Fitness junkies have often asked which is better: water or energy drinks? Staying hydrated during exercise is important, because we sweat during exercise which means we lose water, and we need to replace the water we lose. Furthermore, the hotter you get and the more intense the exercise, the more water you lose.
Our bodies use water to regulate temperature, transport oxygen and get rid of toxins. If you do not hydrate during exercise you could suffer from cramps, dizziness and heat exhaustion.
Water is a good hydrator before, during and after exercise; and the cleaner and fresher the water, the better. However, rather than waste money and plastic buying bottled water, make sure you have your own bottle. Installing a water cooler is a good way of ensuring you have plenty of clean, fresh water available. Check whether the place where you exercise (whether this is a gym or a studio) has a watercooler, and if not, perhaps speak to a manager or drop a remark into a suggestion box about installing water coolers as a ready means of hydration for fellow fitness fundis.
Energy drinks are often preferred, because they are more flavourful than water. The better taste will encourage increased intake, leading to better hydration. Water, however, remains the better option and can be flavoured with a slice of lemon or a couple of mint leaves, if taste is an issue. Be wary of store-bought flavoured water though, as these are usually loaded with sugar and, again, leaves you with copious plastic bottles that will just be tossed away. Choosing energy drinks is also the more expensive option, so going for water will save money and plastic.
A benefit of energy drinks is that they contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, but unless you are partaking in intense training for something like a marathon you do not need an electrolyte replacement. Carbohydrates provide energy, which the body needs when exercising for long periods of time due to the increased amount of calories being burnt. For shorter and less intense bouts of exercise, water is the perfect choice.
The key is to regard energy drinks as a supplementary form of hydration in your exercise regime, and not as a replacement for water. Whether you quickly pop in and out of the gym every day, or are training for a marathon, water should remain your number one beverage of choice. A water cooler at home or a water cooler at the office is a good first step to improved hydration.
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