In this post, we explore the crucial role hydration plays in both performance and recovery. From pre-workout strategies to post-workout replenishment, read on to unlock the power of hydration and elevate your workouts to the next level. Let’s dive in!
Pre-Workout Hydration
To kickstart your workout, aim to drink 16 ounces of water within the 2 to 4 hours before exercise. This simple step sets the stage for better performance, improved endurance, and faster recovery.
Mid-Workout Hydration
Stay hydrated during exercise by consuming 8 to 16 ounces of water per hour. Your specific needs will depend on:
- Your body size
- Exercise intensity
- The temperature and humidity of your environment
Higher hydration needs: Larger-bodied individuals, HIIT workouts, hot/humid environments
Lower hydration needs: Smaller-bodied individuals, moderate activity, cooler settings
Listen to your body—thirst, fatigue, and muscle cramps can all be signs you need more fluids.
What About Sports Drinks?
Wondering if you need more than water? In some situations, a sports drink may offer performance advantages, especially when electrolytes and quick-digesting carbs are needed. Consider a sports drink if:
- You’re doing endurance events lasting longer than 60 minutes
- You’re engaged in high-intensity workouts lasting 30 minutes or more
- You’re training in hot or humid conditions
- You’re doing back-to-back workouts with less than 12 hours between them
Outside of these scenarios, plain water is usually sufficient.
Post-Workout Hydration
Great job—you crushed your workout! Now it’s time to rehydrate.
- If you have 12+ hours to recover before your next workout, water is all you need.
- If you’re doing multiple sessions in a single day or have less than 12 hours to recover, a sports drink can help replenish electrolytes and speed up recovery.
Ready to take your nutrition to the next level?
Homemade Sports Drink by Sara Dow
Looking for a budget-friendly way to refuel without artificial dyes or additives? Try this refreshing, homemade sports drink:
Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup hot water
- ¼ cup orange juice (bottled is fine)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 3 ½ cups cold water
Directions:
Dissolve the salt and sugar in hot (tap) water. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, and cold water. Stir well and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Yield: 32 ounces
Tip: Freeze extra orange juice in an ice cube tray to use later!
This recipe gives you the electrolyte-replenishing power of a sports drink—without the fillers. And the best part? It costs just pennies per serving. Cheers to saving money and feeling your best!

About Sara Dow
Sara Dow is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, Weight Management Specialist, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kansas State University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Human Nutrition through the University of Alabama. Sara is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life through the power of nutrition, exercise, and community.
Want to level up your nutrition? Register for a One-On-One Performance Nutrition Workshop with Sara. In this 60-minute session, Sara will provide evidence-based guidelines for pre- and post-workout nutrition specific to your goals, healthy recipes, and practical tips for incorporating real foods into your diet to support optimal performance and recovery. Click here to register today!