Whats Your 'Go-To' Match-Beverage?

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
I bought some of the Vita-Coco mixed coconut water and it is much more palatable than the plain. I liked the fruit punch/coco mix. The plain sure does remind me of some time I spent in Panama where you could get a coconut and a straw.
 

jc4.0

Professional
cramp buster bev

If it's just normally hot I'll drink only lots of water, sometimes with a squeeze of lemon and some ice.
Second level of heat (85 - 90) I'll drink water and coconut water; more water than coconut. Sometimes I'll eat a bite or two of banana for the potassium.

But I'm a huge "sweater". Once it gets summertime in FL, I will get heat cramps after 2-1/2 hours or so, losing several liters of water that pours down my legs in rivers - I sweat like Andy Roddick! (Cramps are not, as is commonly thought, a "lack of conditioning". Many super-fit pros suffer from cramps during a long match.) So I consulted a fitness expert and he told me to take potassium and magnesium tablets before I play (of course I always hydrate heavily with pure water); then I bring along the following home-made sports drink:

1 liter filtered water
2 TBL orange juice
1/2 to one full tsp salt
ice to cool it down

I alternate this with lots of plain water. If you don't like salty water, take a salt tablet after the first set or so. I have found that this keeps my energy up and keeps the cramps away 100% - because the problem with sweating isn't so much you're losing water, you're losing MINERALS. Plain water isn't enough to keep your mineral balance healthy, and even if you don't cramp, you'll start to feel tired, and feel heat exhaustion without supplemental minerals (also known as 'electrolytes').

Gatorade and PowerAde also work in an emergency, but they're full of sugar and artificial colors/flavoring/preservatives - so not healthy in the long term; and they don't have enough minerals to do much good anyway.
 

cll30

Rookie
You must be on the younger side if you're drinking Gatorade spiked by some Amp? Granted I know a dude in his 40's who shows up to our matches toting 2 liter bottles of Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper as his only forms of rehydration.

The caffeine probably helps him stay focused.
 

cll30

Rookie
Keeping in mind that I'm a doubles player . . .

Winter = grab empty water bottle from kitchen, fill with tap water and ice unless there is snow on the ground.

Summer = big igloo water jug (half gallon?), filled with ice and topped with water. One 16 ounce plastic water bottle to top it off in case I am left with only ice.

Honestly, I would love to find a better igloo. I have your basic $6.99 version, and I hate the thing. I have to lift the spout with my filthy fingers to drink, and the spout pops off in my hand half the time. It leaks down the front of my shirt and onto the court. What the heck?

No Gatorade unless I think I need it afterward, am playing singles, or am doing a marathon practice match.
I wish someone would make a better insulated water jug. They all seem to leak sooner or later. I think I have tried them all, but if anyone has suggestions for a good one please feel free to share.
 

Uvijek Argen

Semi-Pro
Honestly, I would love to find a better igloo. I have your basic $6.99 version, and I hate the thing. I have to lift the spout with my filthy fingers to drink, and the spout pops off in my hand half the time. It leaks down the front of my shirt and onto the court. What the heck?

Hell yeah!! Wet t-shirt contest!! :grin:

On topic: In winter just water.
Now in summer water, and coconut water (brand: O.N.E.)

Used to buy Cytomax, but my teeth turn black and have a dentist visit for a intense cleaning. And actually didn't notice a difference cause I was cramping badly still drinking that.
 
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