staying hydrated during workout is important

Exercise is strenuous on the body. The body is made up mostly of water.  When we exercise we lose water in the form of sweat.  Even if you don't seem to feel sweaty you're still losing water.  It's important to keep replacing the lost water. 

Most doctors and nutritionists recommend that adults drink 8 glasses of water per day.  Each glass should contain 8 ounces of water.  This amount is simply to replace the water your body needs for regular hydration.  When you exercise you need to replace even more water in your system.

You'll find that there are many different kinds of water available on the market today.  These include flavored waters, vitamin enhanced waters and water with added electrolytes.  The most important thing to remember is to keep drinking water throughout your entire workout.

Plain water is the recommended way to get your necessary water intake.  The body uses water efficiently to re-hydrate cells and organs.  Drink water before you begin your exercise routine and then immediately following your exercise.  During intense exercise you may need to take occasional water breaks while working out.

Lack of water in the body can cause dehydration.  One of the first symptoms of dehydration is a headache.  As the body becomes more dehydrated you may experience more and more symptoms.  Left untreated severe dehydration can actually be fatal.  If you begin to experience any symptoms of dehydration immediately stop your workout and drink water.

While plain water is usually the most recommended way to replace water other types of water replacement products can be helpful as well.  Products that contain electrolytes are made to help more quickly replace the water in the body.  Electrolytes are lost at a high rate when the body is deprived of water.  Replacing these substances helps to more quickly bring the body back to normal levels.  Keep in mind that you should only drink these types of products when you are doing moderate to heavy exercise.

Flavored water can be tasty but doesn't add anything to your water intake.  Flavored waters may be more expensive than plain water.  However if you will tend to drink more water if it's got flavor by all means allow yourself to have it.  Typically these flavored waters are calorie free just like plain water.

Many people wonder about the difference between different types of waters on the market.  Spring water is water that has been collected from a spring – usually deep in the earth.  Spring water is natural water but may be processed.  Mineral water is water that contains minerals and is typically carbonated.  This is not a good choice for drinking during a workout so reserve this choice for meals. 

Purified water is just regular tap water that has been put through a purification process.  You can get the same effect (for a cheaper price) by using a water filter and your own tap water.  If you do choose to use a water filter be sure to use bottles that have been properly sterilized.  Old water bottles can contain harmful bacteria.  Wash water bottles with soap and hot water before reusing them.