Agua. H20. Water. You can call it whatever you want as long as you drink lots of it this summer and all throughout the year. Health and fitness experts agree that most people do not drink enough water. If you fit into this category, you’re missing out.

Here are some water facts to get you motivated.

•Water lubricates and cushions around the joints.

•Water serves as a shock absorber for your eyes and spine.

•Water maintains blood volume and proper muscle tone.

•Water helps you lose weight and is a natural appetite suppressant.

•Water can improve the appearance of your skin.

•Water is a great treatment for fluid retention.

•Water keeps you from being dehydrated. (Did you know that one of the most common reasons for headaches and anxiety attacks is dehydration?)

Give yourself this quick dehydration test. Grab the skin on the back of your hand, pinch it pretty hard and release it. Watch how quickly your skin bounces back. If your skin doesn’t return quickly, you are probably dehydrated.

Ultimately, you should drink six to eight glasses of water every day, but when it’s really hot and you’re sweating more profusely during your workouts, you need to increase your water intake.  Try dividing your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water a day. That should be your goal.

If you have trouble drinking 64 ounces of water, here’s a trick. Outsmart yourself. Buy one of those 33-ounce water bottles and drink two of those a day.  Somehow, consuming only two bottles of water as opposed to eight separate glasses makes it seem like less water. It’s also a good idea to keep a water bottle in the car, next to your computer at work, in the kitchen, on your nightstand and anywhere else you find yourself throughout the day. That way, you’ll have a water bottle handy all day as you sip your way to 64 ounces. Try it!

Also, if you can’t stand the taste of tap water, try a bottled version of the wet stuff. If that doesn’t help, you might add a slice of lime or lemon to an ice-cold glass of water. Adding more water to your diet is another step toward a healthy, strong body. So, are you ready? On your mark, get set, DRINK!