Fluids in Sport

Drinking fluid during exercise is necessary to replace fluids lost in sweat. This action will reduce the risk of heat stress, maintain normal muscle function, and prevent performance decreases due to dehydration. In most cases during exercise, the rates of sweat loss are higher than the rate you can drink, so most athletes get into fluid deficit. Therefore, fluid guidelines promote drinking more fluid to reduce the deficit and potential performance detriments associated with dehydration.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that it is possible to over-drink during exercise. This highlights the importance of getting to know your sweat rate and knowing how much you should be drinking.

Click here to view the fact sheet Fluids in Sport

For more information about eating and drinking before, during and after sport for both adults and junior athletes check out the following fact sheets

Sports Drink

Eating and drinking before sport

Eating and drinking during and after sport

Fuelling and cooling the junior athlete