Water or Sports Drinks?

When choosing between a sports drink and water, keep these facts in mind: Water works. Proper hydration is one of the most important ways to protect the body before, during, and after exercise. You should regularly drink plenty of water, especially when you plan to get in a good workout. Water is the best thing for your body, so make sure you get enough. "Most people don't drink enough water, so when you go to the water fountain in the gym, take eight big gulps. Keep going to the water fountain and bring your water bottle. Sports drinks have calories. One downside to sports drinks is that they do contain calories, a consideration for people exercising for weight loss. Most people just need to drink water. Sports drinks typically have calories, and if you're trying to watch your calories, those can sneak up on yous. Sports drinks typically have about half the amount of sugar and calories of a soda or fruit juice. That can add up quickly if you down a couple of sports drinks, however, especially if you drink them when you're not exercising. Consider the exercise. Most people don't need sports drinks to replace electrolytes lost during exercise, because generally they don't work out hard enough to require that. But people who perform certain exercises those who do a lot of heavy weightlifting or who are running long distances,(more then and hour) for example might benefit from sports drinks. People exercising under extreme conditions may also benefit from drinking a sports drink after a tough workout. But people who are getting moderate exercise (working out for less than an hour) should avoid the calories and just make sure they drink plenty of water to fuel their bodies for a workout.