Sports drinks: the importance of good hydration!

The aim of sports drinks is to optimise physical performance during exercise and promote recovery after physical activity. They offer an optimal balance of electrolytes, carbohydrates and minerals that maintain hydration while providing the energy needed to counter muscle fatigue. There are 3 main types of sports drink:
- electrolyte/isotonic drinks loaded with electrolytes and carbohydrates, which allow you to rehydrate more quickly and provide the energy/electrolytes your body needs during and after exercise.
- energy drinks containing stimulating ingredients such as caffeine, taurine or B vitamins, which aim to stimulate and temporarily increase your energy and physical performance.
- Recovery drinks to help the body recover after a physical performance. They support the process of rehydration and recharging the glycogen reserves in the muscles, which are often depleted after exercise.
How can you improve your hydration? What are the benefits of drinking isotonic drinks? Read all our articles on sports hydration.

Everything you need to know about sports drinks

Electrolyte drinks and simple water: what are the differences?

Electrolyte drinks and simple water differ mainly in their electrolyte and carbohydrate composition. It is in their ability to meet the specific needs of the body during and after exercise that the electrolyte drink stands out. This energy drink is composed of electrolytes (sodium, potassium and magnesium) and carbohydrates providing an immediate source of energy to support your sports performance. Our Holyfat isotonic drinks are therefore your ally to meet your energy and water needs during prolonged physical activities.

How important is hydration in sport?

Hydration plays an essential role during sporting activity because of its different actions on our body. Good hydration helps maintain water balance, which decreases through sweating and breathing during exercise. Hydration also helps regulate body temperature, optimize performance and support sports recovery, thus preventing muscle fatigue. Improving your hydration also helps eliminate metabolic toxins and supports your overall performance during exercise.

How to choose your sports drink?

The choice of your sports drink is influenced by different factors: the type of activity, the duration, the intensity of the exercise and your specific nutritional needs. For endurance activities such as running or cycling, Holyfat electrolyte drinks, which promote prolonged hydration, can be a real asset. Electrolyte drinks are also beneficial during intense sporting activities with a rapid need for rehydration or in high heat. Food tolerance can also influence your choice: some athletes will prefer to turn to drinks with high carbohydrate intake to maintain their energy and with a lower sugar level if the wish is to control caloric intake. Conversely, some will seek light carbohydrate intake in cases of low gastric tolerance.

When to consume the drink?

Consumption of an electrolyte-based drink depends on the type of physical activity you practice, its duration, its intensity and your hydration needs. Depending on these parameters, here are our recommendations for the ideal time to consume isotonic drinks. Consumption before exercise is recommended if you are planning an intense workout and want to prepare your body by providing it with the necessary electrolytes and carbohydrates. During exercise, during prolonged activities aimed at building endurance, such as running or cycling, drink your isotonic drink regularly in small sips to maintain maximum hydration. After exercise, during the recovery phase or in case of dehydration, a recovery drink helps you recover more quickly. After exercise, it is advisable to consume a recovery drink to supply your muscles with glycogen, obtain better general recovery and support rehydration.

Electrolyte drinks: Are they suitable for all sporting levels?

Electrolyte drinks are designed to meet the specific needs of athletes during exercise by providing a balance of water, electrolytes and carbohydrates. The relevance of using isotonic drinks may vary depending on the level of physical activity. They are particularly suitable for endurance athletes (cycling, running, swimming) because of their rapid supply of carbohydrates and electrolytes. For sports characterized by marked phases of effort and rest (football, basketball), isotonic drinks can be recommended during breaks to quickly restore water balance. Holyfat drinks, rich in electrolytes and carbohydrates, could therefore be your best ally during your sporting activities!

How to obtain better sports recovery?

Improving your sports recovery helps prevent injuries and optimize your future performance. You can work on your recovery by adopting good habits, such as hydration with Holyfat isotonic drinks, which provide rapid hydration and rich in electrolytes. After exercise, it is important to perform stretching or other recovery exercises, as well as to alternate your workouts so as not to overwork the same muscle groups. Consuming a recovery drink can also support your recovery thanks to its action on restoring glycogen to your muscles and its composition loaded with proteins.

Sports drinks

How does a sports drink improve recovery after ...

After intensive sports sessions, whether for amateur or professional athletes, recovery plays a crucial role. Indeed, sport will have an impact on our health, and recovery will represent all the...

How does a sports drink improve recovery after ...

After intensive sports sessions, whether for amateur or professional athletes, recovery plays a crucial role. Indeed, sport will have an impact on our health, and recovery will represent all the...

Which drink is right for cycling?

Between 50% and 70% of our total body weight is water. Dehydration during physical activity can have multiple repercussions, including impaired performance. When it comes to endurance sports such as...

Which drink is right for cycling?

Between 50% and 70% of our total body weight is water. Dehydration during physical activity can have multiple repercussions, including impaired performance. When it comes to endurance sports such as...

Which drink for trail running?

Total body weight is made up of 50-70% water. Water loss during physical exertion can have several impacts, not least on performance. We all know that during an endurance physical...

Which drink for trail running?

Total body weight is made up of 50-70% water. Water loss during physical exertion can have several impacts, not least on performance. We all know that during an endurance physical...

The importance of hydration in sports performance

When we want to optimize our sports performance, aspects such as training, nutrition or rest come first to mind. However, there is one aspect that should not be underestimated: our...

The importance of hydration in sports performance

When we want to optimize our sports performance, aspects such as training, nutrition or rest come first to mind. However, there is one aspect that should not be underestimated: our...

Les boissons isotoniques

What is an isotonic drink?Many sportspeople use isotonic drinks without really knowing what they are. Many think that their carbohydrate-laden energy drink is isotonic, but this is not the case.An...

Les boissons isotoniques

What is an isotonic drink?Many sportspeople use isotonic drinks without really knowing what they are. Many think that their carbohydrate-laden energy drink is isotonic, but this is not the case.An...