By now, anyone who is involved in any physical activity knows that hydration is an essential key to better performance. It is of utmost importance to stay on top of your liquid and fuelling game, especially when you are training or running in the scorching summer heat. When the body gets dehydrated, it causes ones mental and physical performance to drop thus causing loss of both strength and stamina.
While sipping on plain water is always a good choice for keeping the body fluids in balance, there are many instances when it is recommended to add some juice in your bottle. Whether you need to refuel for miles, exert yourself with a little effort, or fight against extreme heat and humidity, these sport drinks can help you run longer or recover faster.
Sport drinks, which are usually rich in electrolytes, helps the body to replenish water electrolytes and energy that were lost during strenuous activities. These energy drinks often contain carbohydrates that are the main source of energy boosting. They contain potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, which help in overcoming hydration, refill glycogen stores and delay symptoms of fatigue. While constantly running for hours or doing some physical activity, our body is continuously sweating and some important nutrients and electrolytes are lost from the body in the form of sweat.
In order to regain those electrolytes our body needs energy drinks, or, in other words, electrolyte balancing beverages. If you roam around you will find that there are numerous options in the Canadian market. Some sport drinks are ready to drink beverages, while others are tablets or powders that you mix with water; all serving the common purpose. You should definitely grab these amazing running drinks not only because they will replenish the electrolyte deficiency, but they taste delicious too.
Best Sports Drinks To Amp Up Your Physical Activity
1- BioSteel Hydration Mix
It is never a good idea to start your workout when your body is running low on fluids. According to some studies, it is proven that even mild dehydration can wipe out your brainpower. Biosteel Hydration Mix helps hydrate your body. For better flavour, try to add this amazing yet beneficial sports hydration mix into plain water. It does not contain any sugar, artificial flavour or preservative. It does contain a mix of amino acids and vitamin-B to power up your physical activity. In addition, it is rich in sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium; which are essential to help balance and retain fluids in your body and maintain ionic balance.
2- Nuun Endurance
Adding some flavour to water makes it more appealing to take bigger gulps, which in turn, results in better hydration. Adding just one scoop of this Nuun Endurance mixture into water will keep your body hydrated, support muscle functions and sustain better stamina for prolong workouts. The Strawberry Lemonade is made without any artificial flavour. It is vegan, gluten and soy free. It consists of a mixture of carbohydrates and electrolytes for fulfilling the physiological demands of intense workouts. If you are someone who pushes to the limit or runs for more than 90 straight minutes, then this sports drink will keep your body fluids in check; while also minimizing the GI (Gastro Intestinal) stress so that you can push through each step without losing stamina.
3- Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator
This sports drink provides the optimum levels of potassium, sodium and magnesium to help maintain the electrolyte balance after a strenuous workout. This drink is also rich in antioxidants which supports the immune system. If you are calorie conscious, then this mix is best for you as it only adds 3-4 calories per serving. No preservatives, artificial flavour or chemicals are added to this delicious mix. Add one spoon of Vega Sport to two glasses of water or to your favourite drink and enjoy it pre or post-workout.
4- SKRATCH LABS Hydration Mix
Some people find it daunting to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Especially true when working out in hot conditions which leaves you sweating like crazy. If you are a fitness freak, the hotness of summer cannot stop you. Or you may generally be a heavy sweater. Either way you should up your hydration game by the adding this SKRATCH LABS Hydration Mix to your favourite drink. It uses vegan and natural oranges to replace the electrolytes lost during heavy sweating. This will quickly exert its action without effecting the gastrointestinal system. You can always mix this into different drinks to come up with exciting combos.
5- XTEND Original BCAA Powder
XTEND Original BCAA Powder Strawberry Kiwi is a sugar free, post workout muscle recovery drink, with 2:1:1 nutrient i.e. Amino Acids and 7g of BCAAs, 2.5g of L-Glutamine and 1g of Citrulline Malate for men and women.
The key to the best results is the fastest recovery. XTEND is known for their best recovery products. Clinical research has shown that 7g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) maintain, and help, muscle recovery and growth. XTEND® Original is also packed with additional performance and hydrating electrolytes to help the body refuel, recover and repair. There are different flavours to choose from; Watermelon Explosion, Blue Raspberry Ice, Mango Madness, and Glacial Grape (just to name a few).
The ideal way to consume this drink is by mixing 1 scoop of powder into 1 glass (approx. 10-14 fluid oz) of water and shake it well before use. On days when you are working out, it is recommended that you consume 1 scoop during workout and 1 scoop after. On the days when you are not working out, it is recommended that you consume 2 scoops anytime throughout the day. It is suggested to use 2 scoops of XTEND Original BCAA Powder recovery drink everyday of best results.
6- PVL Total Reload
PVL Total Reload is an ultimate, full dosed post-workout, re-energizing electrolyte drink, which packs Amino Acids, BCAAs, Glutamine for Men and Women. This mixture starts to work immediately to initiate muscle recovery with 15,000mg of 100% free form amino acids. Total Reload is loaded with lactic acid buffers, water-soluble B and C vitamins, electrolytes, natural kratom, 72 trace elements and antioxidants. After an intense athletic workout, this drink is able to reload your body for a quick and speedy recovery. Total Reload does not contain any kind of artificial colours, sweeteners or flavours. This drink is tested for banned substances and Informed-Choice certified.
Total Reload aids cardio-vascular function, muscle/tissue cell repair, supports immune health, restores plasma glutamine and BCAA levels which are drained during intense workouts. It also helps to form red blood cells. It is not recommended if someone is pregnant, breast-feeding or has liver or kidney disease.
This recovery drink boosts training mainly during the long duration of strenuous sessions. With this drink anyone can sustain the same energy levels throughout the workout due to the best formulation. This drink includes electrolytes and fast carbs. Your body will feel what the name suggests, Total Reload in your system. It has a great taste which makes the drink desirable and mixes well with water. Make sure you shake well before drinking it.
7- Canadian Protein Vegan Protein Blend Powder
Canadian Vegan Protein Blend Powder carries Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein and Hemp Protein. People who are looking to bulk up their bodies and pack lean muscle mass will enjoy this product. This all-natural premium vegan protein blend works wonders in many ways to produce the desired results. This recovery drink supports the body in initiating protein synthesis, which is a very crucial part of recovery after workout sessions. It also initiates the muscle repair and growth. This vegan drink is loaded with nutrients and provides the necessary amounts of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, healthy fats and fibres.
After a strenuous workout everybody needs to recover. This drink will help boost your energy, metabolism, and on top of that, provides a boost to both mental and physical health. It doesn’t contain any preservative or artificial flavours and is all organically produced. It is also GMO free and hence, free from pesticides and chemicals.
People who require an energy boost after a heavy weight-lifting or athletic performance should definitely try this Protein Vegan Protein Blend Powder to pack maximum gains. Adding a scoop of your favourite flavour to a glass of water is surely going to tickle your taste buds while refuelling your body for the next session.
When To Take Sports Drinks For Running & Workouts?
There are many schools of thoughts and different opinions on when to take a sports drink. However, after due diligence, the outcome is that you should take these drinks before and after your workout or running. For every kg of bodyweight you lose, you need to take 1 ½ litre of fluid. It is advisable to drink around 500 ml in the first half an hour after your workout, and keep sipping until the target is achieved. Water may be okay, but it is best if you mix your electrolyte blend with water and gulp it until your body feels fresh and hydrated again. If you feel light-headed or nauseous, which many people do after their workout, then these sport drinks are your best options.
On the flip side, it is also advisable to drink at least 500 ml of water, added with your favourite sports drink, at least an hour or two before a workout. You do not want to start your activity with a dehydrated body. A sports drink with all the essential electrolytes will help do the job.
What’s In Your Sports Drink?
Most of the sport drinks contains carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, chloride and water. There may be other drinks which contains other ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids but these rarely assist in enhancing the body’s performance. The ingredients help prevent muscle soreness, delays fatigue and continues to supply energy to the body, which is necessary during a workout. Heavy sweating results in loss of some beneficial electrolytes from the body, which can be regained by the use of such sport drinks. Sport drinks are usually a better choice than plain water because it quickly refills the the body with necessary minerals, carbohydrates and minerals.
Sport Drinks For Running – Purchase Guide
Searching for a sports drink in Canada is not hard. Finding the right sports drink that fulfills all the requirements you need can be a little intimidating. Here is a guide to help choose the best one for you:
- Ensure the sports drink has electrolytes in it.
- Choose a sports drink that will help prevent muscle soreness, fatigue and will quickly replenishes the electrolyte balance in the body.
- Always check the Nutrients Fact/Composition chart to see what ingredients the sports drink contains.
- Pick a sports drink that comes in your favourite flavour.
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