Drinking water before, during, and post-workout is vital to your performance. Aside from working out, the average person needs about 8-10 glasses of water a day for optimal health. Using a water bottle is a simple and cost-effective way to stay healthy and hydrated.
But out of the countless designs and shapes, which one is the best one for you?
To choose the perfect water bottle, you should first make sure that anything you decide on is BPA-free and made from glass, stainless steel, and other eco-friendly materials.
Next, just think about your needs:
For Purer Water
Bobble, 34 oz. ($13; waterbobble.com)
Why: This bottle has a built-in filter for great-tasting tap water every time.
For Colder Water…
Insulated Sport Bottle, 24 oz. ($12; polarbottle.com)
Why: Extra insulation means water stays cool in a hot gym/during warmer months. It’s also dishwasher safe and freezer safe.
For Multitaskers…
MultiDrink, 20 oz. ($15; nalgene.com)
Why: This multitasking bottle lets you drink from a straw or screw-top spout. It’s also dishwasher safe and freezer safe.
For Enhanced Water…
Why we love it: This stain- and mold-resistant bottle doesn’t trap flavors or odors. It’s dishwasher safe; freezer safe and recyclable.
For Fuss-Free Cleaning…
Alex, 32 oz. ($30; alexbottle.com)
Why: It screws apart in the middle, making thorough scrubbing super-easy.
How To Keep Your Water Bottle Healthy
Regardless of which bottle you choose, it’s important to follow a few steps to make sure it stays clean, and to prevent ingestion of harmful germs. Clean your bottle daily to keep it free from any saliva buildup or tiny food particles that can cause bacteria growth. Be sure to use warm water and soap.
Focus on the mouth and cap. These places, along with any textured surface (like ridges to screw on a lid), harbor the most bacteria. Spend a few extra seconds scrubbing them.
Use bleach. Mix a solution of 1-teaspoon bleach and a half-gallon of water to disinfect weekly. If your bottle has a sport cap, flip it open and submerge in the solution for 1 minute. Rinse under running water, then squirt a full bottle of clean water out through the cap.
Air it out. If you aren’t immediately refilling your bottle, invert it on an angle to dry so air can circulate through.