Walking has become the “Go-To” fitness activity for those who are starting out on a healthier way of living their lives. Why, because it’s a low-impact activity and it’s a great way to get your body moving, especially if you’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle previously. Walking briskly for 30 minutes to an hour is a great way to becoming more active. But, did you know that you can become dehydrated and cause your muscles some harm if you’re not hydrated enough?
People that engage in walking should drink a large glass of water an hour before walking, then drink about a cup of water every mile. When you finish walking, drink a glass of water. Without this extra water, your muscles will become dehydrated. Muscle movement depends on how hydrated you are, so if they are dry, they will not work as well.
Hydration is very important to a successful exercise program. Whether it is a strength training, running or walking. Our bodies are made of 75% of water and needs to be maintained for the body to function at its best.
Symptoms of dehydration to watch for:
Thirst
Dry Mouth
fatigue or Weakness
Chills
Dark Colored Urine
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
While you’re walking, especially if you’re out for an extended period of time and it’s a sunny, hot day, you should be drinking 5-10 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes. Your body will tell you when you need to refill by feeling thirsty or using the above clues to key in on. Best advice is to LISTEN to your body!
Now walking, serious walking at a brisk pace while holding on to a water bottle is not only a little inconvenient but its also a given that you’re probably going to be dropping that bottle sometime on your walk. Having an insulated bottle along with you that you can attach to your belt while walking is a plus. The Klean Kanteen is just such a bottle to help keep you hydrated. The great thing about this bottle is that its cap is designed so that you can clip it to your belt, a backpack or any support item you may want to take with you on a long walk. It easily attaches to your belt by using a carabiner This way you can stay hydrated and provide the fluid your muscles need to stay elastic as your walking those miles!
So, there you have it, keep walking but drink enough so that your body works the way it was designed to.
From your walking buddies here at PedometersUSA.com.