The Best Water Bottles for Workouts

by Amanda MacMillan



After last week's heat wave, you've probably heard a lot about the importance of keeping cool and staying hydrated -- but because the summer is far from over, it bears repeating. After all, drinking water throughout the day will help keep you healthy, increase energy levels, improve your fitness performance, and may even go as far as to boost brain power.

But we get it: It's a lot more fun, and easy to remember, to drink all day long when you're toting around a super cool accessory. That's why we love these three new water bottles, perfect for the pool, your purse, or your next workout.

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Lifefactory Straw Cap Collection:
This brand-new model improves on the already awesome glass bottle-wrapped-in-silicone design by adding a spill-proof straw cap with an easy, one-handed opening system -- in both 16-and 22-ounce versions. My favorite part (besides the fact that I've dropped mine a million times without breaking it)? You don't have to tilt or squeeze the bottle to drink. $25 - $27; lifefactory.com

Define Bottle Sport:
Like flavor-infused water? You'll love this sustainably crafted, BPA-free plastic and bamboo 20-ouncer with a compartment at the bottom for fresh fruit. (It's separated by a strainer, so you get the flavor without all the icky floating pieces.) Its lanyard makes it easy for carrying on the go, and a freezable base piece means it will keep your water colder, longer. $30; definebottle.com

Polar Bottle Ergo:
I've used Polar Bottles' insulated sport versions in my bike racks for years now -- they're the only ones that keep my water cold after long waits in triathlon transition areas. Now, Polar has a new 22-ounce Ergo bottle with a cool half-twist opening and closing system: It provides a nice, natural drinking experience, without sucking or squirting, and it's easy to close, so it won't leak in your bag (or on your bike cage). $19; polarbottle.com

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O2 Cool Mist 'N Sip:
Insulation around O2's latest model helps keep beverages super cold in this bottle, but the selling point is definitely the mist -- especially on incredibly hot days or during a really intense workout. One problem? You need two hands to open the spout, or just end up using your teeth -- not the best idea. Save this one for hot days on the beach or lower intensity exercises. $10; amazon.com

Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Handheld Hydration Set:
Holding a water bottle can be a pain when you're logging miles, so the folks at Salomon created an easy solution: a glove that holds an eight-ounce bladder. Since it comes with two gloves, you needn't worry if you're a southpaw, either. Plus, as you drink, the bottle gets smaller, although it's quite easy to carry to begin with. Be forewarned though: since it only holds such a small amount of H2O, reserve this baby for short intervals or when there's a water fountain nearby for refills. $40; rei.com

Contigo AUTOSEAL Madison Water Bottle:
SELF's Web Producer -- and avid exerciser -- Cheryl, swears by this model for any activity. As she says, "The easy-to-use push button on the top allows you take as much water as you need without spilling or leaking. It's also very convenient that you only need one hand to open the bottle." I also dig that it's BPA free, has a mouth wide enough to fit a bunch of ice cubes and is dishwasher-safe, too. $11; gocontigo.com

How do you stay hydrated during the summer?


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