We all know that if you don’t drink enough water you get dehydrated. It’s also important to realise that even mild dehydration impairs exercise by up to 30%, and studies show half of all gymgoers are mildly dehydrated before they begin exercising. Not a good start. So drink water throughout the day as well as when you’re exercising. You’ll also feel less hungry if you drink a lot of water. Half a litre sipped over the course of an hour’s exercise followed by a big glass or two later should be sufficient, but be guided by your thirst. Heavy perspirers need more.