Although water, of course, is perfect for keeping you hydrated while you exercise, your body needs more than that while under strain. Ideally, sports drinks should provide a source of energy and nutrients that water lacks, but without overloading you with excess calories and sugar.
Gatorade
Gatorade products are available in three main categories -- the Prime, Perform and Recover lines. The Prime beverages are designed to prepare and energize you for a workout, while the Recover beverages are designed to help you heal afterward. The Perform line is the classic Gatorade beverage; one 8 fl. oz. serving contains 50 calories, 110 mg of sodium and 14 g of carbohydrates.
Sobe
Sobe offers a fairly diverse variety of sports drinks, including fruit blends and teas, as well as its Lifewater line, which is designed to be a no calorie source of nutrition while working out. One 8 fl. oz. serving of Strawberry Dragonfruit Lifewater contains 25 mg of sodium, 6 g of total carbohydrates, 20 percent of your recommended intake of vitamin E and 40 percent of your recommended intake of vitamin C. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, your body needs vitamin C for purposes like building collagen, which is used for skin, veins and arteries and scar tissue.
Powerade
Powerade offers the Iong line of sports drinks, which are designed to help keep you hydrated during exercise by replacing key electrolytes. One 8 fl. oz. serving of the Lemon Lime flavor contains 50 calories, 100 mg of sodium, 25 mg of potassium, 14 g of carbohydrates and 10 percent each of your recommended daily intake of vitamin B-3, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12.
Propel Zero
The Propel Zero line of beverages are designed to provide a zero calorie hydration option that is also a good source of various vitamins. One 8 fl. oz. serving contains 10 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin E; according to Medline Plus by the National Institutes of Health, vitamin E is an important antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of developing conditions like cancer caused by free radicals. Each serving also contains 20 percent of your daily recommendation of vitamin C and 25 percent each of your daily recommendation of vitamin B-3, vitamin B-5 and vitamin B-6.
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