Why do I see so many guys in the gym walking around with a gallon jug of water?

Q: Why do I see so many guys in the gym walking around with a gallon jug of water?

 A: That usually applies only to bodybuilders. I almost never see athletes from other sports walking around with a gallon of water. The reason for the gallon jugs is partly due to the hydration demands of exercise and partly due to what I call “broscience” and what becomes popular gym practice.

The body is composed of more than 57 percent water. That means we require a large water input on a regular basis. The greater your mass, the more you must drink. Likewise, the greater your energy output, the more you must drink. It’s conjecture on my part, but I would propose that bodybuilders seem so prone to carrying around gallon jugs of water because they often endure marathon training sessions lasting upward of two hours. Perhaps even more relevant, they are suffering from a collective bout of “monkey see, monkey do.”

 

Editor’s note: Ben White won his first IFBB professional bodybuilding contest, the Tampa Pro, in 2010. He is also a champion powerlifter and frequently competes in the World’s Strongest Bodybuilder contest at the Olympia. His best competition bench press is 711 pounds. He is an MPH athlete, www.MHPStong.com.  IM