Clean, fresh drinking water is essential to good health, and this is even more important during exercise. Drinking clean, fresh water during exercise does more than simply quench your thirst. It also helps to regulate the temperature of your body as well as provide a cushion for your internal organs.

Experts agree that normal human muscles are composed of about seventy-five percent water. Water is essential for lubricating joints, spinal cord protection, digestion, and overall hydration. Its importance should never be discounted.

Regarding the human body overall, more than 70 percent is composed of water. When exercising, sweat and urination will deplete the amount of water available for use within the body. This water must be replaced. If water is not replaced, the body's ability to sweat will decrease significantly, and this can lead to serious health issues such as dehydration, heat stress, and heat stroke.

It has also been shown that dehydration can lead to other problems such as a decrease in coordination, muscle fatigue, and decreased energy. These are all counterproductive when exercising. As you can see, staying hydrated during exercise is just as important as the activity itself.

The American Council on Exercise has reported that you should drink 17 to 20 oz of

water before you begin your exercise routine. This should be done about 2 to 3 hours before the activity. As you exercise, drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes or so. If you exercise for more than one hour, consider drinking an electrolyte drink as well. Keep in mind that the hotter the temperature, the more water you will need to ingest to offset losses due to sweating.

For those who wish to save a considerable amount of money, consider installing a good water filter on your home or office water taps. Filtered water cost a fraction of what bottled water cost, and it is every bit as clean, sometimes cleaner, than what you get with store-bought water. A good-quality water filter can produce gallons of clean, fresh water that you simply put into a reusable container for use while exercising.

It is no secret that many people want to be healthier, yet must do so on a budget. Rather than spending a dollar or more for one single-serving of a bottle of water, you can have all the water you want for just pennies a serving. Water filters truly are one of the best cost-effective ways to get the hydration you need every day.

If exercise or sports activities are a part of your life, remember to include water into your routine. Not only will you be doing your body a favor, but you will also notice better performance levels. Water can help you focus better, keep your joints lubricated, and prevent serious injuries such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. And with the use of a drinking water filter, you can drink all the water your body needs without having to worry about the cost of the water.