Water is essential for the body to function efficiently during football. If a significant amount of water is lost as sweat and not replaced, dehydration occurs. Just a 2% decrease in body weight, as a result of sweating, can lead to a drop in performance.
Did you know? Sweat losses of up to 3.0 L have been recorded in professional football players during training and fixtures. Total sweat loss will be dependant on playing position. The greater the exercise intensity (e.g. the further and harder you run) the larger the sweat losses. Dehydration will reduce your work rate during the latter stages of training and fixtures impacting your performance. Excessive sweat losses, especially high salt losses, can be a factor in some of the muscle cramps that affect players in training and competition. To give them a proven edge, Barclays Premier League footballers ensure they're prepared by being fully hydrated. During training and matches they'll continue to take on fluid to avoid dehydration and a reduction in performance.
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