolic waste products. if your urine is dark, that means that you have a greater concentration of metabolic waste in your body waiting to be excreted! water helps to lubricate joints and helps to cushion organs, and last but not least, water in sweat helps you to dissipate heat through the skin. your body temperature is regulated when water absorbs heat from working muscles and dissipates it through sweat, improving the way you feel, as well as any athletic performance. so yes, if you’re dehydrated and you come to barre, it will be even harder, and for all of the wrong reasons!!!
Now growing up, we were all told to “listen to our bodies” when it came to drinking enough water. but the truth is that if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. you need to keep drinking water throughout your day to stay at positive hydration levels, especially in heat like this.
Don’t love water? get bored easily? well, we have a solution for you! citrus is in season right now, as are berries. both are a-ma-zing when put in your water. you can muddle the berries at the bottom of your water bottle, or just cut up the citrus and throw it right in. in fact, this is where the new studio barre drinking cup comes in quite handy! it has an infusing compartment that allows you to put berries, citrus, herbs (such as mint), and even melons inside without making your water all mucky, and you can refill over and over again! we can’t think of a better water cup to take to class, work, school, or the beach!
I’m hoping that you’re going to finish reading this and then go get yourself a cold and refreshing glass of agua. maybe two. i’m drinking mine right now!
Happy tucking (and hydrating)!
Shannon
