LIQUID POWER

Just because you’re not an endurance athlete doesn’t mean you’re off the hydration hook. Water is a powerful lifting aid. University of Connecticut researchers discovered that men who hydrated with water before lifting completed 17 percent more reps per set during a lower-body workout than thirsty exercisers. Turns out, your central nervous system slows your muscle activation when you’re not adequately hydrated. So drink 16 ounces of water just before training, and then 8 ounces for every 20 minutes of hard work.