During sustained physical exertion, how many ounces of water should you drink every 5-10 minutes?

• A. 4-6 oz
• B. 8-10 oz
• C. 12-16 oz
• D. 20 oz

Answer: (B)

During sustained exertion your body continually loses fluid through sweat, so you need to replace those losses at a steady pace to keep blood volume, skin cooling, and performance from dipping. About eight to ten ounces of water every five to ten minutes is a practical, balanced rate that helps you stay hydrated without overloading the stomach or diluting electrolytes. Drinking smaller amounts too slowly can leave you lagging behind sweat losses and becoming dehydrated, while drinking much larger amounts at once can cause stomach distress and, if done repeatedly, potential electrolyte imbalance. This approach supports steady hydration under typical conditions and can be adjusted for hotter environments or higher intensity.