Hydration is one of the least sexy aspects to talk about when it comes to nutrition, but one of the most important. A large portion of people do not consume enough water, and as a result, are chronically dehydrated. How do you know how much fluid to drink? And what are athletes missing when they only drink water?

Weight cut is a skill unto itself and is part of the job for professional fighters. Fighters who agree to compete at a specific weight class are expected to show up and make weight. Failure to do so shows a level of unprofessionalism that is not tolerated within the professional fighting world. 

Weight cut is a skill unto itself and is part of the job for professional fighters. Fighters who agree to compete at a specific weight class are expected to show up and make weight. Failure to do so shows a level of unprofessionalism that is not tolerated within the professional fighting world.

Day before weigh-ins

Pass weigh in

Day of weigh-ins

rehydrate right after!!

Electrolytes are important because they help regulate the fluid inside our cells and maintain the pH of our blood. Nerve, muscle, and heart function all depend on having an ample amount of these electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are lost primarily through sweat and replaced by the fluids you drink and the food you eat.

The more you sweat from training or weigh cut, the more important it becomes to balance the electrolytes with fluids. In the absence of these electrolytes, your cells will not adequately retain the water you are drinking, and your athletic performance will suffer as a result.

Most athletes will go for sports drinks in an attempt to get electrolytes during races. While they do provide potassium and sodium, they are missing other crucial electrolytes in the form of calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Some sports drinks can be dehydrating because of their sugar content.

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are especially important for cramps, a common problem for endurance athletes. If you want to optimize health and athletic performance, there are far better options than sports drinks. It takes some smart planning on your part, but how important are your health and athletic performance to you?