For activities lasting up to one hour, what is the recommended hydration strategy?

For activities lasting up to one hour, what is the recommended hydration strategy?

• A. Plain water
• B. Water with carbohydrate prior to activity
• C. Sports drink with electrolytes
• D. Fruit juice

Answer: (A)

For brief activities, the body’s fluid losses are modest, so plain water is sufficient to maintain hydration without adding extra sugars or electrolytes. Water supports plasma volume and prevents dehydration during activities lasting up to an hour without the need for carbohydrates or electrolytes. Drinks with carbohydrates or electrolytes are more helpful for longer, more intense or hot-weather sessions to replace larger sweat losses; fruit juice adds sugar and calories but provides little electrolyte benefit and can upset the stomach. If the activity were longer than an hour, a sport drink might be considered to replenish electrolytes and energy, but for up to one hour, plain water is the best choice.

For brief activities, the body’s fluid losses are modest, so plain water is sufficient to maintain hydration without adding extra sugars or electrolytes. Water supports plasma volume and prevents dehydration during activities lasting up to an hour without the need for carbohydrates or electrolytes. Drinks with carbohydrates or electrolytes are more helpful for longer, more intense or hot-weather sessions to replace larger sweat losses; fruit juice adds sugar and calories but provides little electrolyte benefit and can upset the stomach. If the activity were longer than an hour, a sport drink might be considered to replenish electrolytes and energy, but for up to one hour, plain water is the best choice.