In Florida’s sweltering heat, it is crucial young athletes hydrate properly. 70% of the human body is made up of water, so its no surprise that our FYFCL Football and Cheerleaders need to hydrate, especially while performing strenuous physical activity during the first two weeks of practice. For parents, coaches and athletes it’s vital that they understand the importance of proper hydration to prevent serious injury while performing on the field.
Water not only cools your body on a warm summer’s day by regulating an athlete’s body temperature, but it has other functions such as lubricating joints, and transporting nutrients through your body to give you energy. While exercising the loss of water is apparent through perspiration of sweat. This may lead to illnesses that can affect the body from performing vital functions. It is Because of this youth football players of all ages need to be aware of why they need to hydrate and how much they should drink.
Drink plenty of water and then some
To avoid injury and illness, it is important that youth football players and cheerleaders drink water before, during, and after physical activity. Doctors recommend that you should drink up to two liters a day. More importantly when performing physical activity it is recommended that you drink 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercising, 8 ounces of water 20-30 minutes before exercising, 7-10 ounces of water every 10-20 minutes during an exercise, and 8 ounces of water no more that 30 minutes after exercising. Also, be sure to drink plenty of liquids in the days ahead leading to your first practice.
Check this video for more hydration tips for football players and cheer athletes.