Common knowledge suggests that strenuous workouts amid humid weather cause dehydration. Therefore, it is important to keep yourself hydrated when you workout. But hold up, that’s not all. Too much water can lead to hyponatremia! With this in mind we take a look at this watery issue, and which liquids we should use to quench our thirst while working out.

The success of your summer exercise regime depends on the inclusion of water in your diet. But according to Webmd.com, you are dehydrated even if you’re jogging, playing football or involved in any extreme physical activity. If the weather is brazenly hot and you are not consuming enough water, you are stressing your body.

Your body needs to acclimatise itself to harsh weather. You need approximately two weeks for your body to adjust to a change in weather. This relates to workouts as well, since a bulk of your sweat sessions are a result of hyper movement in the middle of all this summer heat. Especially for this reason, switch to working out during the cooler parts of the day - mornings or evenings.

If you’re working out for less than 40 minutes, water is the best fluid to keep you hydrated. But if you’re working out for more than 40 minutes you need the additional sugar and salt in these summer months.

When you’re shopping for energy drinks, check for sugar and salt content and leave out vitamin infused drinks as those are more appropriate for recovery and muscle sores. One common mistake is that we drink water only when thirsty. It is important to keep yourself hydrated before a workout rather than gulping down glasses and running for the door when it's over. If you are thirsty between exercises take a small sip of water every 5-8 minutes.

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Research also suggests that with soaring temperatures and high humidity, we need to hydrate our body at a faster pace after a workout. Some experts believe that cold water is absorbed by the body at a faster pace than water at room temperature.

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