Sports Drinks

TNBelle35

After a hard cardio workout for an hour and burn approx 600 calories, is it better to drink straight water or a sports drink like Powerade or Gatorade?

I know whenever I get a body massage they want you to drink water to help flush toxins out of your muscles but I see athletes and people in the gym drinking the sports drinks to help replenish their muscles. I typically just drink water but I usually eat my last meal of the day shortly after working out in the evening, so I am not sure if the sports drinks is necessary. Thanks!

Saree1902

Personally, I use sports drinks to keep me going during 6 mile+ runs. I've never used one at the gym.
If, as you say, you eat after the gym then a sports drink probably isn' t necessary.
Some may claim that salts need to be replenished after sweating, but I prefer cheese or bacon for this!

iplayoutside19

I think a lot of sports drink are unnessecary for what most people are doing at the gym. However, they have their place. I usually have one after a long run and I have a slight headache, which is lack of electrolites, because as soon as the sugar gets in my blood the headache goes away. Also, on a day like today. I ran at lunch, and will practice softball this evening for several hours. I'll probably have one on the way home so I don't bonk during practice.

If the only reason I think you might need a sports drinks is everyone else is having them...then you probably should just stick with water. However, if you're feeling rundown and dehydrated...might be something to look at.

TNBelle35

It is so hard to know when I get different opinions...I have a trainer friend who uses shakeology and told me to use those and the sound like what would be good to do, but I also want a real meal, I can't stand substituting shakes.
What about vitamin water?

DavPul

a lot of the time those athletes are drinking water out of a cup or container with a gatorade logo. if you're working out for longer than an hour, a sports drink can be a good idea but still usually isn't needed. but if you prefer sports drinks over water, go ahead and drink them as they won't hurt you.


ETA: don't bother with shakeology. way overpriced and way overpromoted. and vitamin water is the same as any other sports drink, no better, no worse

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

I love powerade zero.

jturnerx

Chocolate milk.