Exercise Hydration: Does Fluid Temperature Really Matter?
The temperature of the fluid you drink matters more than you might think. According to a study carried out at the University of Birmingham in the U.K, sipping colder fluids may be better than sipping ones at room temperature or warmer.
Researchers gave eight healthy men orange-flavored drinks with no added sugar at one of two temperatures to drink during a cycling workout. They wanted to see how it would affect their exercise performance. One beverage was kept at 66 degrees Fahrenheit, while the other was chilled to 39 degrees Fahrenheit
The results? The participants who drank the cold fluid at 39 degrees Fahrenheit were able to cycle 7 minutes longer than those who drank the warmer drink. They also had a lower core body temperature than the other cyclists.
Why would this be? It seems the colder fluid reduced core body temperature more. This delayed the onset of fatigue and allowed them to exercise longer. The cyclists who drank the colder drink also had a heart rate during exercise that was 5 beats per minute slower than the cyclists who drank the warmer orange drink. This means their cardiovascular system was less stressed during their cycling session.
Drinking Cold Fluids Is Better for Exercise Hydration When Temperatures Are Warm
According to this research, drinking a cold beverage helps to absorb heat so that core body temperature doesn’t rise as quickly causing exercise fatigue. This may allow you to exercise a little longer than you would normally. It may also offer some additional protection against heat-related illness.
Of course, the most important thing is to drink enough fluids during exercise to replace those lost through sweating. To do this, drink at least 2 cups of fluid two hours before exercising and another cup 10 to 20 minutes before starting your workout. During exercise, drink an additional cup of fluid every 20 minutes. Once you complete your workout, weigh yourself and drink 2.5 cups of liquid for every pound of fluid you lost.
Cold or room temperature? If you have a choice, choose cold beverages. Not only do they help to absorb more heat, but they’re also more palatable. This means you’re more likely to drink them. Whatever you do, stay hydrated when you exercise.
References:
Drink Temperature Influences Fluid Intake and Endurance Capacity in Men During Exercise in a Hot, Dry Environment. Toby Mundel, Jenny King, Esther Collacott and David Jones.
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Why Bottled Water Isn’t the Best Choice for Staying Hydrated
5 Ways to Make a Workout Feel Easier
Why Energy Drinks and Exercise Don’t Mix
5 Common Truth & Myths about Drinking Water and Staying Hydrated
Exercise Hydration: 5 Types of Water That Are No Better Than Tap Water
I’ve always heard you actually burn more calories with ice in your water or drink. I don’t know if this is true, but it sounds like it might be, if the exerciser was able to do more exercising than the one who had warmer fluid. I’ve always drank ice water just because it felt so refreshing and I felt an extra boost.
I heard that cold water absorbes into the body faster than warmer water. Also, ice water cools me down quickly; I can take a few sips during my workouts and feel hydrated.
Thanks! This is good to know. I’ve always wondered if it mattered.
Good to know but sometimes it hurts going down if the drink is to cold??? When I spin which gets my body temp pretty high, I like my water cold but not really cold.