Do sports drinks offer more benefits than water?

It all depends on the length, type and intensity of exercise you are performing. Every time you exercise your body temperature rises which causes your body to sweat water and electrolytes.

If you work out at moderate intensity for less than 60 minutes, water would be your best choice! It has no carbohydrates or electrolytes so it moves quickly from the stomach to the bloodstream.

Water is the best when it comes to replacing your fluids. Unlike water, sports drinks are high in sugar and it will take longer to be absorbed into the body, therefore it will take longer to get your body re-hydrated.

But if you are working out for 90 minutes at a high intensity, you might prefer to refuel your body with a sports drink.

Why? Because they offer the best benefit by delaying muscle fatigue and keeping your body hydrated.

What I would recommend is to hydrate properly before exercising to prevent dehydration. Try to drink about 15-20 fl oz of water 2-3 hours before your workout or 8-10 fl oz 10-15 minutes before your begin your exercise. While you are exercising drink 8-10 fl oz every 10-15 minutes, but if you are exercising longer than 60 minutes, drink 8-10 fl oz a sports drink every 15 -- 30 minutes.

Once you are done remember to replace any fluids you have lost.

Have a great week!