Skratch Myth Busters: Winter Hydration Edition

With cooler weather on the horizon, we're feeling the urge to get ahead of your hydrating plans to debunk some common myths that may be leading you astray! Regardless of your preferred winter activity, it's important to remember that even if you're not sweating as heavily as you would during the warm summer months, you still need to be prioritizing proper hydration to prevent dehydration and help you perform your best.

Myth: You Don’t Need Hydration Before Cold Weather Workouts

Reality: Starting your workout well-hydrated helps you keep your performance up and lowers the risk of getting dehydrated as you go. Depending on your carb and electrolyte needs - as a starting point - try a serving of Hydration Everyday or Hydration Sport before your workout. Pre-hydration matters no matter the temperature.

Myth: You Don’t Need as Much Fluid in Cold Weather

Reality: Just because you’re not sweating buckets doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Your body still loses water through sweat, breathing, and even trips to the bathroom. Cold air actually cranks up fluid loss because your body’s working overtime to heat the air you breathe. {Continued text or handwritten?}: Hydration doesn’t hibernate, drink up year-round.

Myth: Dehydration Isn’t a Risk in Cooler Weather

Reality: Dehydration doesn’t take a season off. It can hit you just as hard in the fall and winter. The tricky part is that you might not feel as thirsty when it’s cold, making it easy to miss the signs of dehydration, like fatigue, dizziness, or dry skin.

Myth: Sweat is the Only Indicator of Fluid Loss

Reality: Sweat is an obvious sign, but it’s not the only way you lose fluids. Breathing, especially in cold, dry air, also causes fluid loss. And since cold weather can hide how much you're actually sweating, it’s easy to underestimate how much hydration you need.

Myth: Electrolytes Aren’t Necessary in the Cold

Reality: Electrolytes are still a big deal in cold weather. They help keep your fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in check. Even in the cold, you lose electrolytes when you sweat, so reach for an electrolyte-rich drink during long or intense workouts. And if outside in the cold try a hot thermos of Apple Cider Hydration Sport Drink Mix!

Got questions? Comments? More myths that need debunking or a clear answer? Email our team at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.