SPORTS DRINK GUIDE: HYDRATING AFTER A WORKOUT

August 6, 2021

Pittsburgh Fitness Project

With so many choices of drinks available today, it gets confusing trying to navigate which ones can be the best decision to get you through your day. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up to get you through your training, the end of your workday, or something to hydrate and replenish you after a hard workout, our drink guide has you covered.

PFP DRINK GUIDE:

WATER!

Let’s start simple. Water is essential to our life. The human body is made up of almost 60% water, it aids in digestion, regulates body temperature, is needed in hormone production, and the majority of the rest of our bodily function. If you’re feeling thirsty, that’s your body telling you that you’re already experiencing signs of dehydration, so it’s important to be consuming water regularly throughout the day. The average water intake recommendation is 10-15 cups of water a day.

YOUR SPORTS DRINK GUIDE

POWERADE ULTRA

Powerade Ultra is a relatively newer drink on the market. This Gatorade variant is a zero sugar sports drink option. Powerade Ultra is great because t it’s packed with electrolytes like Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium. These are the players that keep you hydrated after a good sweat session. Powerade Ultra also comes with creatine and Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). Creatine is one of the most effective supplements available on the market, aiding in energy production for strength and speed training, muscle growth, and even cognitive function. BCAA’s are the building blocks of proteins that can assist in recovery. However, these amino acids can be consumed in a variety of different foods and don’t necessarily need to be supplemented if you’re consuming a balanced diet.

REIGN

Reign is another zero sugar drink option, containing caffeine, BCAA’s, Co-Enzyme Q10, and B Vitamins. If you’re looking for energy, Reign packs in 300mg of naturally sourced caffeine into a 16oz can. This may seem like a great option for a jump start. But Reign and other similar drinks are not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Women who are or may become pregnant, or individuals who are more sensitive to caffeine should talk to their doctor before drinking regularly. The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400mg, so one can of Reign is extremely close to that limit.

CORE POWER

Core Power is a protein-packed option from Fairlife that can help fuel your muscles after a hard workout. 26g of protein is enough to help most individuals reach their protein goals and feel more satiated throughout the day. For those with serious muscle-building goals, the 42g of protein option will keep the gainz train rolling! The recommended protein intake is 0.8-1.6g per kg of body weight, with athletes extremely active individuals towards the top end.

PS: As a general reminder, staying hydrated is a key factor in staying healthy and feeling our best. Here are other ways to boost the immune system as we head into fall.