Sports Drinks Vs. Water

While comparing water vs sports drinks, a common question of debate is often raised, which considers the hydration level, energy content, the nutritional value, as well as the cost-effectiveness of either drinks. Water for one, has no side effects, while drinking sports drinks in excess can lead to several health problems. Considering the two, both water and sports drinks have their individual advantages as well as disadvantages. It all depends on the intensity of the workout and the total intake of the beverage. While we discuss sports drinks, you must never confuse sports drinks with energy drinks, as the two are completely different. The side effects of energy drinks are manifold, and seem to be suitable only for people who indulge in strenuous workout on a routine basis. There is a reason why athletes and sportspersons are advised to drink sports drinks, so let us find out the difference between water and sports drinks during workouts.

Effects of Water While Workout

✔ Water for Low Intensity Workout
Water does not contain any electrolytes, nor does it contain any calories or nutrients. All it helps is in ensuring that the body remains hydrated, before, during, and after the workout. An individual performing a low intensity workout will sweat less and lose less body water. He or she will not require a sports drink, as water will prove sufficient in restoring the lost hydration. Since lesser calories are burnt during low intensity workouts, drinking sports drinks would restore the lost calories, nullifying the very act of exercising itself ! Secondly, water will help cleanse the entire digestive system, and especially the kidneys.

✖ Water for High Intensity Workout
If indulging in a high intensity workout which lasts for 40 minutes or more, water will not prove adequate for restoring the body's hydration. The reason being that, a lot more fluid has been lost in the form of sweat. The entire objective behind exercising is to lose calories through burning fats, and retaining as much hydration as possible. Drinking mere water will not suffice, as the body will need nutrients and electrolytes as well in order to retain more fluids in the body. Water will not remain in the body for long, and will be excreted out as urine.

Effects of Sports Drinks While Workout

✖ Sports Drinks for Low Intensity Workout
Drinking sports drinks after a low intensity workout will be disadvantageous for you, as it will make you gain more calories than you lost during exercising. Secondly, it will make you put on more weight in the form of body fat, because excess calories are being piled up. The reason being that these drinks are saturated with sugar and nutrients, which will act as food for your body. Even though you are exercising, you will not lose weight. What may happen is that you will continue to remain in your original weight or even gain some more. Thirdly, you will drink a lot more of the sports drink, simply because it is tastier than water and will be readily accepted by you body. Fourthly, these drinks have added chemicals and sugar, which is not suitable for maintaining good health, especially for those who have insulin related health problems.

✔ Sports Drinks for High Intensity Workout
For those who indulge in grueling and strenuous workout routines, sports drinks are the ideal option. Firstly, since these individuals lose a lot of sweat, they need to restore 1 - 1.5 % of the lost body fluids. Secondly, drinking sports drinks does not get excreted as urine as readily as plain water. By the time the nutrients from the sports drink are absorbed by the digestive system, only a small percent of water remains, to be extracted by the body. The rest is retained and used for balancing the body's hydration. Thirdly, sugar from the drink is converted into food and energy, thereby reducing weakness after exercising. Fourthly, people who indulge in high intensity workouts may find water too bland, and usually have a craving for something sweeter, thus making them drink lesser amounts of water than their body requires. Whereas, sports drinks will seem more appetizing, and thus they will drink to their heart's content !

Therefore, if you perform low intensity exercises, you must stick to plain and simple water. While those performing heavy training can safely go ahead and choose sports drinks over water. On the contrary, water is free and thus inexpensive, whereas sports drinks cost money, and not all workout enthusiasts can afford it on a regular basis. The choice is completely yours to make, when it comes to deciding between sports drinks vs water.