If you ever watch ads for sports drinks, you’ve probably noticed that they lean heavily on the “performance-enhancing necessity” angle. Sorry to disappoint, but electrolytes are not a secret hack that will give you an edge when you’re playing a game of pickup basketball. Although added electrolytes can serve a legitimate purpose, you don’t really need them if you’re a regular exerciser. Water remains the easiest and most effective hydration strategy for most workouts. A balanced diet provides you with all the sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that the body needs for everyday exercise and recovery. So before you spend a bunch of money on electrolyte powders and infused water, consider the demands of your workout. If you’re exercising for a moderate amount of time under normal conditions, water and a healthy diet have you completely covered.
