Hydration is a critical element of any fitness routine, yet it's often overlooked. Proper hydration affects every aspect of your gym performance and overall health.

​Here’s why maintaining fluid intake before, during, and after your workout is crucial:

• Boosts Performance: Adequate hydration ensures optimal function of your muscles and joints, reducing the risk of cramps and sprains.
• Enhances Recovery: Water helps transport nutrients to your cells, speeding up recovery and reducing muscle soreness.
• Regulates Body Temperature: Staying hydrated helps your body regulate temperature through sweat, preventing overheating during intense workouts.
• Improves Focus and Efficiency: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration, which can affect your workout intensity and duration.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

• Drink Regularly: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Set a reminder to take small sips throughout your workout.
• Monitor Your Intake: Aim for about 15-20 ounces of water a few hours before working out, and drink about 8 ounces every 15 minutes during exercise.
• Check Your Hydration Status: A simple way to monitor hydration is to check the color of your urine. Aim for a light straw color.
• Replenish Electrolytes: For intense or long-duration workouts, consider a sports drink to replace electrolytes lost through sweat.

Remember, every body is different. Tailoring your hydration needs based on the duration and intensity of your workout, as well as your body signals, will help you get the most out of your gym time and enhance your overall fitness journey. Stay hydrated and stay healthy!

Spring is an ideal time to refresh your workout routine. As the weather warms up and days get longer, hitting the gym can feel more inspiring than ever. Here are some tips to make the most of your spring fitness journey, including the best times to visit the gym.

• Embrace the Outdoors: Start with a warm-up outside. A brisk walk or light jog can invigorate your senses and prep your body for an indoor workout.
• Switch It Up: Spring is about renewal, so it's a perfect time to try new machines, classes, or training styles. This not only combats boredom but can also lead to new muscle gains and improved fitness.
• Set New Goals: Reflect on your progress and set new fitness goals. Whether it’s improving endurance, increasing strength, or losing weight, clear goals can drive your motivation.
• Hydration and Nutrition: With temperatures rising, staying hydrated becomes even more important. Also, incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet for natural energy boosts.
• Best Time to Hit the Gym: Consider early morning workouts. Gyms tend to be less crowded, and starting your day with a workout can boost your metabolism and mood. Moreover, exercising before breakfast can help increase fat utilization. However, if you're not a morning person, another great time is mid-afternoon, between 1 PM and 4 PM, when gyms usually have a lull and energy levels peak again.

By following these tips, you can use the energy of spring to fuel your fitness journey and enjoy every visit to the gym. Happy training!

Ohio will be re-opening most of the remaining segments of the economy by the end of May. Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted unveiled dates for everything from child care to gyms, and campgrounds to BMVs. 

The re-open date will simultaneously be an experiment, as Ohio will conduct an extensive study of the re-open. The goal is to have data when similar decisions need to be made in the future. The re-opening date for gyms will be May 26.

We have been watching closely and are implementing safety measures to ensure your return to our gym is as safe as possible. Thank you for your patients through these crazy times!

-Oregon Fitness Center Team