One of the most fascinating stories I've read recently while learning more about exercise is the story of Gatorade.
It all started with a university football team in Florida.
You may or may not know that heat and humidity are major factors in the Southeast, and Florida is no exception.
In most college leagues at the time, the end of the third quarter brought a lack of energy and a lot of other problems that could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
The coaches at this university, the University of Florida figured out that hydration was the problem.
It wasn't that the players weren't consuming enough fluids, it soon appeared that it was the loss of electrolytes in perspiration that caused the problem.
The first batch didn't taste very good to the players, but when it came to the fourth quarter, they were ready.
They played just as well as they did in the first half, which gave them quite the advantage.
Thus, Gatorade was born and named after UF.
This story is interesting but it shows an important point.
What you drink before and during a workout is going to determine how well you stay hydrated.
The question is, which beverages are good and which aren't? Caffeine: Unless you are trying to boost your metabolism, caffeine is a bad idea.
It is a diuretic, which means that besides the extra perspiration, your kidneys will also take fluids from your body.
Use caution with this ingredient.
Electrolytes: Gatorade is not the only sports' drink on the market, though it is the most famous.
These beverages help when you are perspiring heavily.
Salts, sugar and other needed electrolytes will make sure that they stay balanced in your body.
Sports' Bottles: The container you use to hold your workout beverage is almost as important as the beverage itself.
It's very difficult to unscrew the lid of a bottle while running on a treadmill.
It could cause an accident.
Make sure to get sports bottles.
These can be left with the pop up open and squeezed into your mouth one handed while you continue.
Water: Drinking water is very important, but not always during a workout.
You shouldn't skip it altogether, so have some before and after, but not during.
It may sound crazy, but it is your best bet.
If you have regular problems with hydration and these tips don't help, it's a good idea to see your doctor.
He or she can find out if there's an underlying health complaint that contributes to the problem.
If you are new to exercising, it's also wise to have a physical before you begin.
Not doing so could cause you to have an injury that would put off your shape up plans.