Stay Hydrated, Stay Energized

Ensuring proper hydration is one of the most important things you can do to have safe and effective workouts. If you’re properly hydrated, you will feel refreshed and energized as opposed to lethargic and listless, and your body will perform better with nothing more than pure, clean water. Sports drinks are trendy and tasty, but really unnecessary for amateur athletes. Save the salts, vitamins and electrolytes (and the extra calories often found in sports drinks) for when you’re running a marathon. If you’re just going to the gym, plain old H₂O will do.

To ensure proper hydration throughout your day, bring a bottle of water wherever you go. Drink when you’re at the office, when you’re grocery shopping and when you’re stuck in traffic. Staying hydrated when you’re not exercising pays off when you are exercising. It’s a good idea to keep extra bottles of water in your car or in your gym bag so you always have some handy.

When you’re engaging in a long fitness session, such as an hour-long aerobics or spinning class, it’s especially important to hydrate since you will sweat so much. Take a long gulp between each song if you can, and shoot for finishing a 24-ounce bottle of water during the hour. If you can, drink eight ounces of water before and after the class, also.

Likewise, hydrate completely before engaging in outdoor activity (drink at least 24 ounces of water about two hours before exercising outdoors), and to be on the safe side, engage in more intense activities (jogging, power walking, cycling) in the cooler morning hours. Save more relaxing outdoor activities (walking the dog, gardening, playing Frisbee) for the evenings.