The human body is made up of roughly 70% water. Yep, more than half of you is basically H₂O!
Now think about how much water you actually drink in a day. Be honest. Is it really enough? Most of us think we’re on top of it but by the time you notice the dry mouth and start to feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. A better way to check is to sneak a peek in the loo - if your urine is light yellow, you’re doing great. If it’s darker, your body’s asking for more.
Why your muscles love water
Seeing as we’re mostly water anyway, it’s not a shock that your muscles are made up of about 75% of the stuff. We tend to focus on protein shakes, carbs and supplements when we’re building strength but water is the unsung hero. Without it, your muscles can’t contract properly, recover well or grow.
Strength takes a hit without hydration
Research has shown that losing just 1.5% of your body’s water can zap your strength. And if you’re into endurance sports like running or cycling, performance can dip once dehydration hits 2-3%. Even a little bit of dehydration makes a big difference.
Dehydration = muscle breakdown
When you’re dehydrated, your cells literally shrink and your body starts breaking down protein. That means no progress in muscle growth and a lot more soreness than necessary. Staying topped up on water helps your muscles stay strong, healthy and ready for whatever you put them through.
Simple hydration hacks
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be onerous or overly complicated, a few easy habit shifts will keep you on track:
Carry a water bottle everywhere – it’s a great visual reminder
Sip regularly instead of downing loads in one go
Hydrate around workouts – before, during and after
After a massage or intense workout, drink more than usual – your body’s flushing out waste and needs a little extra help.
Massage + hydration = dream team
Speaking of massages, hydration will make them even more effective.
Before your massage: well-hydrated muscles are softer and easier to work on which means less discomfort and better results.
After your massage: massage helps release built-up waste and toxins from your muscles. Drinking water afterwards helps your body flush them away and keeps that post-massage lightheaded feeling at bay.
Hydration isn’t just about avoiding thirst, it’s about fuelling your workouts, protecting your muscles and recovering faster. Throw in a massage and your muscles will be singing.
Get in touch with our team today to book your massage or talk to us about any other aspect of your exercise or wellbeing.
Share this post: