I'm going to disagree. Water, alone, is about a B+, maybe an A-. If you've ever been working out really intensely, to the point where you feel nauseous and could drink a liter of water and still be desperately thirsty, then you'll understand that you also need to get electrolytes, things like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The mineral content in plain water is too low for that; a sugar-free (preferably unsweetened) sports drink is going to be better for you than water alone.

[–] mkhoury@lemmy.ca 9 points 9 months ago

Unless you have a balanced diet that anticipates your workouts and gives you the proper amount of sodium, potassium and magnesium. Sports drinks are just selling you those at a big premium. Stick with water. Eat a banana.

[–] brbposting@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago

If you've ever been working out really intensely

Putting water alone back to S tier for ~100% of the population about 90-100% of the time :)

[–] ryathal@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

There's approximately 0% of people that actually need Gatorade/sports drinks, unless they were stranded without water for a prolonged period.

It was developed to help football players in Florida stay hydrated for the duration of a game. The conditions there are 90%+ humidity, and 80+ degrees while wearing full pads. Then being in that state for about 5 or so hours without eating.

No one really is exposed to that level of perspiration except athletes.

[–] HelixDab2@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago

Guess I'm an athlete then, because I badly deplete my electrolytes every time I'm backpacking on the AT.

[–] TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml 1 points 9 months ago

All you need to do is sprinkle some salt in your water for workouts, and supplement it with milk or banana as post workout.