• July 15, 2018

• Samantha Milano

• Fitness, Wellness, Physical Therapy

  Many people are confused about whether to drink plain water or a sports drink when exercising to replace the fluids they’ve lost.
  Sports drinks consist of water, carbohydrates and electrolytes. They are designed to help maintain physical stamina, especially during an intense exercise session. There are many benefits that these drinks offer.
  

1. Help to replace fluids that are lost

Sports drinks are effective for replacing fluids that you have lost particularly through working out. The main ingredient in these sports drinks is water. They also contain electrolytes which are important for absorption of fluids. You will therefore stay hydrated.

2. Replenish energy

Sports drinks contain carbohydrates. These are vital for the generation of energy. The carbohydrates in sports drinks are in simple forms that can be quickly absorbed by the body and processed to provide energy quickly. This helps to maximize your performance.

3. Boost performance over a longer period

These drinks also contain proteins. Proteins are a slow burning fuel for the body. Therefore, you will have more energy for longer. Your performance is therefore improved over a longer period.

4. They are sugar free

If you’re counting calories but are craving a sweet drink that will provide you with an energy boost, you can’t go wrong with an energy drink. These drinks are sugar-free. They are low calorie drinks that will give you the energy you need without compromising your diet.

5. You get more with less

Most experts recommend that you drink at least eight cups of water every day. You may even have to drink more depending on your body weight. However, not everyone likes to drink large volumes of water. You can opt to have a sports drink instead. These drinks are better for hydration than plain water. You will drink less and gain more.