The human body is made up of about two-thirds water, so staying hydrated is vital, especially when exercising.

Those sticking to their fitness regime should be drinking about two litres of water per day more than usual, the Consumer Council for Water suggests.

It explains that drinking enough water helps to boost energy, heightens concentration, fights infections, is good for the skin, aids weight loss and enables you to get more out of your exercise.

Drinking plenty of water every day is one of the simplest and best things you can do for your body, explains Dame Yve Buckland, chair of the Consumer Council for Water.

"Just a two per cent loss of water from your body can result in a 10 per cent drop in physical and mental performance, so it is important to make sure that we stay well hydrated at all times, whether at work, at home or at the gym," she said.

The body urges everyone to start their day by drinking a glass of water and continuing to have water throughout the day.

Keeping a jug chilled in the fridge and adding lemons, limes or a sprig of mint can make keeping up your water intake more appealing.

The council points out that tap water in the home costs just a penny for ten litres, meaning Brits can drink the recommended two litres per day for just 85p a year.

Concept2 also highlights the importance of taking on plenty of fluids when exercising, pointing out that this will help to dissipate the heat produced by physical activity.

High water-content foods such as tomatoes, soups and cucumber can also be used to boost fluid levels and cool liquids are more quickly absorbed than hot drinks, it continues.

Sports and energy drinks can also aid rehydration, as they contain easily digestible fuel in the form of carbohydrate particles to boost energy stores.

Posted by Stacey Potts