Hydration for CrossFit

CrossFit is both a physical exercise and a competitive sport. With over 13,000 affiliated gyms and countless members, CrossFit has grown into a wildly popular fitness practice since its founding in 2000. Whether you’re new to CrossFit or a dedicated practitioner, you’ll find that proper hydration for CrossFit is essential to your continued success.   

More than Water

One of the most appealing elements of a CrossFit practice is the variability of workouts. Each day has a different “WOD” (workout of the day) which brings new combinations and challenges for your body. The one thing you can always count on from a CrossFit workout is that you’re going to sweat. When you sweat, your body is losing more than just water. Electrolytes (tiny particles that carry electrical charges through your body) are essential to muscle function, and they’re also lost through sweat. This is why electrolyte replacement for CrossFit workouts is so crucial. Nuun is loaded with electrolytes and a single tab in your water bottle helps you maximize the benefits of hydration for CrossFit. Plus, the light refreshing flavor and clean ingredients won’t weigh you down like a heavy protein shake or chunky smoothie.

Preloading Electrolytes

CrossFit workouts can be fast paced and even with a reusable water bottle on hand it can be hard to make time to hydrate adequately in your session. One tip we at Nuun have always been big advocates of is Pre-Loading your electrolytes. The concept is simple enough: drink electrolyte enhanced hydration before your CrossFit workout. The benefits are plentiful, and you can learn all about the science of this hydration strategy in its own dedicated blog post.

For Workouts Over 90 Minutes

If you’re going to be sweating for more than 90 minutes, the physiological demands of your body change and you need more than just electrolytes and hydration to stay on top of your game. Hydrating for CrossFit when you’re going to be pushing yourself harder than usual can benefit from the addition of a blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates. Nuun Endurance is specifically formulated with a balanced ratio of carbs and electrolytes. Unlike conventional sports drinks, it’s light and low in sugar so you won’t experience the gastrointestinal distress that sugary drinks can induce.

The Bottom Line

Hydration and CrossFit go together like peanut butter and jelly, like biscuits and gravy… If you’re going to your local CrossFit gym, or just doing a WOD at home, make sure you bring a reusable water bottle and some electrolyte replenishment. Even if you’re pre-loading electrolytes you should continue to hydrate in your workout. The symptoms of dehydration can sneak up on you—starting with a little extra fatigue or a headache… It’s also important to hydrate AFTER your CrossFit workout. Propper CrossFit hydration will help with your recovery time so you can get back on top of your game day after day.