DRINK UP FOR BETTER GOLF by

DRINK UP
FOR BETTER GOLF
by: Josh Bezoni

Josh Bezoni
Golf Fitness Expert

Drink up? No, I'm not talking about lugging a six-pack (or more) of your favorite beer around the course with you. And no, I'm not talking about slugging down a few at the clubhouse before your tee time.

I'm talking about quenching your thirst with a nice cold liquid that can really enhance your game. What is it? H2O my friend. Good old-fashioned water.

You see, our bodies are roughly 60% fluid. That's 108 pounds of a 180 pound man. So what we drink is just as important as what we eat-especially when it comes to achieving peak golf performance. Water plays a vital roll in cooling us during exercise, storing "muscle energy," turning protein into muscle, lubricating joints, transporting nutrients, recovering from injury and exercise and so much more.

In fact, if your muscles become dehydrated by as little as 2%, you can experience a very significant loss of power, clubhead speed and distance. Not to mention a loss of concentration, coordination and energy. Many experts believe the number one reason for fatigue, on the course, has more to do with dehydration than lack of fuel. Bottom line: If you're even slightly dehydrated you won't be playing up to par. Or even up to a double bogey for that matter.

And don't forget those of us who live an active lifestyle (especially if the activity is outdoors in hot weather), need even more water than the average guy. How much more? About a gallon a day or roughly 1/4 gallon for every 50 lbs. you weigh. Whew! That's a lot of water (and a lot of trips to the restroom). But it'll be well worth it.

Now all of this fluid doesn't have to come from drinking water alone. It can also come from noncaffeinated teas, sports drinks and water-laden fruits and vegetables. (But watch the sports drinks if you're trying to lose weight. And save them for after exercise.)

Anything that contains caffeine-like soft drinks, coffee or tea--or alcohol is a diuretic that will make you excrete fluid from the body. (Save the drinks for the 19th hole and always drink water afterwards.)

The solution?

Drink a few cups of water first thing in the morning and an hour or so before bed.
Drink a glass of water with each meal. Try replacing other types of drinks that may contain caffeine.
Have cold bottled water with you during the day to sip on.
During golf, drink 12 to 16 ounces of water before your round and at least 6 ounces of water every 2 to 3 holes thereafter. Your best bet is to carry a big bottle of water in your bag.

Remember, waiting until you become thirsty means you're already slightly dehydrated. So get in the habit of drinking continuously throughout the day and you're bound to feel (and play) better than ever