The Hydration Experiment

Every individual has a different sweat rate.  Even a mere 1% loss of fluid can have negative effects on performance.  Determine your individual sweat rate so that you can properly hydrate your body during and after physical activity.

The Hydration Experiment-
1. Weigh yourself before physical activity in minimal clothing.
2. Take note of how much fluid you drink during your workout.
3. Weigh yourself after your workout in minimal clothing (clothing holds sweat)

Each pound lost is equal to 16 oz (2 cups) of fluid. You also have to account for fluid that you consume during your workout. For example, let's say you weigh 150 lbs before your workout. Then you work out for one hour and consume 16 oz of fluid during the workout. If you weigh 148 lbs after your workout then you could calculate your sweat rate-

150 lbs-148 lbs= 2 lbs lost x 16 oz = 32oz + 16 oz (consumed during exercise)= 48 oz

That means that for every hour that you exercise, you should consume 48 oz (6 cups) of fluid before/after the workout in order to stay properly hydrated.

An easy rule of thumb- Drink 3 cups of fluid for every pound lost during exercise!