A sports drink earns its place when you're sweating for long enough that fluid, electrolytes, and (usually) some fuel all need replacing. The practical questions:
- How long is the session? Under an hour at moderate intensity, water and food cover replacement. Over an hour, particularly in heat, a sports drink delivers carbohydrate and sodium together.
- What's the gut tolerance? Cyclists tolerate higher concentrations than runners; trained endurance athletes tolerate more than recreational athletes. Train with the drink you'll race with.
- RTD or mix? Supermarket bottles are convenient and consistent. Powders and tablets travel lighter and cost less per serve.
The historical brands (Gatorade, Powerade, Staminade) share the same broad isotonic profile. Endurance-specialty brands (SiS, Maurten, Tailwind, High5, Skratch) extend the category for trained athletes.
