So you think you're ready to go to the gym? OK, let's take a moment and make sure you have everything.
You have your gym clothes, since you don't want to wear your fancy work clothes to the gym.
(I guess you could if you really wanted to, but that designer suit can get pretty hot during the summer.
) Next, you've got your gym membership card to make sure that you're not escorted off the premises like last time.
Maybe you have a sweatband to keep your eyes from burning.
(Yes, I know, that probably falls under gym clothes which we've already mentioned, but I wanted to be thorough.
) Have you forgotten anything? No, I don't mean your ipod with the latest Smallville episode.
I'm talking about one of the essential ingredients for life: water.
You may be wondering why drinking water is such a big deal as part of a muscle building or bodybuilding program.
Here's a quote from the book Strength Training by Lee Brown: "Water is essential to muscular strength because it constitutes about 70% of muscle.
" The author then goes on to talk about how exercise can increase in body temperature can dehydrate our bodies.
Now do you get it? Muscles need water.
Let's put it a little more clearly: muscles are mostly water! So it is crucial to drink plenty of water, especially during your training hours, if you wish to protect your body and maximize the muscle building process.
If you're wondering about exact quantities, many experts suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces of water.
For example, if you weigh 160 pounds you would drink 80 ounces of water, or 10 cups, each and every day.
Always make sure you have plenty of water with you throughout the day but especially while you're training.
It's not very convenient to rely on the water fountain, since you should be sipping water throughout your workout.
Also, some would argue that your own filtered water or bottled water is healthier.
In any case, make sure to make a habit of drinking plenty of water, and your muscles will thank you.