Why is hydration important and how much water should you drink?

Hydration is important in athletics because water is essential for regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products. During exercise, athletes lose fluids through sweat, and if these fluids are not replaced, it can lead to dehydration, which can negatively affect performance and increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The amount of water an athlete should drink depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of the activity, as well as the athlete's body weight and sweat rate. As a general guideline, athletes should aim to drink about 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercise and another 7-10 ounces every 10-20 minutes during exercise. After exercise, athletes should continue to hydrate by drinking enough water to replace the fluids lost during exercise. It's also important to remember that thirst is not always an accurate indicator of hydration status, so athletes should try to drink water regularly throughout the day to ensure proper hydration.

-Steve