The Power of Electrolytes and Your Goals

Electrolytes play a huge role in your bodies ability to have healthy and thriving cells, thus a healthy body. They are powerful contributors to the way our bodies produces energy in and out of the gym!

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. This is important because it is what charges our body and helps it function at optimal levels. Without enough electrolytes, your body starts to impair it’s functions. You may have blood clotting, muscle contractions or cramping, fluid disregulation, etc.

WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

Everybody needs electrolytes, but if you are someone who has health and fitness goals, this is even more important for you. These electrolytes help you to contract your muscles throughout the workouts. It has been studied that even as little as 1-2% dehydration during workouts causes you to lose muscle, power, and endurance which means you’ll fatigue faster and not get as much out of the workout. 

Nobody wants to wait longer for results.

HOW MUCH DO WE NEED?

This is going to be dependent on how active you are. If you give your all at the gym and are wanting to progress faster, you most likely lose a bit of fluid throughout your workouts that you’ll want to replace. It can also depend on where you live. For example, if it’s warmer or during the summer where you sweat more, you’re going to want to pay attention to this so you can increase your intake.

For my clients I say it is a good goal to reach between 300-400mg of sodium and potassium every day.

Other ones you can be mindful of are : Calcium and magnesium

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU GET ENOUGH?

My favorite ways to get in sodium and potassium specifically is through Powerade 0’s or other sports drinks, Bai coconut water, salting all my food, spinach, dried fruits, potatoes, tuna, I’ve heard LMNT or Liquid IV powders are good but I haven’t personally tried them!