Sports Drinks vs Water During Exercise

For exercise lasting under 45 minutes, water is your best choice. For the recreational athlete who may exercise 30-40 minutes per session, water is sufficient for hydration:

• Water is easily absorbed
• Water is the best choice to drink before moderate length exercise
• Water is readily available and less expensive than sport drinks

Research suggests that for workouts consisting of at least 45 minutes of continuous exercise or high-intensity workouts of any duration – running, aerobics, biking and intense weight training – a sports drink may be beneficial in delaying muscle fatigue by providing your body with additional energy:

• Sport drinks will replenish fluids while containing a small amount of carbohydrates and electrolytes
• A steady source of carbohydrates during prolonged exercise fights off fatigue and enhances performance by fueling the muscles
• Studies show that a solution containing electrolytes and carbohydrates may be absorbed more quickly and helps to retain fluids consumed after prolonged intense exercise
• The taste of a good sport drink may encourage you to keep drinking  aarp.org