What to Drink During a Workout: When you’re working out, staying hydrated is one of the most important things that you can do. But many people might get confused about what to drink while exercising. Should you stick to plain water? Try a sports drink? What about coconut water or protein shakes? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Water is your best friend:
For most workouts, especially if they are under an hour, water is all you need. Water helps you keep your body’s temperature in check, transport nutrients to your muscles, and prevent dehydration and fatigue. If you are going for a walk, doing light yoga, or lifting weights at a moderate pace, just sip water regularly.
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Go for electrolyte drinks in long or intense sessions:
If you are running for more than an hour, playing sports or doing an intense workout, an electrolyte drink can be helpful. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium. These minerals help your muscles work properly. Too much mineral loss can cause cramps, dizziness, or even fatigue.
Coconut water is a natural alternative:
Want something more natural than a store-bought sports drink? Try coconut water. It’s a great source of electrolytes and has a little natural sugar to keep your energy up. Coconut water is beneficial if you sweat a lot.
Skip energy drinks:
Some people think energy drinks are excellent for working out, but that’s not true. Most energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine. They might give you a quick boost, but that energy crashes afterwards. They can also increase your heart rate, which is very risky during exercise.
Avoid protein shakes during workouts.
You might have seen people drinking a lot of protein shakes during workouts, but it’s advised to consume them after your session. During a workout, your body is focused on energy, not digesting heavy stuff like protein. A protein shake mid-workout can leave you feeling bloated.
What about coffee or green tea?
A small amount of caffeine before exercise can improve performance. However, too much caffeine can lead to dehydration.
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Drinking the right fluid during a workout helps you stay organised, prevent injuries, and recover faster. It doesn’t have to be complicated; start with water, and adjust as needed. Listen to your body. Everyone is different; some people sweat more, while others may need additional hydration to feel energised.
