You are approximately 60% water. In fact, you probably wouldn’t survive for more than 3 days without water. It is an essential part of your body as it ensures nutrients are able to move between cells and toxins are flushed out.
This is even more important when you’re exercising as you’re sweating the water out of your body. To counteract this you’ll need to drink before and after you exercise. In fact, many people prefer to drink water while they are working out. But is it a good idea to drink cold water when exercising?
The first thing to understand about cold water is that it will reduce your internal core temperature. If you’re not exercising when you drink the cold water then your body will need to increase your core temperature. This boosts your metabolism and helps you to burn more calories.
In fact, drinking cold water is a great way of boosting your body’s fat burning capabilities. But, if you are exercising then your body temperature is probably already high and your body is fighting to keep it in the normal range. This diverts energy from your workout.
The cold water will reduce your core temperature helping your body to stay within the right range without it needing to expend so much energy doing so. The reward is more energy to workout harder and for longer.
Digestion
Cold water is digested as fast as warm or even hot water. Your body will re-hydrate just as quickly regardless of the temperature of the water. It will simply affect your core temperature.
The Cramps
There is a rumor that drinking cold water when exercising will increase the risk of muscle cramps. In fact, muscle cramps are a result of toxin build-up which is directly connected to a lack of water in your body.
As already explained water helps to flush toxins out of your system.
In reality, cold water will not increase the likelihood of cramps; it will decrease it!
The Quality Of The Water
It is important to consider the quality of the water you are drinking. Ideally, you should be supplying the water yourself so that you can be certain it has been through a good quality water filter. There are some providers that only provide the best quality water filters.
If the water hasn’t been filtered then you are at risk of consuming bacteria or debris that has not been removed; even if it should have been. This could make you seriously ill.
In addition, it is important to drink from an approved water bottle. Refilling a plastic bottle can be detrimental to your health as they have been linked to PCOS, endometriosis and even breast cancer.
Drinking cold water when exercising won’t do you any harm. It will help you to stay cool, hydrated and exercise for longer. But you should take the necessary steps to ensure the water you are drinking is of the best possible quality. You don’t want to get ill while trying to be healthy!
Tags: drinking, exercise, fitness, hydration, Sports, water, working out, workout
