Are you properly hydrated for practice sessions and competitions?

Competitions are demanding. Rehearsals place even more strain on the body. 

Most experienced dance competitors know the value of keeping their body properly hydrated BEFORE and AFTER dancing to ensure peak performance.  They also know that "dehydration" lowers endurance, saps muscle strength, leads to cramps, and can sometimes result in injuries.  

Hydration is important to the proper functioning of your body.  Storing and replacing carbohydrates and electrolytes is equally important.  While the old standby, water, is easily accessible and provides reliable hydration, newly formulated Sports Drinks like Gatorade, PowerAde, AllSport, and various juice drinks have the added benefit of providing carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and electrolytes (sodium and potassium). What they do:

Electrolytes: Increase fluid absorption, help maintain fluid levels, add taste
Carbohydrates: Provide energy, increase endurance

Comparative hydration aspects of various types of beverages:

Rule #1: It's not so much WHAT you drink, but WHEN and HOW MUCH.  Prior to heavy workouts it is important to drink water or a Sports Drink to properly hydrate your body (The goal of hydration is to PREVENT thirst, not QUENCH it.).  Then, during practice, take periodic drinks up to your level of comfort. 

Rule #2: Re-hydrate your body AFTER practice.  It is an important part of the recovery process. 

Proper hydration goes hand-in-hand with other preparatory and maintenance regimens - such as stretching or warming-up and cooling-down when practicing a routine.  Know your body and know the SCIENCE of your body.  Your "dance instrument" will only work well if you take good care of it.

For more information about Sports Drinks and how they compare with other beverages, download these PDF forms provided by the Gatorade company:

Beverage comparisons

Brand comparison chart