Although we are experiencing a slightly wet start to June it's still hot and humid and showing signs that summer is just around the corner! There is something about the merest glimpse of summer sunshine in the UK that sends the general public into a fitness frenzy. To help you shape up this summer, we've put together some advice on how to exercise and hydrate the sensible way. water weight loss© Vivilweb | Dreamstime.com Go Jogging? Jogging is a perfect way to lose those unwanted pounds and tone up. It also provides you with a way of getting fresh air and has a positive effect on your mental health, as it releases endorphins that produce a sense of happiness and wellbeing. If you are not a fan of jogging there are plenty of other free and effective activities including cycling, walking, and dancing. Join the Gym Apparently, 67% of people with active gym memberships never use them. But if you wanted to buck this trend, you could be making a smart move and edge closer towards that new body shape you've been longing for. Most gym enthusiasts would recommend that you visit your gym at least 3 times per week, in order to feel and see the benefits. Don't Dry Out Whatever exercise you choose to partake in, ensure that you remember to bring your water bottle. All gyms should be equipped with either a water cooler or water fountain, some even have both! Staying hydrated whilst working up a sweat is essential for many vital reasons:
  • Drink up before you even start, because otherwise, your core temperature will rise too quickly, and this will have a negative effect on your performance.
  • Top up during your gym workout, because you'll be losing valuable fluids that need replacement. It's recommended for every hour you spend exercising you should drink around 400-1000ml of water – depending on how intense your workout is!
  • Make sure you drink plenty after your workout has ended, as this replaces the lost fluids and ensures that your recovery period is minimised.
8 Glasses or Less? So exactly how much water should you be drinking from that gym water fountain or water cooler? According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, 8 x 12 ounces (355ml) of water per day are a sensible guideline to work around. In fact, a certain Ms. Bachai who was featured in the article stated that she not only lost 2 pounds during a week-long water drinking regime but said that her skin looked fuller and felt smoother. So Get Busy and Start Drinking! Start to get regular exercise and ensure that your fluids are always nicely topped up, and you'll be well on your way to that dream beach body. To find out more about hydrating when you exercise click here.