Part V: The Element of Life

Water is one of the most important elements on this Earth. For people who know me, they know I always have a water bottle at my side. Water is important to me. Before every workout I always make sure I drink a glass of water. It helps to replenish my body and prepare it for the workout ahead. In the beginning of my process I would always bring a water bottle to workout with. I realized that I needed more water when I felt dehydrated during my workout.

I eventually increased my water intake from one to three/four water bottles per workout. To be environmentally friendly, I bought large plastic cups that I could use instead of water bottles. Instead of using multiple water bottles per day I would just refill my cups when needed.

Having a five gallon water jug machine in your house will increase your families water intake. My family goes through about a jug every two days. When water is accessible in such a convenient way it is guaranteed to be used.

During the first couple weeks of working out, the human body can lose up to ten pounds of pure water weight. It is important to continuously drink water in order to stay hydrated. Other than keeping your body hydrated, water can keep you healthy from illness and diseases. Water keeps your intestines moving; it cleanses your body and keeps your skin smooth and hydrated. Most health professionals recommend eight to twelve glasses of water a day. If you workout rigorously, additional water will be needed. An additional eight to sixteen ounces of water will be needed for short exercises. Obviously more water will be needed for longer endurance events like running and biking. I lost a good five pounds of water weight 'right off the bat'.



Six health benefits of drinking water:
1. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids
2. Water can help control calories
3. Water helps energize muscles
4. Water helps keep skin looking good.
5. Water helps your kidneys
6. Water helps maintain normal bowel function.

It is unbelievable how 71% of the Earth is covered by water, yet we can only consume a percentage of that. The human body contains from 55% to 78% water, depending on body size. Drinking the right amount of water can keep your body energized and ready for a long workout.

Join me next week when I discuss some of my favorite endurance workouts to do- running and walking. Running is such a great exercise to do and amazingly it's quite simple.