If you think back to your physical education glory days (don’t worry we aren’t picking dodgeball teams), you may recall Mr. Smith mentioning something along the lines of “eight 8-ounce glasses-a-day”. While this advice isn’t necessarily wrong and can be applied as a rule of thumb, it is not the most accurate recommendation.

How much water do you need?

Let’s break it down by gender. Health professionals advise that women need about 11.5 cups of fluids per day whereas men should aim for 15.5 cups of fluids. These include many types of fluids, from water and other beverages to liquids found in foods.

Factors Influencing Water Intake

Besides gender, there are a ton of other factors which can influence water intake. Physical activity has a large impact on this. If you are exercising or exerting yourself, you should be drinking more than the previously mentioned recommendations before, during, and after your workout. Hot or humid weather and conditions are also reasons to increase your water intake. If you are sick with the stomach bug or a cold, drinking extra water can help you avoid dehydration. Your body loses fluids faster when you are sick, so it is imperative to actively replenish them.  

It's no secret that our bodies need water to survive and flourish… but getting the recommended daily amounts of water can help you perform better at Fit Factory, avoid getting sick, and stay healthy!