Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are beverages that are specially formulated to help athletes hydrate before, during or after exercise. They are usually rich in carbohydrates, the most efficient source of energy, which are important in maintaining exercise and sport performance.

Besides carbs, sports drinks also contain electrolytes - minerals such as chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, - which, along with body fluid, diminish as you exercise and sweat. Replacing the electrolytes lost during training promotes proper rehydration, which is important in delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise.

There are three main types of sports drinks available, all of which contain various levels of fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrate: isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic.

Isotonic drinks contains similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body. These kinds of drinks quickly replaces fluids lost through sweating and supplies a boost of carbohydrate. Isotonic drinks are the preferred choice for most athletes, including middle and long-distance running or those involved in team sports. Hypertonic drinks contain a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body. They are normally consumed post-workout to supplement daily carbohydrate intake and top-up muscle glycogen stores. Last but not least, hypotonic drinks contain a lower concentration of salt and sugar than the human body. They quickly replaces fluids lost by sweating and are suitable for athletes who require fluid without a carbohydrate boost.

Choose yours and stay hydrated!