When you’re exercising in the summer, you will almost certainly sweat a lot. This is the body’s way of cooling itself off, and it’s normal. It can even help us lose weight. But it also means we’re losing water. If we don’t replace it, we could become dehydrated.
That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water in the summer, especially when you are exercising. Becoming dehydrated increases your risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Here are some tips for staying hydrated during summer workouts:
- Stay away from caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. They are very dehydrating.
- Drink plenty of water every day. While there is some debate over whether we really need eight glasses, it is a good idea to drink at least a few glasses of water each day even if you’re not exercising. It helps wash toxins out of your system and aids in building new cells, and it will keep you from being dehydrated when you start working out.
- Always keep water nearby when you’re working out. Drink it throughout your workout, even if you are not thirsty. A good rule of thumb is 16 ounces an hour when you’re doing an intense workout in hot weather.
- If you’re participating in really strenuous activity, or you work out for more than an hour at a time, drink a sports drink with a good electrolyte balance. This will replace the sodium and other vital nutrients that you lose through heavy sweating.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. These are good for you in a number of ways, one of which is keeping you hydrated.
Hydration is always important to your health, but it becomes even more crucial when you’re working up a sweat. Watching your water intake is essential. While it is possible to drink too much water, it is hard to do when you’re exercising in the summer heat. So keep the water handy, and drink up, already!
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