It now seems we are finally ramping up into warmer weather here in Colorado after a drizzly spring. Warmer weather brings the return of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and running. All of the afore mentioned activities are guaranteed to increase your body’s temperature and subsequently your need for water.

Water is the essential component in keeping our body running smoothly. Water helps to maintain body temperature, excrete waste products, regulate blood volume and pressure, lubricates joints, and aid in digestion. Even a 1-2% loss in overall body weight from sweating during exercise can put you at risk for dehydration and its associated side effects.

The most common side effects as seen with exercise induced dehydration include muscle fatigue, loss of coordi