HYDRATION?

It feels like a long time since I have done a “wellness” post for this blog, but as it is the introduction of a new year, I thought I should introduce a little dancers fact…

Dancers sweat. They sweat and they work their bodies for long periods of time–much like other athletes. Nice fact, I know.. But hear me out on this one…

Here we enter, hydration. Keeping your body properly hydrated is important as a dancer.

Hydration

Even mild dehydration can affect performance.  Staying hydrated is extremely important to a dancer’s performance because the first signs of dehydration are fatigue and poor balance.

Thirst actually only kicks in after the body has lost 1-2 liters of water. If you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated.

The science: 

Water makes up approximately 60% of body weight and is the largest component of the human body.

The muscles we work so hard to develop as dancers (skeletal muscles) are about 73% water, your blood is about 93% water and even bones and teeth have some water.

Water is critical for maintaining homeostasis within the body and is important in the thousands of biochemical and physiological functions our body goes through every day. Water aids in digestion and is important in the transport and elimination systems of the body.

Overheating and performance: 

It’s important for dancers to know that being properly hydrated helps keep the body from overheating. Helping the body promote heat loss when dancing full out will improve athletic performance and aid in recovery. This is especially important for dancers wearing hot costumes and performing under stage lights. Sweat losses during performance can be significantly more than during rehearsal of the same piece. This is why drinking regularly (even small, regular sips) is an important habit during a show.

How much is really needed? Can a dancer get fluids from other things besides water? 

It has been proven that the recommendation is that athletes (we all know that dancers are athletes) start their exercise already hydrated with about 17 ounces of beverage taken before you begin, and then continue to drink 5-10 ounces every 20 minutes or so.

This means that your reusable water bottle should be your constant companion in the studio or backstage. 20% can come from foods like fruits and veggies, but about 80% comes from what you drink.

Aim to get most through water, but juices, sports beverages, and even tea and coffee can be counted toward that goal. Some dancers find that mixing 50% sports beverage with 50% water in their reusable bottles helps them get through long rehearsals or classes. This is because sports beverages contain a source of energy (calories) and electrolytes that are lost in sweat.

What about caffeine? 

Caffeine makes us more awake and is known to enhance athletic performance. But there can be too much of a “good” thing.  Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, not a source of energy.  Yes, caffeine can also promote water loss and therefore we should try to limit caffeine, but those beverages can still count toward your daily intake.

The one thing I will always recommend, is avoiding sugar-packed drinks like Coke. They are empty calorie bombs and can make bones weaker.  One cup of coffee is fine, but being overly jittery doesn’t help your dancing.

So be good to your body and good to the Earth by bringing your reusable water bottle with you everywhere and refilling it often.