October 15, 2016
Water
As a personal trainer and health coach, one of the most standout issues to me is client water consumption. What a fun coincidence it was for me, to begin the HHNM Section of the course, and see that Topic #1 was- WATER.
All of my clients are provided with standard health history and liability waivers, as well as an in-depth “getting to know you” packet inquiring about all of their habits and a snap shot of their day. One question in this packet is, “Each day, I consume approximately _____ amount of water.” It never fails to make me want to bang my head right into a table when the answers roll in from my smart, educated, vivacious clients… Answers tend to range from “EW,” to “1 cup/ bottle,” to “I drink coffee and iced tea, that counts, right?” or the worst, “I don’t.” Oh my gosh! It is rare for me to intake a client consuming over 2L water per day in the beginning. As someone who carries my trusty liter bottle around with me like a baby, this blows my mind.
The first conversation we have after that includes some follow up questions… Do you bloat? Do you retain water? Do you feel tired or sluggish? Do you experience constipation?
The second conversation is my “Cliff’s Notes” version of WHY you need water… The human body is made of mostly water, it is vital to life and maintaining a healthy body. Water can relieve fatigue, boost your mood by preventing mild dehydration (you may not even know you are dehydrated!), aid in digestion/ relieve constipation, rev up weight loss (thirst is often confused for hunger, a hydrated body burns fat more efficiently), water promotes kidney function, water gives you younger looking skin, and lastly- it helps prevent bad breath by washing out the mouth. It is also calorie-free, readily available, and cheap.
Once I have clients nodding along in agreement with me, we work together to implement easy, sustainable, “no brainer” ways to get them drinking MORE water.
Some Go-To Tips I give my clients include…
- Splurge on a fancy/ cute reusable bottle. I prefer glass with a rubber outer bumper.
- Consider buying an at-home water filter system (many price points to choose from) if you hate “tap water” taste.
- Drink 1-2 glasses of water immediately upon rising. Have a bit before bed, as well (if it doesn’t disturb your sleep).
- Consume 1 glass of water driving TO work/ school and one glass on the way BACK home.
- Infuse your water! My favorites are lemon or cucumber slices (clean & slice).
- Increase daily consumption slowly. Try 250-500ML extra per day, a few days at a time, to get yourself used to the new water load.
For the most part, within a few weeks, clients are on-board and well hydrated. They notice a difference in their energy, skin, and elimination. Once they see/ feel the changes, there is no going back.
10.14.2016
Blog Entry #1- Megan
