How much water is enough? Eight cups a day, or 64 oz., plus additional amounts to compensate for losses through sweating during exercise. Although this may sound like a lot of water to someone not accustomed to drinking water, rest assured that once you start drinking plenty of water, your thirst mechanism becomes active, and you will crave water frequently. Remember though, that thirst is normally a very poor indicator of hydration. A person typically will consume only two-thirds of his or her water needs when drinking according to thirst.
Also, our thirst regulating mechanism declines with age, which is why the elderly are at such high risk of dehydration. Therefore, it is a good idea to drink to satisfy thirst, and then drink a bit more. Drinking plenty of water will enable you to exercise at higher levels and for a longer period of time, therefore burning more calories.
In order to assure an efficient workout, follow these guidelines for fluid consumption before, during, and after your workout:
