Water 101

Today, there are abundant ways to get your water. Tap water, mineral water, spring water, fitness water, water from bottles, water filters, water coolers, and the list goes on and on. What works? What's the difference between them? How much does it all cost? Here's some help.

Bottled water is becoming more and more popular, despite costing a dollar or two per bottle (and generating a lot of waste). There are different kinds of non-flavored water you can purchase, including mineral and spring. And yes, there is a difference between the two. Spring water comes from underground water springs. It receives the same filtration treatment that all water receives, including tap water, but that's it. It is the more natural water and is typically characterized as tasting more refreshing.

Mineral water contains minerals or other dissolved substances that alter its taste or give it therapeutic value. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the water. Mineral water, which is often effervescent, and can be prepared or can occur naturally.

Keep in mind that the source of bottled water must be listed on its label. Not all bottled water comes from a spring. Many bottles of water contain nothing more than tap water, yet still cost up to $3.00 per bottle. One way to know that bottled water is actually tap water is to read the label. Look for "municipal" sources or words like "public water source" for clues. Dasani and Aquafina brands of bottled water are regular tap water, for example.

I have found an amazing tasteing bottle of water lately & anyone can find it & not pay an arm & a leg for it. For the same price as a 20oz bottle of coke you can get SmartWater. I've seen it at every walmart I've been to in the last couple of months. SmartWater comes from the clouds & let me tell ya ... you can taste the clean! I gave my kids a test ... I told them I would give them 5 bucks if they could find even one partical in it. They couldn't! So grab a SmartWater ... it's the smartest choice IMO out there.

  Now ... Drinking water During Workouts

Question #1 – During one hour of vigorous exercise, how much does the average person sweat?

A. One tablespoon
B. One cup
C. One pint
D. One quart
Okay, pencils down. For all of those who answered D., congrats! To everyone else, better luck next time.

That’s right – one quart! As you can see, exercise saps a lot of water from our bodies. That’s why it’s very important to drink even more water while exercising. However, drinking water before and after exercise is just as important.

Start paying attention to your fluid intake 2-3 hours before you are going to exercise. Drink 2-3 cups of water during that time, and then drink another cup immediately before you start exercising.

Without this extra water, your muscles will become dehydrated. Muscle movement depends on how hydrated you are, so if they are dry, they will not work as well. As a result, your workout will not be as productive as you would like.

Once you start exercising, keep drinking water frequently. A good rule of thumb is to drink one cup every 15-20 minutes. Keep a water bottle with you. Take breaks to head to the water cooler. Do what it takes you keep yourself hydrated.

Even when you are done exercising, you need to keep replenishing your fluid levels. It’s recommended you drink another 2-3 cups within two hours after you have finished. Then drink water regularly afterwards.

The more you drink before, during, and after exercise, the more productive your workout will be. Do your body a favor and replenish that quart of fluids your body is losing while you work out. Your muscles will thank you later.