You’ve got your hand weights and ankle weights, your walking shoes are laced up tight and your sweatband is in the perfect position – you are completely ready for your power walk (or workout of your choice), or are you?

The most often overlooked workout accessory may very well be the most necessary – if you are planning on hitting the track, the treadmill, doing some yard work or just taking a brisk stroll around the beautiful Wilsonville courtyard, you need to make sure that you’ve got some water.  Exerting yourself in any way and ignoring your hydration needs is never a good idea, even if you don’t feel excessively thirsty during or after your workouts you need to be mindful of the amount of fluids that you’re taking in.

Water is essential to several body processes and necessary for overall health and those who think that they are getting enough are usually mistaken.  A healthy adult needs anywhere from 10-12 cups of water or more throughout the day for adequate hydration and that figure only goes up when activity levels go up.  A good test to see if you’re getting enough water is to check your urine – if your urine is yellow than you are not getting enough fluids, clear urine signifies adequate hydration.

This is an essential aspect of your health that you can not afford to overlook.   Keep mindful of your intake and take note of the color of your urine to ensure that you are getting enough fluids.  Drink water throughout the day at home and bring a bottle of with you to drink during your exercise routine and for all outdoor activities at The Wilsonville, especially those that take place in the warmer months – it’s literally that easy.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography