With the summer heat upon us it is important to protect yourself when working out. Remember, adequate sun protection is key. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and hydrate more than you think you need to. You'd be surprised at how much water you need when you exert yourself in these hot weather days.
The American Council on Exercise has suggested the following basic guidelines for drinking water before, during, and after exercise:
- Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2 to 3 hours before you start exercising.
- Drink 8 ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising or during your warm-up.
- Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.
- Drink 8 ounces of water no more than 30 minutes after you exercise.
If you really want to get exact, measure how much fluid you lose during exercise to get a more specific measurement of how much water to drink (16 to 24 ounces of water for every pound of body weight lost).
So drink up, have fun, enjoy your summer and be safe.
