So you're either working out or planning to start. Congratulations! Exercise is a great way to make you feel radiant from the inside out.

But working out isn't just moving and shaking. A proper workout needs a bit of planning so your body gets maximum benefits. And one of the most important things for your body is hydration.

Because exercising creates friction in your body, you sweat to release the resulting heat and to cool down. Without enough water in your body, your sweating is reduced; and overheating and exhaustion can occur. And no one wants that!

So here are some simple ways to keep your body healthy and hydrated while you work out.

Pre-Workout

Most people don't realize how important it is to hydrate before a workout even starts. A pre-workout glass of water can change how you feel during the entire exercise session.

• Try to drink 12 oz. of water (standard bottled water) at least 30 minutes before you work out.
• If the taste of water isn't that appealing to you, flavor it. Just stay away from caffeinated beverages. They'll end up dehydrating you instead.
• You don't have to down the entire amount of water in a single gulp, either. Just sip on it over the course of thirty minutes.
• If you're planning on an extremely active workout or you're going to be somewhere warm, drink a little more than 12 oz.

During Workout

The goal is to never feel thirsty during a workout. Thirst is a sign of being under-hydrated.

• For every half hour of strenuous exercise, you need a good 8 oz. of water.
• Take a bottle of water to the gym with you. Or if you exercise outside, carry one. Think of it as a dumbbell!
• Build water breaks into your workout routine. For example, after every half mile on the treadmill, take a sip. Or take a gulp after every song you hear.
• If your drink is something tasty, you'll be more likely to use it. So get some flavored water or a sports drink.
• Drinking gradually during exercise will prevent that sloshy-belly feeling you can get after chugging a ton of water at once.
• If you're hydrated but you aren't dripping in sweat, don't be fooled. You're still perspiring. It's just evaporating. So keep hydrating!

Post-Workout

Even though the workout's over, the hydrating isn't. This is vital hydrating time because your body will still be cooling down. Drink at least another 8 oz. of water during the half-hour after your workout.

Use your head when hydrating. You want to replace moisture that your body is losing through perspiration, not completely fill your stomach. If you're sweating profusely, drink more. If it's a light workout, drink less. Your body will help you figure out what it needs.

Once you get the hydrating thing streamlined, you'll notice that you'll have more energy and clarity during your workouts. You may even enjoy exercising more. And wouldn't that be great? So raise a glass of water and toast to your workout!