Summer Fitness & Hydration

If you live in the northern hemisphere, the season of heat has arrived.  And, as most people are aware, when the temperature increases you need to make sure that you keep yourself hydrated.   If you participate in sports or vigorous physical exercise in the heat, then you need to be even more vigilant, such as using a hydration supplement to keep yourself well hydrated.

Recently, I spoke with Seth Bovio from Ultima Replenisher.  As the child of a professional runner, and a runner himself, Seth has seen and experienced the need to stay hydrated during a race.  While water is essential, when working out intensely, such as running a marathon, electrolyte replacement is needed.

Watching television commercials, one could assume that sports drinks are the answer for electrolyte replacement.  However, according to Seth these drinks also contain chemicals and more sugar and sodium than are needed.  He explained, “Sugar gives a glucose rush, which increases the heart rate. Sodium increases blood pressure, and the chemicals cause stomach cramps.”

Ultima Replenisher supplies your body with the electrolytes it needs without additional sugar, sodium, or chemicals.  According to their website, this product has been recommended by nutritionalists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

If you are looking for another way to keep hydrated without purchasing this product, he had a simple recommendation.  Use food.  Seth’s best suggestion for a homemade drink was “4 parts water to 1 part coconut water, which reduces the amount of carbohydrates to 4 or 5 grams per serving.”  This mixture will eliminate stomach issues but supple the needed electrolytes.

As you prepare for your next high endurance activity during the summer, remember to stay well hydrated and add a few electrolytes to keep your body in top form.

Learn more about summer fitness topics, such as kids & exercise, warming up and cooling down, exercising in the heat, and using your smartphone for a workout.