When should you hydrate?

By Evan Ferwerda, Owner; Alloy Personal Training

As the temps start to climb this month, it’s a smart idea to pay attention to your water intake.

The body itself is about 60 percent water, so if you’re not getting enough, that affects your health. Allowing yourself to become dehydrated could mean muscle soreness and cramping, fatigue and a host of other issues, such as back pain and joint pain. People often ask me how much is enough water each day? We recommend drinking an ounce per every pound of your body weight.

I’m also asked about the timing of when to drink water, before, during or after a workout. The answer is all of the above. It’s important to hydrate before a workout, because by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already in a state of dehydration.

In addition to water, consuming BCAAs, which stands for branched chain amino acids, is beneficial to building stronger, leaner muscle. Since the body does not naturally produce BCAAs, you need to get them from your diet. We offer a pre-workout supplement that fortifies the body with electrolytes and amino acids.

For the optimal results, our program encompasses nutrition as well as training. We go over each member’s diet to make sure they are where they need to be to reach their goals.

Designed by exercise physiologists, physical therapists, dieticians and behavioral specialists, Alloy Personal Training offers the intensity of one-on-one training with the accountability and affordability of small classes in a state-of-the-art facility. It’s located within Merchants Square at 123 Ghent Road in Fairlawn. Call 330-964-6954 or visit AlloyPersonalTraining.com for more information.