What do I drink during my cycling training?
In general, aim for around 400ml to 800ml per hour in order to stay comfortable. Individual needs can vary widely, depending on exercise duration, individual sweat rate, weather conditions and the opportunities to drink. Therefore it's crucial to listen to your body and adapt your fluid intake accordingly.
Why should I drink during my cycling training?
- Prevent excessive dehydration: If you loose over 2% of your body weight by sweating, you can be dehydrated. This can lead to reduced performance, both physical and cognitive.
- Thermoregulation: Hydration is essential for maintaining your body's temperature. When you are well-hydrated, your body can efficiently release heat by sweating, which is particularly important in hot weather or during strenuous rides to prevent overheating and heat-related problems such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Prevent excessive changes in electrolyte balance: Electrolyte imbalances during exercise can potentially lead to fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and the possibility of muscle cramps. Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is crucial for optimizing exercise performance and minimizing the risk of these symptoms.
- Digestive Comfort: Eating energy bars or gels without fluids can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including stomach cramps or feelings of fullness. Combining them with water or a sports drink can dilute their concentration in your stomach, reducing the risk of gut issues.
How do I get my hydration during cycling on point?
Drink frequently: During your ride, aim to take small sips up to an amount of 200ml of water or a sports drink every 15-20 minutes. This can help maintain a consistent level of hydration.
Monitor Urine Color: Check your urine color after your ride to check your hydration status. Pale yellow urine generally indicates good hydration, while dark yellow or amber urine may signal dehydration. Keep a log to learn and get insights if you need more fluids during your next session.
Know Your Needs: Factors such as your sweat rate, weather conditions, and the duration and intensity of your ride can influence the amount you should drink before cycling. To gain insights into your specific requirements, consider performing a basic sweat rate test during your training sessions to assess your individual sweat rate. Repeatedly conducting this test and keeping a log will provide you with valuable insights and a better understanding of your personal sweat rates, allowing you to adjust your pre-training hydration strategy accordingly.
Popular hydration options before cycling
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Definitions
- - Electrolytes: Electrolytes are essential minerals, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate. These minerals support the of regulating various bodily functions related to sports performance, including muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and fluid balance.
- - Heat exhaustion: a heat-related illness characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and an elevated body temperature. If not treated promptly by moving to a cooler environment and rehydrating, heat exhaustion can progress to a more severe condition called heatstroke.
- - Heatstroke: a severe and life-threatening heat-related condition characterized by a dangerously elevated body temperature (usually above 104°F or 40°C) along with symptoms such as confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and potentially unconsciousness. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications or death.
- - Sweat rate test: A test to measure and calculate how much fluids you have lost by sweating during your ride.
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