Extended workouts require hydration and energy.
During a workout, the body sweats and loses both salt and water. Electrolytes are lower than normal and the body becomes fatigued. According to Gatorade, the drink is better than water for athletes because it provides energy while exercising and it provides hydration to the athlete. When exercising, there are times when Gatorade is preferable to plain water.
Marathon Workouts
During a marathon workout, where athletes are running long distances or working out for long periods of time, there are two potential risks to the athlete: dehydration and hyponatremia. Hyponatremia occurs when the athlete does not have enough sodium intake and is potentially life threatening. Drinking Gatorade rather than water in this situation is preferable because the Gatorade not only provides a liquid for rehydration, but it contains sodium and prevents hyponatremia.
Rapid Rehydration
Dehydration during exercise, whether it is a long term marathon workout or less extreme, is a potential risk to an athlete. Drinking Gatorade helps with rapidly rehydrating the body. According to Vanderbilt University, Gatorade provides hydration as quickly as water, while also providing the electrolytes and sodium, which encourages further drinking, thus increased hydration.
Better Athletic Performance
Among the potential benefits of Gatorade during exercise is improved and prolonged exercise performance. The drink has sugars in it, which gives the body extra energy during a workout and allows the body to work longer as a result. Vanderbilt University confirms that the beverage is known to result in better and longer athletic performance when consumed during prolonged exercise.
Weight-loss Concerns
Gatorade is not suggested for anyone trying to lose weight. According to Straight Health, drinking Gatorade while trying to lose weight will result in maintaining weight because the drink is high in calories and sugar. Anyone who exercising for less than one hour or is trying to lose weight, should avoid the drink.
Tags: lose weight, trying lose, trying lose weight, during exercise, marathon workout, prolonged exercise, provides hydration