While exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, water consumption is just as important. Many people don't drink enough water when participating in physical activity, which can decrease performance and lead to other negative effects. If you've ever wondered whether your water consumption is sufficient, this guide will get you on the right track. 

Why Water Is Important When Working Out

Sweating during workouts is not only a sign of how hard you're pushing yourself, but it also illustrates how much fluid the body is using as you exercise. Water plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including digestion, joint lubrication, and body temperature regulation. 

It also staves off dehydration, which occurs when you lose more fluids than you replace. Keep in mind that losing just 1.5% of the body's total water content can lead to negative effects. 

How Much Water Should You Drink?

You should drink plenty of water on days when you're not working out, but it's important to increase your intake on active days. There are two formulas to remember when it comes to calculating daily water intake. 

On days when you do little to no physical activity, multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.5 to determine how many fluid ounces you should be drinking. On active days, multiply body weight by 1 to determine how much to drink. For example, a person who weighs 135 pounds should drink 67.5 fluid ounces on rest days and 135 fluid ounces on active days. 

Signs That You're Not Drinking Enough Water

Watch for signs like headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, and a loss of appetite, all of which signal that you need immediate hydration. The key is to drink water throughout workouts, as opposed to waiting until you feel thirsty or experience symptoms. 

For a personal trainer who will make sure you're using safe practices when exercising, turn to Ginna Flores of GinnaFit. She offers clients west of Twin Peaks, CA, the benefit of more than a decade of training experience. Private sessions are available to give you the one-on-one attention you need, and you can also schedule virtual or on-site sessions for your convenience. Visit the website for the complete list of personal training services. Call (415) 857-2417 to schedule a free consultation and determine your fitness goals.