How do you do it?

armsports

New Member
Drink the quantity of water I've seen in some of these posts, that is. I drink my share of fluids, but I can't put away the gallon+ levels some of you guys are doing. I'm pissing nearly clear and not showing obvious signs of dehydration, so is it really that important or is this a big myth? And yes I'm on gear by the way.
 
I was wondering why people feel they need so much water aswell, IMO even what the doctor recommends is insane. You know, 8 full cups ed! Bump for some replies
 
Dude, 8 full cups isn't nearly enough for anyone, let alone a hard training athlete.

Do you need to drink as much as me (3-5 gal/day)? No, but I don't do it because I need to. I do it because I like to eat and drink and I do both in huge quantities. I also used to drink more when I chewed all the time because I didn't like my mouth feeling dry.

edit- I just caught a part about why anyone would feel that they need very much water. How about because the human body is composed primarily of water? How about because muscle is a lot of water? How about because not being hydrated causes a lot of problems? Good enough reasons?
 
The Importance Of Water

Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent on water - water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. The water you drink literally becomes you! Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, water must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This "body water" also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water (Dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments.

Water and Weight loss:
Among it's other benefits, water plays a major part in weight loss. Since water contains no calories, it can serve as an appetite suppressant, and helps the body metabolize stored fat, it may possibly be one of the most significant factors in losing weight.

Drinking more water helps to reduce water retention by stimulating your kidneys. Studies have recommended that if you are overweight according to average height and weight comparison charts, you should add one glass of water to your daily requirement (of eight glasses) for every 25 pounds over your recommended weight.

Dehydration leads to excess body fat, poor muscle tone & size, decreased digestive efficiency & organ function, increased toxicity, joint & muscle soreness, & water retention. Water works to keep muscles and skin toned.

Digestive Systems:
The digestion of solid foods depends on the presence of copious amounts of water. Constipation is a frequent symptom of dehydration. Increased water, along with increased fiber, will usually totally eliminate a problem. Pain from ulcers and heartburn all decrease with increased water intake. Water eliminates toxins and water from the body.

Water Loss:
Adults lose nearly 6 pints (12 cups) of water every day. We lose 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day from the soles of our feet. Another 2 to 4 cups is lost from breathing. Perspiration accounts for another 2 cups. Another 3 pints (6 cups) are lost in urine.

Water Retention:
If you're not drinking sufficient water, your body starts retaining water to compensate for this shortage. To eliminate fluid retention, drink more water, not less. If you don't drink enough water to maintain your body's fluid balance, you can impair every aspect of your body's physiological function.

Joints:
Water lubricates our joints. The cartilage tissues found at the ends of long bones and between the vertebrae of the spine hold a lot of water, which serves as a lubricant during the movement of the joint. Joint pain frequently decreases with increased water intake and flexing exercises to bring more circulation to the joints.

Back:
75% of the upper body weight is supported by the water volume that is stored in the spinal disc core. 25% is supported by the fibrous materials around the disc. Back pain is frequently alleviated with hydration.

How much water should you drink?:
A non active person needs a half ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. That is ten 8 ounce glasses a day if your weight is 160 pounds. For every 25 pounds you exceed you ideal weight, increase it by one 8 ounce glass. An active, athletic person needs 2/3 ounce per pound which is 13-14 8 ounce glasses a day if you're 160 pounds. The more you exercise the more water you need. Spread out your water intake throughout the day. Do not drink more than 4 glasses within any given hour. After a few weeks your bladder calms down and you will urinate less frequently, but in larger amounts.
 
Couldn't a good potion of this fluid need be met by consuming non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages such as milk, juice, etc. or even fresh fruits/vegetables which have a high water content? I ask this because to me getting those extra calories/protein in something like milk is important as I struggle to stay above 300lbs.
 
As to how much authority this holds for you, I don't know. However, I did read in Arnold's encyclopoedia that you should only count your actual water consumption, not water in solution(ie soda, crystal light, kool aid, coffee, etc.)

I don't see why you couldn't do both the milk and the water, though. I realize that I have "hella" talent(I can't believe I just said that), but a couple summers ago I was drinking an EASY 4 gallons or more of water and 2 gallons of milk/day.
 
I hate this "only absorb so much" shit that permeates this sub-culture. If you drink 5oz or 50oz at once, it gets absorbed. What do you think happens? Once your stomach gets filled up it diverts the remaining water to a different pathway that bypasses the rest of the digestive process?
 
Only so much at one time in that it may take 10 minutes to digest it all whereas if it was all absorbed at once it would take 1 minute. Either way, where do you think it goes? The digestive system is a one way street with no alleyways or turnoffs.
 
I'd like to think I know some stuff, anyhow. I've been spending way too much time trying to learn all this crap for the last 5 years, so I'd hope I've picked something up.

The degrees are in English and Philosophy. Profession: As yet to be determined. I'm talking with a lady from a major newspaper, so we'll see where that leads. With any luck, my fighting will start paying off. I'd rather be an athlete than a desk jockey.

I've thought about being a trainer, but I don't know. I don't think I could do it. I don't sugar coat or pussy foot around. If a fat bitch comes to me, I will tell her she's fat and I won't give her the exercises she wants. I'd make programs that work. Not ones that make the customer think they're working.
 
Yep, that's the catch. To give results, you have to scare away most of the potential clientele. Most people who go to trainers only want someone to cry to about how they're fat and out of shape. Or they think that it'll be easy and only take 5 minutes a day 3 days a week.

Good luck in your endeavor. If you get the right gimmick, there's a lot of money to be made.
 
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