When you exercise, your body loses not only fluid but also essential minerals and energy. This can quickly affect your performance and recovery, particularly during long sessions, in hot weather, when exercising indoors, or if you’re a heavy sweater.
In this article, you’ll find out exactly what electrolytes do, when you need them, and which sports nutrition products can help you perform better and keep going for longer, thanks to electrolytes.
What are electrolytes and why are they so important?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge and play a crucial role in the body. Among other things, they are responsible for:
- regulating fluid balance
- muscle contractions
- nerve conduction
- energy management
Les principaux électrolytes sont les suivants :
- sodium
- potassium
- magnésium
- calcium
- chloride
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) are a combination of salts and sugars that help the body absorb fluids and minerals more quickly. They are used not only in sport, but also to treat dehydration in a medical context.
You lose these minerals when you sweat. The more you sweat, the greater the loss.
When do you need extra electrolytes?
Not every training session requires additional support, but in certain situations it does become important:
1. Long-term efforts
After around two hours of exercise, fluid and mineral reserves begin to drop noticeably. Even during shorter periods of exercise, there are often already decreases, albeit to a lesser extent.
2. Warm weather
In high temperatures, your sweat production increases dramatically, causing you to become dehydrated more quickly and lose minerals.
3. Indoor sports
In warm indoor venues, such as a poorly ventilated sports hall, for example, sweat loss can be surprisingly high.
4. “Heavy sweaters”
Some athletes simply lose more salt through sweat than others, which leads to fatigue or cramps more quickly.
Typical symptoms of a deficiency may include:
- dizziness
- cramps
- reduced energy levels
- feeling tired more quickly
Concap sports drinks
Not every athlete has the same preferences. That is why there is a wide range of products containing electrolytes and energy.
Key characteristics of these drinks:
- a combination of maltodextrin and dextrose for a quick energy boost
- a mixture of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
- supports both hydration and energy levels at the same time
How do carbohydrates work?
- Maltodextrin provides fast, gentle energy without putting a strain on the stomach
- Dextrose (grape sugar) provides immediate energy during exercise
Concap Max Isotonic – easily digestible performance fuel
Max Isotonic is an isotonic drink with a salty citrus flavour, enriched with extra salts and amino acids.
Features:
- rapid absorption without putting a strain on the stomach
- extra electrolytes and amino acids
- suitable for endurance sports and high carbohydrate requirements
Ideal for athletes who want to consume plenty of energy during exercise without eating solid food.
Concap Elektrolyten ORS 55-11 – hydration and energy in one
Concap Electrolytes ORS 55-11 has been developed to replenish both energy and minerals before and during exercise. It has a fruity tropical flavour.
Use:
Mix 1 scoop (30 g) with 500 ml of water. Take before and during exercise.
Alternatives
Are the flavours listed above not your favourite? If so, you could try a Concap isotonic powdered drink supplemented with a Concap Hypotonic (10ml per 500ml water bottle. This allows you to add extra ORS salts and minerals that your body needs to your favourite drink.
Concap Energiegels
Concap High NRG Gels – a powerful energy boost at every stage
The Concap High NRG Gel comes in a range of flavours: sour apple, strawberry and watermelon.
These gels have been specially developed for athletes who need a quick and powerful energy boost during exercise.
What makes these gels unique?
- 40 g of carbohydrates per gel (60 g)
- enriched with B vitamins
- enriched with magnesium and additional salts
- supports energy, stamina and hydration
The role of the ingredients:
- B vitamins support normal energy levels and help reduce tiredness
- Magnesium helps reduce muscle fatigue and may help prevent cramps
- Salts (electrolytes) replenish losses caused by sweating
Use:
- 1 gel every 2 hours during moderate exercise
- 1 gel per hour during strenuous or intensive exercise
Concap Energiegel Cherry 60ml
A classic cherry-flavoured energy gel, enriched with ORS salts.
Features:
- rapid energy absorption (effect within 7 minutes)
- support for endurance
- gentle on the stomach formula
Use:
1 gel every 45–60 minutes during exercise.
Concap energy bars – energy and minerals in solid form
Energybar Nougat
Concap A soft bar with a salted lemon flavour and extra salt – energy and minerals in solid form
- ideal for prolonged exertion
- encourages people to drink more by adding salt
Directions: 1 bar every 60–90 minutes or beforehand.
Almond bar
Contains 40% almonds and has a delicious marzipan flavour.
- natural energy source
- extra electrolytes
- ideal for people who sweat a lot and in hot conditions
Directions: 1 bar before or during exercise.
Conclusion
Electrolytes play a vital role in sporting performance, particularly during prolonged exercise, in hot weather and when sweating heavily. They help maintain your fluid balance, muscle function and energy levels.
The Concap range offers a variety of solutions:
- sports drinks for hydration and energy
- gels for a quick carbohydrate boost
- bars for long-term support
This allows every athlete to tailor their diet to the level of exertion and the circumstances.
Would you like personalised advice? Simply fill in our online form and we’ll email you a personalised plan. Or pop into one of our shops! Book an appointment and you’re sure to receive comprehensive assistance.
Energy for winners 🥇