Fathoming your hydration needs in winter can be difficult. Naturally, you feel less thirsty in cold temperatures than you do in the heat. Even a sweat-inducing workout wouldn’t trigger your thirst like it would in summer. This means it’s likely you’re not drinking enough fluids when you should, creating a risk of increased dehydration for yourself without realising it.

Importance of Hydration in Winter

Every day, you lose about 1 cup of water simply from breathing. Your lungs depend on water to breathe, and for them to take in oxygen, they must be continually moistened. When dehydrated, your body tries to prevent respiratory water loss by producing histamines that close off the capillaries in your lungs. Although it keeps your fluid levels up, it makes breathing more difficult. Throw thicker winter sportswear into the mix, and your body has to work extra hard.

Dress Warm for Winter Exercise

As counterintuitive as it sounds, dressing warm for winter exercise is essential. Particularly pay attention to your extremities. When you’re cold, your blood vessels constrict to stop blood from flowing freely to your hands and feet. Failing to stay warm can result in fluid loss through cold diuresis, the way your body functions to preserve heat when exposed to icy weather. Scientists believe cold diuresis is caused by the kidneys sensing a rise in blood pressure, consequently producing more urine. More urine production means more bathroom trips, increasing fluid loss.

Replace Lost Electrolytes

You could be in zero degrees weather doing intensive exercise and still deplete the electrolytes in your body. Not only are electrolytes vital to next-level performance, but basic biological functioning, too. Sodium and chloride are the electrolytes most depleted during exercise, which inevitably impairs power, strength, skill, agility and focus. Calcium and magnesium are the other two electrolytes lost - these are essential to muscle function and post-workout muscle recovery. Drinking a fast-rehydration drink like iPRO Sport Edition will restore the electrolyte balance in your body - improving your recovery and helping your body adapt.

Winter Hydration Guidelines

The general guidelines of approximately 8 ounces of fluids 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising or during your warm-up still applies. It’s advised to drink another 7 to 10 ounces of fluids every 20 minutes during your exercise (source: FamilyDoctor.org). With an inhibited thirst mechanism, you may forget to do drink. Setting a timer on your mobile or watch is an effective way to remember your drinking intervals. Remember, even when you don’t feel thirsty, your body still needs those hydrating fluids to thrive. There are several great-tasting hydration beverages on the market to boost your inclination to drink. For instance, iPRO Sport Edition.

The Premium Isotonic Drink: iPRO Sport Edition

iPRO Sport Edition is a healthy isotonic drink. It contains a starch-based carbohydrate called maltodextrin and is infused with essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. The cold and darker months can take their toll on our bodies, triggering a tired and sluggish feeling. A boost of carbohydrates like maltodextrin will revitalise and fuel you as you work out.

iPRO Sport Edition holds a globally recognised Informed Sport certification. This mark of certification validates every batch has been tested for superior quality before being sold, underpinning its reputation as a leading healthy hydration drink for active communities across the UK. Available in Berry Mix, Orange & Pineapple, Citrus Blend, and Mango flavours, iPRO Sport Edition is the ultimate winter workout drink.

Fully harness your winter workout with the renowned iPRO Sport Edition range at iPRO.Direct for less than £1 a bottle!