July 26, 2012 - By Deborah Brooks

With the heat of summer upon us, proper hydration is essential for sports and fitness performance.

The cooling of elevated core temperature during exercise results in fluid loss in the form of sweat on the skins surface. It is a natural and healthy response to rising body temperature. As a general rule, the more fit we become the more we sweat as our body becomes an efficient cooling machine. We must replace the lost fluids from sweating during exercise to:

Maintain proper body temperature

Lubricate the joints

Transport nutrients to the tissue

Rid the body of toxic waste built up during exercise

Along with water, sodium, potassium and other electrolytes are lost from the body in this process. Replacing lost fluid and electrolytes is the key to peak performance, endurance and injury prevention.

The big questions are what, how much and when should we be drinking?

More here:
Personal Best: Proper Hydration for Peak Sports and Fitness Performance