Some Refreshing Facts About Sports Drinks

Exercise and Fitness, Uncategorized August 1, 2012 Leave a comment

When it comes to pre-workout supplements, recovery drinks and sports beverages, the information for the athlete or fitness enthusiast can be overwhelming and confusing. The complicated ingredient labels do not help you decide which is best for you.

Your performance during a workout or competition puts great stress on the cardiovascular system, body temperature and electrolyte levels. Since performance depends on all three components it is important to hydrate consistently before, during and after the event/activity.

It is recommended that during strenuous training or competition of approximately an hour and thirty-minutes or more, a sports drink should be used to deliver a high concentration of chemicals (electrolytes) needed to perform. Sports drinks do have electrolytes that will regulate plasma blood volume and replace lost sodium. In most cases the sugar content is a little high but that will give you quick energy. Because water does not have a taste, it is often not as appealing as a sports drink and gets ignored when needed the most.

So which sports drinks are the best? Many have too much sugar, food dyes and artificial flavoring. Some all-natural drinks include:

  1. G2 Natural Series
  2. Gleukos All Natural Fuel
  3. Homemade Drink

According to The Gatorade Sports Science Institute, properly formulated sports drinks can:

  1. Encourage voluntary fluid intake
  2. Stimulate fast absorption
  3. Promote rapid and complete rehydration
  4. Improve performance

Remember that sports drinks are meant for intense workouts and activities, not everyday consumption (water would be a better choice for daily consumption).

NOTE: Sports drinks are different from energy drinks.

By: Rocco Ferraiolo PTA, NASM certified, SPARQ certified

 

Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a comment