Should I Consider Using A Sports Drink When I Work Out?

Good question! And the answer is yes...and no. Darn!!! I hate answers like that.

Ok, just follow me and I'll explain. If you are planning on working out for over an hour--perhaps you are playing a baseball game with friends or hitting the ice for some hockey with the gang or even hopping on your bike for a good cardio session through the warm summer breeze--then yes, a good sport drink is the way to go.

Adding carbs (in the form of a drink) can improve your performance and sport drinks, with the added electrolytes, can even improve your physical and mental skills in the later stages of your training (or game) The fluids will keep you hydrated and the carbs will help to continue to fuel your intense activity.

The only thing to keep a watch out for is make sure your sport drink is 8% or less carbs. Above 8% and your stomach begins to empty fluids into your body at a slower rate. Luckily, most major brands of sports drinks have 8% or less.

Not planning on working out for over an hour? That's ok, maybe you have a 30 minute yoga session planned, or maybe you are just going for a leisurely spin on the bike after dinner. In this case, water is still the best choice for hydration.