Hydration is overrated. Stop drinking sports drinks!

[FiddlerDog]

I am reposting this because I again forgot to bring water to a match and played 2 sets with zero issues.
So, if you can play 2 sets of singles without water, it is patently ridiculous to see overweight guys sucking down sugar drinks during every doubles changeovers.
Just stop it.

What do you guys drink sport drinks, sodas, energy drinks for?
I drink them for enjoyment, a slight boost in physical energy and a significant boost to mental health,

Not only do you not need fattening sports drinks, but you don't even need to hydrate as much as everyone thinks.
I've forgotten my thermos on several occasions and played a 2 set match with no water at all. No problem.
I've also played 2-3 hours of doubles with no water. No problem. Didn't even realize I had no water until after I was finished playing.

No, I am not advocating not drinking water, just noting that I accidentally discovered that it is entirely optional under moderate weather.
So, you absolutely do not need sugar sports drinks of any type to play adult rec tennis. Zero sugar electrolyte water is more than adequate.

 

[ollinger]

n = 1

 

[junior74]

All you need is water
- and perhaps a banana, unless you have a very sensitive throat

 

[Chalkdust]

Agree you don't need sports drinks, electrolytes, etc. Not for the duration and level of intensity of the typical rec match.
Water on the other hand is a different story. Depending on climate and how much you sweat you might not need to drink over the course of the match, but I think this is uncommon. I know that in summer I lose 4-5 lbs of water weight over the course of a match and that's even with drinking close to 1/2 gallon. However I live in a hot and humid climate and sweat a lot.

 

[Purestriker]

I am reposting this because I again forgot to bring water to a match and played 2 sets with zero issues.
So, if you can play 2 sets of singles without water, it is patently ridiculous to see overweight guys sucking down sugar drinks during every doubles changeovers.
Just stop it.



Not only do you not need fattening sports drinks, but you don't even need to hydrate as much as everyone thinks.
I've forgotten my thermos on several occasions and played a 2 set match with no water at all. No problem.
I've also played 2-3 hours of doubles with no water. No problem. Didn't even realize I had no water until after I was finished playing.

No, I am not advocating not drinking water, just noting that I accidentally discovered that it is entirely optional under moderate weather.
So, you absolutely do not need sugar sports drinks of any type to play adult rec tennis. Zero sugar electrolyte water is more than adequate.

All you need is water and proper nutrition. That said, if you lived in the southern portion of the US you wouldn't have such a strong opinion. The heat and humidity can crush your soul.

 

[Humbi_HTX]

I can't but laugh at this thread, I come from very hot lands in the middle of the equator where every day we reach over 100°F, but only from 11am to 2pm and it was dry weather. You may survive without hydration.

Down here in Houston the temperature keeps rising thru the day, it is hotter at 4pm than at 1pm, and it is common to have 90°F at 8pm with a 80%+ humidity. You will pass out if you don't stay hydrated.

I drink a whole gallon of water + some powder gatorade in it, any given day or sesh, and will change shirts twice (maybe 3) + change sweat bands & headband. In fact, deep in the summer I even change socks and shoes after 2hrs on court, because they are soaked wet.

I would be willing to challenge anyone to come down here without hydrating during a 2hr match, no matter how better of a player you are.

 

[Purestriker]

I can't but laugh at this thread, I come from very hot lands in the middle of the equator where every day we reach over 100°F, but only from 11am to 2pm and it was dry weather. You may survive without hydration.

Down here in Houston the temperature keeps rising thru the day, it is hotter at 4pm than at 1pm, and it is common to have 90°F at 8pm with a 80%+ humidity. You will pass out if you don't stay hydrated.

I drink a whole gallon of water + some powder gatorade in it, any given day or sesh, and will change shirts twice (maybe 3) + change sweat bands & headband. In fact, deep in the summer I even change socks and shoes after 2hrs on court, because they are soaked wet.

I would be willing to challenge anyone to come down here without hydrating during a 2hr match, no matter how better of a player you are.

Exactly. OP would melt in Houston. I grew up in Dallas and if you were not hydrating at every opportunity you would end up in the hospital with an IV.

 

[Humbi_HTX]

This is influenced by the weather and geographical factors, but also personal. I know I sweat profusely, so much so that dry-fit or sweat wicking shirts just get soaked wet and start dripping on the court. Only when it is cooler or very windy I wear those shirts.

I rather use cotton, let it absorb the sweat and then change as they get soaked and heavy. During summer usually I change shirts before the 1st set even ends.

 

[fuzz nation]

I'm not at the point where I discourage the "sugar drinks", but I never really recommend them.

If I'm working on the courts for a lot of hours when it's really hot 'n humid in the middle of the summer, I keep after my water intake, but I don't worry about electrolytes until I go home. If I have half a Pedialyte (I use the mix packets) after a steamy day in the trenches, I'm routinely surprised with how decent I feel when I get up the next day. If I forget, I'll usually have that hangover from sweating away too much from the day before.

While I'm working or playing in the heat, I drink some water along the way and munch a banana or a granola bar if I get feeling empty.

 

[EddieBrock]

As others have said it must depend on where you're playing. I've suffered from debilitating cramps after matches and that includes double matches. Not sure of the OP's level or how much he is moving during singles, but for me I'm constantly moving and leave a pool of sweat if I stand in one place and have the change my shoes by the end of the match since they're so soaked. If I'm playing with intensity I definitely need more than just water and to go without drinking would be foolish.

I also watched a college match recently where the visiting team was struggling with the heat/humidity and one player wasn't able to finish and these are college players in great shape.

So I think it depends on your environment and what kind of playing you're doing.

 

[FiddlerDog]

Reposting for emphasis:
No, I am not advocating not drinking water, just noting that I accidentally discovered that it is entirely optional under moderate weather.

 

[Humbi_HTX]

I don't advocate to drink only "sports drinks", I only add 1/4 of the serving recomended for 1 gallon of water, so I try to drink mostly water and "something" to replenish.

You don't even have to buy it, you can squeeze 1 lemon and add some potassium salt (non sodium salt) and sugar (or agave) and still get the same result without colorants or additives.

 

[Bambooman]

Reposting for emphasis:
No, I am not advocating not drinking water, just noting that I accidentally discovered that it is entirely optional under moderate weather.

You just discovered this recently? How old are you?

 

[Dartagnan64]

I get kidney stones if I dehydrate too much so I'm always drinking water merely for that. Don't be so quick to judge others water habits as they may have conditions that require hydration (kidney stones, diabetes, certain medications).

That being said when I was young i could play virtually any high level sporting activity for an hour or two without needing additional water. usually would drink at the end because back in the old days they told you not to drink during play or you'd get cramps believe it or not.

And I agree with others that point out that weather makes a huge difference. Hot and humid fluid losses are not to be ignored. Fortunately I mostly play in cold and humid and hot and dry conditions.

 

[stringertom]

All you need is water
- and perhaps a banana, unless you have a very sensitive throat

I like the humor but dislike the inaccuracy. @FiddlerDog anf you should both Google hydronatremia and discover the dangers of drinking only water when exercising strenuously. If you don’t trust what you find, just take water only at the hydration tables on the path of a marathon. The EMTs at the finish line will be scoping you out for signs of disorientation after your mineral levels dip into the danger zone. My ill-trained rival in a friendly bet about finishing a marathon lost and then got a free ride to the ER.

And, Fiddler: do some research before blanket badmouthing sports drinks. Not everything has tons of calories inside well known and expensive labels. Most of the Futures/Challenger players I met years ago carried jugs of the CytoMax rehydration powder to make their second form of fluid intake. Every changeover: 4 oz of water, 2 oz of CytoMax.

I’ve moved on from the CytoMax and now do the Pedialyte Sport powder in a sleeve that makes a quart. 50 calories for a full quart of rehydration fluid with loads of the electrolytes and minerals to safeguard getting into the danger zone.

 

[megamind]

Hydration is absolutely essential to life. But those underhydrated, may delude themselves into thinking otherwise.

 

[Rosstour]

I did this the other day. And I was "fine" but the match was indoor.

 

[junior74]

I like the humor but dislike the inaccuracy. @FiddlerDog anf you should both Google hydronatremia and discover the dangers of drinking only water when exercising strenuously. If you don’t trust what you find, just take water only at the hydration tables on the path of a marathon. The EMTs at the finish line will be scoping you out for signs of disorientation after your mineral levels dip into the danger zone. My ill-trained rival in a friendly bet about finishing a marathon lost and then got a free ride to the ER.

And, Fiddler: do some research before blanket badmouthing sports drinks. Not everything has tons of calories inside well known and expensive labels. Most of the Futures/Challenger players I met years ago carried jugs of the CytoMax rehydration powder to make their second form of fluid intake. Every changeover: 4 oz of water, 2 oz of CytoMax.

I’ve moved on from the CytoMax and now do the Pedialyte Sport powder in a sleeve that makes a quart. 50 calories for a full quart of rehydration fluid with loads of the electrolytes and minerals to safeguard getting into the danger zone.

Accuracy is Talk Tennis' middle name. Eye sorry four knot honouring it moar.

 

[FiddlerDog]

I like the humor but dislike the inaccuracy. @FiddlerDog anf you should both Google hydronatremia and discover the dangers of drinking only water when exercising strenuously.

Please don't compare our rec nonsense with actual athletics, which requires electrolytes.
Rec tennis is not strenuous. Rec doubles can be played in a formal business suit.

I've played 2 set matches with zero water. Zero issues.
I've done 1 hour of drills with zero water. Zero issues.
Didn't even realize I had no water until after it was over.

 

[stringertom]

Please don't compare our rec nonsense with actual athletics, which requires electrolytes.
Rec tennis is not strenuous. Rec doubles can be played in a formal business suit.

I've played 2 set matches with zero water. Zero issues.
I've done 1 hour of drills with zero water. Zero issues.
Didn't even realize I had no water until after it was over.

You’ve been watching @sureshs videos too much. Were these 1-hour drills at about his self-rated 4.0 level?:

 

[Humbi_HTX]

I just finished playing rec doubles at 85°F with a heat index of +10°F and humidity over 70%, and this is "spring" not even summer time yet. I changed shirts twice and drank almost the whole gallon cooler I bring.

I would think there is no way you can play in a suit for 1 hour under these cobditions, but maybe you are just too good for the rest of your peers and you can easily beat them without dropping sweat.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Please don't compare our rec nonsense with actual athletics, which requires electrolytes.

By that logic, anyone less than pro [ie rec] will never require electrolytes, no matter how much is exerted. Sounds more like an attempt to sneer at rec play.

Rec tennis is not strenuous.

For you, perhaps; either because you're in fantastic shape, don't exert yourself, or some combination.

For me, it is strenuous. The warmer and more humid it is, the more likely I'll worry about electrolytes and cramping.

I do agree that doubles is less strenuous than singles but that doesn't mean it's not strenuous at all.

Rec doubles can be played in a formal business suit.

One could do many things; does that mean it's optimal? Is it your habit to play doubles this way? If not, why not?

I've played 2 set matches with zero water. Zero issues.
I've done 1 hour of drills with zero water. Zero issues.
Didn't even realize I had no water until after it was over.

I've never tried but I'm pretty sure I'd come out OK also. Does that mean it's a good idea? No, not based on my understanding of how the body works. To each his own.

 

[LuckyR]

A lot of loose "advice" here. Of course you CAN play tennis mildly or even moderately dehydrated, but why in the world would you choose to when water is free? Secondly, the purpose of the electrolytes in sports drinks isn't to replenish electrolytes, they are there to help you hydrate faster. They aren't dramatically superior to water, but they're cheap and available. Why wouldn't you want the best? They're definitely not mandatory, but that's a fake observation since no one said they were. Electrolyte disturbances are real, (and luckily uncommon in most climates) but they are better prevented (by preloading before the match) than treated during the match.

 

[Slicerman]

My typical rule is if you're playing for less than 2 hours, then you don't need a sports drink. Just eat an apple or a banana beforehand and it should be able to carry you over.
Still need water though, just grunting alone on court will make my throat dry enough to feel uncomfortable. lol
Maybe look into sugar-free electrolyte drinks? I've been meaning to do that.

 

[stringertom]

I just finished playing rec doubles at 85°F with a heat index of +10°F and humidity over 70%, and this is "spring" not even summer time yet. I changed shirts twice and drank almost the whole gallon cooler I bring.

I would think there is no way you can play in a suit for 1 hour under these cobditions, but maybe you are just too good for the rest of your peers and you can easily beat them without dropping sweat.

Are you a neighbor of Orlandotom? Very warm and muggy today in Mousetown.

 

[Humbi_HTX]

Are you a neighbor of Orlandotom? Very warm and muggy today in Mousetown.

Kind of similar weather in Houston, TX. I spent some time in the south part of FL and it can be just as bad.

 

[Crocodile]

I think it depends on the individual and the circumstances. Yes the sports drinks are bad for your teeth.
With everything it’s all about having the right balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and glucose in your system. Drink too much water and you could dilute your electrolytes and cause cramping and further fluid loss. Don’t drink enough and you could put pressure on your kidneys.
Some people switch the Gatorade for Coconut water and I am not sure how good that is. You could always make your own.

 

[nvr2old]

Any advice on TTW, be it about health, tennis technique, equipment, NTRP rating etc etc etc is worth every penny you payed for it and should be taken with.......dare I say it......a grain of salt.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Any advice on TTW, be it about health, tennis technique, equipment, NTRP rating etc etc etc is worth every penny you payed for it and should be taken with.......dare I say it......a grain of salt.

And the bonus is that salt will help to keep you hydrated.

 

[LeastExhaustingPlayer]

I'm convinced OP creates these threads after playing for hours with no water.

 

[PURETENNISsense]

I am reposting this because I again forgot to bring water to a match and played 2 sets with zero issues.
So, if you can play 2 sets of singles without water, it is patently ridiculous to see overweight guys sucking down sugar drinks during every doubles changeovers.
Just stop it.



Not only do you not need fattening sports drinks, but you don't even need to hydrate as much as everyone thinks.
I've forgotten my thermos on several occasions and played a 2 set match with no water at all. No problem.
I've also played 2-3 hours of doubles with no water. No problem. Didn't even realize I had no water until after I was finished playing.

No, I am not advocating not drinking water, just noting that I accidentally discovered that it is entirely optional under moderate weather.
So, you absolutely do not need sugar sports drinks of any type to play adult rec tennis. Zero sugar electrolyte water is more than adequate.

Nuun is a nice alternative. Add a bit of sparkling water and it's like a 1g soda with some slight electrolytes.

Our so called "electrolyte drinks" are no more than diabetes in a plastic bottle.

 

[FiddlerDog]

Nuun is a nice alternative. Add a bit of sparkling water and it's like a 1g soda with some slight electrolytes.

Our so called "electrolyte drinks" are no more than diabetes in a plastic bottle.

Are you referring to sugar drinks like Gatorade?

I typically use Ultima and or Key-Nutrients powder.
Have you ever tried those?

 

[PURETENNISsense]

Are you referring to sugar drinks like Gatorade?

I typically use Ultima and or Key-Nutrients powder.
Have you ever tried those?

Yes Gatorade, powerade, body armor, etc....

Haven't tried those, will take a look. Thank you for the suggestion.

Right now I use a bit of Nuun but for training I use this company:

Vitamin B Complex Liquid Drops

B Vitamins are vital for maintaining good health. Let these delicious, tart cherry-flavored drops feed your body’s vitamin B needs. Shop now!

www.maryruthorganics.com

Along with the rest of the electrolytes spectrum

 

[Slicehand]

to play tennis i need donuts, coca cola and liquid ice cream, more than that i dont think is necessary

 

[Dark_Angel85]

Yeah, I hear ya about not needing sports drinks all the time. I used to be all casual about hydration too, until I had a day hiking in the sun and totally crashed afterwards. Dehydration hit me like a truck, and I didn't even see it coming. Learned my lesson the hard way!

But everyone's different, right? Some folks might be fine without much water, but I learned I'm not one of them, especially on hot days or during intense activities. And about those sports drinks, I actually tried Prime Hidration a while back. I was looking for something less sugary, and it worked out pretty well for me. Not too heavy and kept me going.

 

[AleYeah]

I'll be 50 in July. The older I get, the more seriously I take my hydration, but I focus more on tanking up with water during the earlier parts of the day than specifically pounding a ton during the match. Today's a good example: I'm scheduled to play with a buddy at 11:30, and I've had a liter and half of water so far. (It's about 9:45.) Occasionally more beer gets consumed in these sessions than water...

 

[HeIsTreeing]

l

 

[Yogeshvara]

having a handy homemade sports drink during matches has really evened out my energy.