Background on Fitness Waters

It's a classic case of know vs. do. Most active people trying to live a healthy lifestyle know the importance of staying hydrated while being active. Yet research show that exercisers tend to replenish only about 50% of the fluid lost during a typical workout. One reason is that fitness enthusiasts and active people find plain water to be just that...plain.

1) What are fitness waters?

Fitness Waters are usually lightly flavored alternatives to plain water with essential vitamins, minerals or other added 'benefits'.

Why Fitness Waters? Recent research shows that people do not drink enough fluids during workouts or while being active if drinking plain water.

Research also shows that active individuals are more likely to drink a lightly flavored beverage vs. plain water - that leads to better hydration which ultimately helps you have a better workout.

3) Are all 'enhanced waters' the same?

No! Many new 'enhanced waters' in the marketplace focus on specific vitamins, minerals and herbals or contain soluble fiber, fruit essence, caffeine, calories or even an extra dose of oxygen. Consumers need to carefully look at labels to see what's included in these beverages and decide if there is even a need for them.

If you are looking for a beverage that will help you drink more than just plain water, the biggest considerations should be taste and calorie content. Vitamins and minerals are a nice 'added benefit' but should not be the main reason for drinking enhanced beverages.

4) What should I look for in a fitness water?

If you are looking for a beverage that will help you drink more than just plain water, the biggest considerations should be taste and calorie content. Research shows people will drink more of a lightly flavored beverage than just plain water during workouts. The better hydrated you are, the more enjoyable your workouts will be. (Note: Did you know that as little as two percent dehydration can cause your endurance to drop six to seven percent? ) A fitness water should help you drink more than just plain water because of its light flavor and taste.

It's also important to look at the calorie content in 'enhanced' waters. Many 'vitamin waters' or 'flavored waters' in the marketplace can have up to 125 calories per serving -- and that can add up! Look for a low-calorie, non-carbonated water such as Propel Fitness Water, which only has just 10 calories per eight-ounce serving.

5) How does a fitness water differ from a sports drink such as Gatorade? When should I drink a sports drink over a fitness water?

A fitness water such as Propel Fitness Water and a sports drink such as Gatorade are two different kinds of beverages. Gatorade is a functional sports drink. Propel is a fitness water for active people who would typically drink plain water during activity. The main benefit of a fitness water is to help enhance hydration.

6) Are 'enhanced waters' expensive?

It depends. Some enhanced waters that promote special benefits can cost over $3.00 for a single bottle! Ideally, you should look for fitness waters that are comparative to the price of a regular bottle of water at the supermarket. (Note: This should fall in the $1.00 -- $1.50 range.)

The Bottom Line
The goal of a fitness water should be to help encourage you to drink up. If you are a water drinker but feel that you can't always take that extra gulp because of water's 'plain' taste, a lightly flavored, low-calorie fitness water is the best alternative for you!

Fitness waters can usually be found next to bottled waters in the supermarket, convenience store or warehouse club. For information on Propel fitness water check out www.propelwater.com

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.