Before and After a Workout
In some cases, a sports drink can serve as a pre-workout energy boost if you haven't eaten in several hours. For example, if you exercise first thing in the morning but don't have time or can't tolerate a pre-workout snack, a sports drink provides some fuel for your session. After a hard workout, you need carbohydrates to refill the stores of energy you just burned -- especially if you have another workout on tap later in the afternoon or the next day. A bottle of Gatorade or Powerade can serve as a quick source of these post-workout carbs. After your workout, you'll also want to have a serving of protein along with the sports drink to help repair muscle fibers and stimulate muscle growth.
Average Hydration
For a moderate-intensity workout lasting less than an hour, plain water will do. A sports drink offers little benefit when it's consumed outside of a workout, only adding extra calories and sugar to your diet. You're better off drinking water, low-fat milk or an occasional 100 percent fruit juice at meals and snack time.