As a personal trainer, one of the main components necessary to help get your client into top shape is having them understand the importance of nutrition, which means not only what they eat, but also what they drink!

First things first… WATER!


Whenever I start with a new client I have them fill out a questionnaire to gather pertinent information. One of the questions I ask is, “how much water do you drink in a day?” I often find myself in a state of shock when someone tells me they drink only 3-4 cups in an entire day! What? Are you kidding me? Even if you’re just a sedentary “couch potato,” you should be consuming at least 6-7 eight-oz glasses a day! Hard training athletes (like most of you reading this) should be aiming for closer to 1 – 1.5 gallons!

Here are 10 reasons why it is vital to drink enough H2O!

1. Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
2. Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.
3. Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.
4. Drinking adequate amounts of water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.
5. For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.
6. Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
7. Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
8. Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
9. Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
10. Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

So what are you waiting for? Drink up my fellow NATURAL FREAKS!

Editor’s Note: Tom “Tank” Schaaf is a national level drug-free bodybuilder, personal trainer/coach, and a highly valued member of the All American EFX Board Rep team.