5 Ways Water Helps Promote Fitness

By Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD

Water makes up between 55% and 75% of our bodyweight. Although we can go without food for several weeks, our bodies cannot function more than a few days without water. So even if you’re not actively training, it’s important to be proactive about staying hydrated by drinking water.

5 Ways Drinking Water Promotes Overall Health and Fitness

1. Water and normal bodily functions: Boosting your metabolism, cleaning your body of toxins and keeping your body functioning smoothly are some of the reasons why water is important to fitness. Water consumption helps to circulate blood, digest food and keep your mouth from becoming dry. Be proactive about drinking water: Don’t wait for thirst to tell you when to drink.
2. Water and athletic performance: The more water in your muscles, the better they function. Water can increase your muscles’ capacity for enhanced size and strength. It also lubricates your joints to can prevent exercise-related injuries and helps flush toxins from your body, including those produced while exercising.
3. Water and appetite: Did you know that your body is sometimes unable to distinguish between x and y? There have been studies which indicate that the body can confuse hunger with dehydration. For this reason, people who drink more water are less likely to have cravings and binge on junk food.
4. Water and fatigue: Fatigue can be caused by dehydration. Staying hydrated will help you feel more alert and focused.
5. Water vs. other beverages: Whether it be sodas, juices or alcoholic beverages, many popular drink choices have zero nutritional benefit. A can of soda can contain 39 grams of sugar, which equates to nearly 10 teaspoons of the sweetener! Packaged fruit juices are not much better. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and contain no nutritional benefit. By making water your beverage of choice, you will avoid these empty calories and have a better shot at achieving your fitness goals.