Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford - Drinking Before Workout Helps Performance

Photo: Detroit Lions

There might be a plethora of sport drink options on the market, but some athletes still aren't hydrating properly. This is true in all sports and at every level, but it's particularly a problem in high school football. Last year, heat stroke was the cause of death for four young football players -- but it's preventable.

That's Fit had a chance to talk to about hydration with Matthew Stafford, former Georgia Bulldog and current Detroit Lions quarterback after going #1 in the 2009 NFL draft. Having grown up in Texas and played college football in the South, Stafford has always been cognizant of the importance of getting enough water. He's now taking part in a joint effort between Gatorade and the NFL called Beat the Heat.

That's Fit: Have you had any scares or personal experience with severe dehydration?

MS: I had never really cramped or had a problem, and then, when [Georgia] was playing South Carolina, I cramped up so badly. I had both legs going at the same time -- it was scary, I couldn't even walk. I realized then how important it is to not just hydrate during the game, but before.

TF: Do you focus on hydrating immediately prior to the game, or do you try to stay well-hydrated constantly?

MS: During training camp, you pretty much have to do it constantly. But, leading up to games it's definitely important to be hydrated the day before. Saturday night before a Sunday game, you really want to push the fluids.

TF: Tell us a bit about Beat the Heat.

Matthew Stafford: Well, Gatorade and the NFL teamed for a program called Beat the Heat with the goal of educating parents, youth coaches and athletes about hydration and heat safety. In the pros, we work with athletic trainers who know everything about staying hydrated -- they keep us ready to go. It's a huge deal to make sure you're putting more than water back in your body after you've been sweating on the football field. You lose electrolytes, you lose salt, and Gatorade does a great job of putting it back.

TF: Who, primarily, is this message aimed at? Coaches? Parents? Players?

MS: It's everybody -- you hit it on the head with those three. It's really important for parents, coaches and athletes to really understand how important it is. Kids lose their lives every year to this, and we're trying to make an impact and raise awareness at high school, college and pro levels.

TF: Do you think the problem has more to do with players wanting to impress Coach, or seem tough in front of their teammates? Or just a lack of knowledge?

MS: I think it's a combination of a lot of things. Sometimes it's a player wanting to show their coach they can be tough, but a lot of times, these guys just don't know it's going to happen. Dehydration can hit you quick, and it's tough to come back. It's much better to prevent it beforehand than try to cure it afterward.

TF: Have you always been good about hydrating?

MS: I've always been conscious about it. I remember how important it was to our coach in high school. It can get up to 130, 140 degrees on that turf in Texas, and you lose a lot of liquid from your body really quick. We had Gatorade and water breaks every few minutes.

TF: If you could get one piece of advice across to young football players, what would it be?

MS: Be prepared. Part of that is knowing the plays and being in shape, but another part of that is being hydrated. You're going to have that helmet, the shoulderpads, the pants on -- it gets hot, and can raise your body temperature a bunch. Making sure you have enough fluids and electrolytes in your body is so important.

TF: What's your favorite kind of Gatorade?

MS: (No hesitation) Lemon-lime!