Sports drinks and gels

[tennischemist]

i live in DC and it's been around 100 and very humid this summer

i make about 3 qts of gatorade at 1/2 the recommendation. i also make sure to eat a fat/protein oriented breakfast like eggs or something like that. i bring bananas, water, and the diluted gatorade and i'm ok.

[JohnnyFive]

I find Nuun to be FAR superior to Gatorade, or any other electrolyte replacement fluid I've found/researched. Nearly optimal ratios of Potassium, Magnesium and Sodium make it, for me, the perfect "Sports Drink."

[Ramon]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFive

I find Nuun to be FAR superior to Gatorade, or any other electrolyte replacement fluid I've found/researched. Nearly optimal ratios of Potassium, Magnesium and Sodium make it, for me, the perfect "Sports Drink."

That's probably because Nuun doesn't have simple sugar. Gatorade, and other sports drinks, depend on sugar for energy, but even those companies are coming out with alternative drinks with low sugar content. The risks of too much sugar are real (long and short term), and the benefits to most people are questionable because of the fatigue that comes after the sugar rush.

A list of risks from sugar:
http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resour...ies_Health.pdf

Dr. Oz and his views of on sugar:
http://www.sharecare.com/question/si...s-health-risks

For some people who metabolize sugar better than others, it has its benefits, but for a lot of people I think it's a legitimate concern. Also, the needs of a cyclist going 100 miles are different from the needs of the typical recreational tennis player. Personally, I've noticed both the initial high and the fatigue that follows, and due to my high blood sugar I have to be conscious of the risks.

[Wuppy]

I just smoke crack before each set.

[r2473]

Originally Posted by Wuppy

I just smoke crack before each set.

sugar free

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by volleygirl

PP, I played a match yesterday in the hottest weather I have ever played in. The forcast was only 96 so we scheduled our match but it actually got up to 106 and there was absolutely no breeze whatsoever. I did have a pedialyte drink and some pickle juice before leaving fot the courts but today I am really feeling that match.

I bet! I drink tons of water and after I drink Gatorade. It doesn't help me during, I prefer a ton of water with the electrolyte packs I linked to earlier.

[JohnnyFive]

The Nuun tabs are superior to that electrolyte mega pack, which provides a bunch of stuff that isn't really required when sweating and the like. Those packs also don't mix too nicely (I have tried them) and, the Nuun tabs do...much more convenient.

[Rozroz]

what about Gu Brew?
i've tried the lemon powder and i'm pretty satisfied with it.
it also got some good reviews on it's ingredients.
and not very pricy (25$ for 35 servings canister)

[DBrickshaw]

Originally Posted by Rozroz

what about Gu Brew?
i've tried the lemon powder and i'm pretty satisfied with it.
it also got some good reviews on it's ingredients.
and not very pricy (25$ for 35 servings canister)

Gu brew is good stuff

[Surecatch]

I always take two full bottles with me, one of ice water and one of iced orange powerade. I also have packets of energy gel available, although i don't wait until I'm lagging in energy to use them....I usually scarf down a half or so of one at the start of every set at least. I'm trying to avoid getting to the point of needing it, basically. It's the same principle as with hydration...if you've waited until you're exhibiting dehydration, you've waited too long.

[jonnythan]

FWIW, it was pretty hot recently at sectionals. During matches I had a small cooler with a bottle of water, a bottle of regular Gatorade, and a cold wet towel. On every changeover I took a gulp of G, a gulp of water, and pressed the towel all over my head. Between matches I drank water, ate a banana, and had half a protein shake.

[brianb76]

I recently tried Hyper FX as a pre match energy boost, wont be doing that again.
Energy boost was fine but made me somewhat dizzy and effected my vision.

[Joko]

I hope this question hasn't been answered already.

Does anyone know what the pros drink during a match? I watched a lot of matches but I couldn't figure it out.
I mean obviously it is a electrolyte drink but does anyone know which one? Or what it contains?

I'm curious because I'm studying biochemistry and I know what it should contain and what our sweat comprised but I'm not sure if they drink just some typical drinks or something really specific.

I know the odds that someone knows that if the get some special drinks are quite low but since there is also pictures of rackets of pros I thought I give it a try.

[Mick3391]

Originally Posted by crosscourt

I am going to play for a week or so in much hotter conditions than normal. I am also going to train much harder/longer than normal.

Should I use a sports drink or gel? I normally drink a lot of water but people tell me that you need something more than water in a long session. I tend to sweat a lot anyway.

And if I do need to take a supplement what is best? Liquid or a gel? And which one?

I have tried Isostar and Lucozade Sport in the past but am never really sure what their different products do for you.

Grateful for your thoughts.

CC

Be hydrated before you matches, then drink sugar soda, anything, Orange Crush, or anything, the sugar gives quick energy. Gatorade is the biggest scam of all time.

Sugar Ray Robinson, the greatest who had over 100 fights used to eat pieces of chocolate between rounds, good move....

Pro's Tennis players eat Bananas, to each their own.

[DBrickshaw]

Originally Posted by Mick3391

Be hydrated before you matches, then drink sugar soda, anything, Orange Crush, or anything, the sugar gives quick energy. Gatorade is the biggest scam of all time.

Sugar Ray Robinson, the greatest who had over 100 fights used to eat pieces of chocolate between rounds, good move....

Pro's Tennis players eat Bananas, to each their own.

Soda dehydrates you cuz it has too much sugar in it