Ensure your employees are keeping healthy and hydrated this summer.

Now that summer has arrived,, your company will soon be saying sayonara to the cool, breezy outdoor workouts that come with the winter and spring months, and the heat of summer will soon be spreading into the depths of your homes, workplace and favorite workout spots.

As you and your body temperature may have already noticed, the Summer 2012 season is on track to be one of the hottest on record for many cities across the United States. While this may have been great for those heading to the beach, it can be extremely dangerous for your company employees who enjoy outdoor summer activities, especially if they’re not staying properly hydrated.



Water is possibly the single most important aspect of any workout routine. Every single cell in our bodies requires a proper amount of water in order to function correctly. However, when you are outside sweating in the summer heat, your body temperature begins to rise and you can quickly become dehydrated.

To help you encourage your employees to stay properly hydrated this summer throughout your corporate-sponsored wellness program, as well as to help them thoroughly understand the dangers that come with dehydration, we are answering some of the most common questions that people often ask about workouts and H2O:

Why Do We Need Water?

While becoming thirsty may not seem like that big of a deal, what many people don’t realize is that by the time your body recognizes the feeling of thirst, you are already slightly dehydrated. This is extremely dangerous to anyone who is participating in physical activities because as little as 2% dehydration can have a negative effect on your body’s performance.

Because the human body is composed of approximately 70% water, even the slightest feeling of dehydration can cause your body to feel sluggish, tired and lazy?feelings that you definitely don’t want your employees to exhibit throughout the workday. Also, it’s not just your body that requires a lot of water in order to function well?the human brain is 75% liquid and needs constant water in order to carry out normal cognitive functions such as pitching products to clients or giving corporate presentations.

How Do You Stay Hydrated in the Sun?

Doctors advise that the average person should drink at least one glass (8 ounces) of cool water each hour during the summer months. However, if you are outside engaging in physical activities, two tofour glasses (16-32 ounces) an hour is much more accurate in order to maintain proper hydration.

One of the best ways for athletes to stay hydrated during their outdoor workouts is by using a hydration pack. These hydration systems come in backpack or waist pack form and contain an insulated reservoir that can hold anywhere from 1.5 to 3.0 liters of water. These packs also feature a hands-free hose that runs from the water to the outside of the pack, allowing the wearer to stay easily hydrated.

Because you should always drink water before, during and after exercising in hot weather, hydration packs are a great way to get a proper amount of water without having to constantly stop to grab your water bottle.

There are many different activities available to employees in the summer time to help them stay engaged in their corporate-sponsored wellness program, such as hiking, walking or jogging. Not only do these outdoor exercises promote fun and outdoor fitness, but they will also keep your employees on the right track towards better health and well being. However, it is essential that you are staying properly hydrated each and every time you head outside. After all, a well-hydrated employee is a better performing employee.