Benefits of Filtered Water: Does it Help with Fitness?

Staying hydrated is crucial for a healthy and active lifestyle. Water plays a vital role in the body's overall function and performance.

At East Park Gym we understand the importance of good hydration and are dedicated to helping our members in Bracknell, Wokingham, and Berkshire achieve their fitness goals.

In this blog post we will discuss the benefits of filtered water and its impact on fitness, comparing it to other sources such as tap and bottled water.

The Importance of Hydration in Fitness

Water is responsible for a wide range of functions in our body including temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and nutrient transportation.

When we exercise our body loses water through sweat and respiration, which can lead to dehydration if not adequately replenished.

Dehydration can negatively impact physical performance causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

It's recommended that active individuals consume at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day depending on their level of physical activity and environmental conditions.

The Different Sources of Water

There are three main sources of water that people commonly consume: tap water, bottled water, and filtered water.

Tap Water

Tap water comes from various sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Although it's generally treated to remove contaminants, it may still contain traces of chemicals, bacteria, and other impurities which can negatively affect our health and fitness performance.

Additionally, the taste and odour of tap water can sometimes be unpalatable making it less appealing to drink and potentially leading to inadequate hydration.
 

 

Bottled Water

Bottled water is often seen as a more convenient and safer option than tap water.

However, the process of bottling water has a significant environmental impact due to plastic waste and it can also be expensive.

Moreover, studies have shown that bottled water may still contain contaminants, including microplastics and chemical residues, which can be harmful to our health.

Filtered Water

Filtered water is water that has been purified using various filtration systems such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or UV filtration.

These systems remove contaminants and impurities providing cleaner and better-tasting water compared to tap and bottled water.

Filtered water has several benefits on health and fitness which we will discuss in the following sections.

Benefits of Filtered Water for Fitness

1. Improved hydration: Filtered water is free from contaminants and impurities that can affect taste and odour, making it more appealing to drink.

This encourages increased water consumption and better hydration which is essential for optimal fitness performance.

2. Enhanced physical performance: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining strength, endurance, and overall physical performance.

For example a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that athletes who were adequately hydrated had better endurance and performed better during high-intensity exercise compared to those who were dehydrated.
 

By drinking filtered water, you can ensure that you are properly hydrated and ready to perform at your best during your workouts at East Park Gym.

3. Increased energy levels: Water is necessary for the production of energy in our body.

Filtered water provides clean and pure hydration allowing our body to function efficiently and maintain high energy levels throughout our workouts.

Drinking filtered water can also help prevent dehydration-related fatigue. For example a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that mildly dehydrated women experienced significantly more fatigue and reduced mental function compared to those who were well-hydrated.

4. Better recovery: Adequate hydration is essential for muscle repair and recovery after exercise. Consuming filtered water helps maintain proper hydration allowing for quicker and more effective recovery after your gym sessions.

For example a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who drank filtered water during and after exercise had lower levels of muscle damage and inflammation leading to faster recovery times.

5. Reduced muscle cramps: Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and discomfort during exercise.

Drinking filtered water helps prevent muscle cramps by ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

For example a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that athletes who were well-hydrated before exercise experienced fewer muscle cramps compared to those who were dehydrated.

6. Improved skin health: Staying well-hydrated is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Filtered water can help improve skin hydration resulting in a clearer and more radiant complexion.

For example a study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that drinking filtered water improved skin hydration and elasticity, leading to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
 

7. Weight loss support: Drinking filtered water can also help support weight loss goals by promoting feelings of fullness, increasing metabolism, and aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.

For example a study published in the journal Obesity found that drinking filtered water before meals led to a reduction in calorie intake and body weight over a 12-week period.

Choosing the Right Water Filtration System

When selecting a water filtration system, consider factors such as the type of contaminants it can remove, its capacity, and the cost of filter replacements.

Some popular types of filtration systems include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and UV filters. Research and compare different systems to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Role of Filtered Water in Hydration, Endurance and Results

In conclusion filtered water offers numerous advantages for fitness enthusiasts, including improved hydration, enhanced physical performance, increased energy levels, better recovery, and reduced muscle cramps.

At East Park Gym we encourage our members to consider switching to filtered water for better health and fitness results.

For more information about our fitness programs and services, please contact us at membership@eastparkgym.com or call us at 01189 747 585.
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the benefits of filtered water and its impact on fitness:

Q: What is filtered water?
A: Filtered water is water that has been purified using various filtration systems, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or UV filtration. These systems remove contaminants and impurities, providing cleaner and better-tasting water compared to tap and bottled water.

Q: How does filtered water benefit fitness performance?
A: Filtered water offers numerous benefits for fitness enthusiasts, including improved hydration, enhanced physical performance, increased energy levels, better recovery, reduced muscle cramps, improved skin health, and weight loss support.

Q: How does filtered water compare to tap water?
A: Tap water may contain traces of contaminants, including chemicals, bacteria, and other impurities, which can negatively affect our health and fitness performance. The taste and odor of tap water can also be unpalatable, making it less appealing to drink and potentially leading to inadequate hydration. Filtered water, on the other hand, is free from contaminants and impurities, making it cleaner and more appealing to drink.

Q: How does filtered water compare to bottled water?
A: Bottled water may still contain contaminants, including microplastics and chemical residues, which can be harmful to our health. Additionally, the process of bottling water has a significant environmental impact due to plastic waste, and it can also be expensive. Filtered water, however, provides cleaner and better-tasting water compared to bottled water and is more environmentally friendly.

Q: How much filtered water should I drink per day?
A: It is recommended that active individuals consume at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day, depending on their level of physical activity and environmental conditions. Drinking filtered water can help ensure that you are properly hydrated and ready to perform at your best during your workouts at East Park Gym.

Q: What type of filtration system should I choose?
A: When selecting a water filtration system, consider factors such as the type of contaminants it can remove, its capacity, and the cost of filter replacements. Some popular types of filtration systems include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and UV filters. Research and compare different systems to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
If you have any further questions about filtered water and its benefits for fitness, please contact us at East Park Gym at membership@eastparkgym.com or call us at 01189 747 585.