Hydrate to Dominate 

 March 1, 2022

By  Melvin Kenny

Why Is Hydration Important for Basketball?

Hydration is important for basketball because it can help to prevent injuries and boost performance.

Hydration helps the body stay healthy by providing fluids that aid in digestion, provide energy, and maintain electrolyte balance. Hydration also plays an important role in preventing muscle cramps during a game of basketball.

To dominate an entire basketball game, you need to step up your hydration with electrolytes and water, which will improve your athletic performance and recovery when the game is on the line.

Why Hydrate with Electrolytes?

 Your body requires electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium and other minerals) to replenish the ones lost from your sweat; this is why drinking water will not be enough to hydrate yourself. Electrolytes have multiple functions in the body, but they regulate fluid levels to help contract your muscles and fire your nervous system optimally.

Basketball and bottled water edited

Consequences of Dehydration

When you dehydrate, or you have an electrolyte imbalance, you are susceptible to a reduction in performance due to:

  • Body overheating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Low energy (Fatigue)
  • Lack of mental focus
  • Decreased coordination
  • High demand for oxygen
  • High heart rate

Performance Benefits

You need to drink electrolyte water for 60 to 105 minutes before you compete because your body hydrates and absorbs it more efficiently at rest, preparing you to adapt to the intensity of the game.

You will see an improvement in your athletic performance since it reduces:

  • Core body temperature
  • Sweating – which results in fewer electrolytes lost
  • Average heart rate
  • Your feelings of fatigue

Since you will be less tired, it will give you the competitive advantage of playing up to 20 minutes longer than your opponents at a high intensity (depending on the basketball court temperature).

What about Sports Drinks?

Big companies that own sports drinks are great at advertising how their products are great at replenishing electrolytes. However, look at their nutrition facts; you will notice the calories are full of sugar and their low-calorie products do not have enough sodium, potassium & magnesium to optimally affect your performance.

Sport VS Electrolyte Drink

Recommendations

The simplest way to make your electrolyte drink is to mix 1.5 teaspoons of salt with anywhere from 0.5 to 1L of water; whether you are using sea or pink Himalayan salt, it should be unrefined and free of additives. If you are not a fan of the taste of plain salt, at CoreXcellence, we recommend Elemental Labs or AtpLab, which have naturally flavoured salts with the following qualities:

  • Sugar-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • All Natural Ingredients
Electrolytes LMNT AtpLab

Overall

Basketball is a demanding sport that can take a lot out of you. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are well hydrated before, during, and after playing. By drinking plenty of fluids and eating hydrating foods, you can help your body stay healthy and prevent muscle cramps.

Staying hydrated will also help keep your muscles loose, preventing injury. So remember to drink up for an energized game! Have you ever experienced muscle cramps while playing basketball? If so, what did you do to relieve the pain? Let me know in the comments below or by emailing me at melvin@corexcellence.com. I’d love to hear from you

References

Melvin Kenny


Following improper rehab guidance after what came to be a career ending injury, I am now committed to helping my clients develop sound foundational movement mechanics - building resilient athletes.

Disclaimer: The Website may provide information related to exercise, fitness, diet, and nutrition intended for your personal use and informational purposes only. You should consult with a physician before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet or nutrition routine, especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing health conditions. Nothing contained on this Website should be considered medical advice or diagnosis, and your use of the Website is solely at your own risk.

related posts:

Get Started With Your New Online Training Program