Spring training in Phoenix is an event that locals and baseball lovers all over the nation look forward to. From February until late March, teams warm up for the season, and Phoenix conducts events throughout the city to accommodate the crowd.
And while we are biased, we can confidently say there is no prettier place in the world than Phoenix in the Spring. Why? Because while the desert blooms, the rest of the country is still frozen. Who wouldn’t want to be here right now?
But too much fun in the sun is when a good thing goes wrong in the desert. Phoenix is a hot and dry landscape, and it’s essential to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. It’s easy to get dehydrated in Phoenix — whether alcohol is involved or not. So if you are ready to take on the spring training season like a pro, read on for a few tips to stay hydrated and happy.
Don’t Wait Until You Are Thirsty to Drink Water
This sounds silly, but it is so easy to forget to do. Make sure to drink water before, during, and after the game to stay hydrated. Try to remember the 1:1 rule. And most importantly, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. If you are feeling like you have an unquenchable thirst, you have waited too long. Don’t let yourself get thirsty if you can help it.
Avoid Sugary, Alcoholic Drinks
Sugar-y, alcoholic drinks can dehydrate you further, so it’s best to avoid them during the game. Simply put, sugar is dehydrating because it takes the body a lot of energy to metabolize sugar. It needs more water to break it down. So if you must have a cocktail, we recommend clear alcohols with minimal sugar. Try tequila and soda water on ice with a lime, or if liquor isn’t your thing, a seltzer is a good idea too.
Pro Tip:
Using fresh citrus in your drinks, whether it be water or something else, is a great idea —especially if you are drinking in the sun. Citrus is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to ward off illness when drinking, because alcohol weakens the immune system.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Consider bringing a cooler with a bowl of sliced, ice cold watermelon tossed with torn basil leaves to the game. The cold watermelon will hydrate the body and the basil will invigorate the senses while also supporting healthy digestion and combating inflammation. Plus, the combo is just plain delicious.
Want to snack like a true Phoenician? Cut cold cucumber, toss in fresh lime juice, and sprinkle Tajin on top. The cucumber has tons of water in the fruit, the lime juice is great for your immune system, and the salt in the Tajin can replace the sodium lost in your sweat. It’s a win-win for flavor and benefits alike.
Although eating greasy foods in the sun seems fun at first, your body will thank you for this one later.
Dress for the Weather
Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing to stay cool in the heat. Getting a long sleeve shirt with UV protection is optimal. It might sound backwards, but protecting yourself from the sun with a long sleeve shirt will help keep you cool. When your skin is exposed to the sun and you get hot, your body will begin to sweat to cool yourself off. And after several hours out in the sun, this is how dehydration can begin without an end in sight. Bring a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, too. The wide brim of the hat will help your body not to sweat and therefore stay cool.
Take Shade Breaks
Taking breaks to get out of the sun is essential at Spring Training games. You can usually get a shade break when you head to the bathroom periodically, but we suggest putting a timer on your phone for a break every 20-30 minutes. Whilst hiding from the sun on your breaks, drink some ice water or put some water on your neck. If you are able to take a break in an air-conditioned area, that is even better.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Carrying around a water bottle can seem like a challenge, however it is absolutely necessary for spring training. Most spring training facilities have water fountains where you can refill your water bottle — making it an easy choice over paying serious cash for a bottle after waiting in line for one. In addition, bringing a reusable water bottle is eco-friendly. Don’t contribute to the one-use plastic water bottles this year and instead, use your own reusable water bottle.
Try IV Hydration Therapy
The number one reason people seek out IV therapy is for hydration. Since IV hydration therapy works so quickly, it can easily revive someone struggling with dehydration, a hangover, or too much sun exposure. Since the good stuff is administered straight into your bloodstream, folks usually feel like themselves again within an hour.
If you are suffering from dehydration, check out our treatment menu or consider our IV treatment called Renew — our ever popular Myers Cocktail that’s a fix-all for ailments from dehydration to springtime allergies.
And as a mobile service, we come to you wherever you are. Not a local but a visitor staying in an AirBNB? No problem — we are there. Are you with a big group staying at a luxe resort? We not only offer discounts for groups, but are known to be discreet and professional as well.
However you choose to combat dehydration, we hope you have a blast in our beautiful city of Phoenix.