Don’t Just Drink—Hydrate
Support Recovery, Boost Performance, and Stay Sharp
At Boulder Athletics, we talk a lot about training hard, fueling right, and recovering smart. One of the simplest ways to support all three is by dialing in your hydration.
About 60% of the human body is water. It’s not just about “drinking more”—hydration plays a direct role in how well your body moves, recovers, digests, and performs. The more hydrated you are, the easier it is for your blood to circulate, delivering oxygen and nutrients to working muscles. That means more energy during training and better recovery after.
And it goes deeper than muscle performance. Hydration affects brain function, mood, digestion, sleep, and joint health. It’s one of the most overlooked—but essential—factors in living well and training at your highest level.
The Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Hydration is foundational. Here are just a few benefits of staying on top of your water game:
✅ Improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles
✅ Supports digestion and efficient nutrient absorption
✅ Boosts athletic performance and energy levels
✅ Aids in fat metabolism and weight management
✅ Enhances cognitive function and mood
✅ Helps flush waste and reduce risk of kidney stones
✅ Keeps joints lubricated and muscles supple
✅ Strengthens immune function
And if you’re training regularly (especially in Colorado’s dry climate), these benefits compound. Staying hydrated means your body is more resilient—and more ready to perform, day after day.
Electrolytes: The Missing Link
Here’s the part a lot of people overlook: hydration isn’t just water. When you sweat, you lose vital electrolytes—especially sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals are crucial for muscle function, hydration balance, and nervous system health.
That’s where electrolyte support comes in. At Boulder Athletics, we’re big fans of LMNT, a no-sugar electrolyte drink mix that helps replenish what’s lost through sweat—without the junk found in most sports drinks. It’s salty (on purpose) and highly effective, especially for athletes, heavy sweaters, and anyone training in heat or humidity.
Add LMNT to your water once a day (or more if you're sweating a lot), and you’ll notice the difference—better performance, fewer cramps, more consistent energy, and quicker recovery.
How Much Water Do You Need?
The general rule of thumb: Drink 1 ounce of water per pound of bodyweight per day.
So, if you weigh 150 lbs, aim for around 150 ounces daily. If you’re sweating a lot, training hard, or at high elevation, you may need even more. This doesn’t mean chugging gallons all at once—just keep a steady intake throughout the day.
Simple Habits to Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. These small daily habits go a long way:
💧 Start your day with water. Drink a glass first thing in the morning—even before coffee. You’ve just gone 7–8 hours without fluids.
⏰ Set hourly reminders. An alarm on your phone every hour keeps you sipping regularly without thinking about it.
🍼 Carry a water bottle everywhere. Make it your sidekick. If it’s with you, you’re more likely to drink.
🥤 Drink water first with meals. Make water your default drink before anything else.
🍽 Feeling hungry? Try water first. Thirst often disguises itself as hunger. Hydrate, then reassess.
🥒 Eat your water. Fruits and veggies are water-rich—especially melons, berries, oranges, cucumbers, leafy greens, and bell peppers. Great for variety when you’re “over” plain water.
Hydrate Like an Athlete
Hydration is about more than just checking a box. It’s a performance tool, a recovery strategy, and a longevity play. Whether you’re lifting, running, riding, or chasing the kids around—how you hydrate directly affects how you feel and function.
Drink water. Add electrolytes. Build habits. Perform better.
Let’s keep showing up hydrated and ready to crush it—day after day.
Stay hydrated, BA fam.
