Answer to Question 1
For noncompetitive, everyday active people, plain cool water is recommended for two reasons: (1) water rapidly leaves the digestive tract to enter the tissues, and (2) it cools the body from the inside out. Endurance athletes are an exception: they need more from their fluids than water alone. The first priority for endurance athletes should always be replacement of fluids to prevent life-threatening heat stroke.
Answer to Question 2
The ACSM's Guidelines for Physical Fitness include cardiorespiratory, strength, and flexibility training. All three are important to overall physical fitness. Each has its own type of activity, frequency, intensity, and duration recommendations.
Type of Activity
Cardiorespiratory: Aerobic activity that uses large muscle groups and can be maintained continuously.
Strength: Resistance activity that is performed at a controlled speed and through a full range of motion.
Flexibility: Stretching activity that uses the major muscle groups
Frequency
Cardiorespiratory: 5 to 7 days per week.
Strength: 2 to 3 non-consecutive days per week.
Flexibility: 2 to 7 days per week.
Intensity
Cardiorespiratory: Moderate (equivalent to walking at a pace of 3 to 4 miles per hour).
Strength: Enough to enhance muscle strength and improve body composition.
Flexibility: Enough to feel tightness or slight discomfort.
Duration
Cardiorespiratory: At least 30 minutes per day.
Strength: 2 to 4 sets of 9 to 12 repetitions involving each major muscle group.
Flexibility: 2 to 4 repetitions of 15 to 30 seconds per muscle group.