⚡ Electrolytes: Do You Actually Need Them?
- Fit with Frank
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
You've seen the tubes. Fancy sachets, bold flavours, promises of "peak performance." But do you really need them? Short answer: probably not. Long answer below.
What are electrolytes actually doing?
Electrolytes are minerals your body needs to work properly, mainly:
Sodium – keeps your fluid balance in check
Potassium – helps your muscles and heart do their thing
Magnesium – energy production and recovery
Calcium – muscle contraction and bone health
You lose these through sweat (and yes, through wee and being sick too, but let's not dwell on that for too long). The more you sweat, the more you lose.
When to actually use them
Here's the bit most people get wrong: you don't need electrolytes for a normal 30-45 minute gym session. Your regular diet has you covered.
They're worth considering when:
You're doing something long — think 60-90+ minutes
It's hot and you're sweating buckets
You've got an event that's out of your normal routine (a race, a big hike, a "why did I sign up for this" cycle ride)
If none of that applies to you, you can probably save your money.
Where to buy them (and what to watch out for)
Any decent sports nutrition brand will do the job: tablets, sachets, powders, whivhever you prefer.
What to actually check on the label:
Sugar content – some are basically fizzy squash with a fancy name. You want electrolytes, not a dessert.
Artificial sweeteners – not the end of the world, but worth knowing what you're drinking.
Actual sodium content – this is the one that matters most. If it's tiny, it's not doing much.
Steer clear of anything making wild claims like "boosts performance by 20%" with zero evidence behind it. If it sounds like magic, it's marketing.
The DIY version
Yep, you can make your own. Pinch of salt, splash of orange juice (for potassium and taste), water. It won't taste like a fruity slushie, but it works. Great budget option if you don't fancy paying for sachets.
Where do they rank in importance?
Honestly? Wayyyyyyyyy down your list.
Far more important:
Am I training consistently?
Am I eating well?
Am I sleeping enough?
Am I drinking enough water in general?
Nail those first. Electrolytes are the cherry on top for specific situations: long, hot, sweaty efforts, not a daily essential for most of us hitting the gym a few times a week.
Bottom line: hydrate properly, eat real food (bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, nuts — nature's own electrolyte tablets), and only reach for the sachets when you've got something big and sweaty on the horizon.
Wanna learn more?
Hope it helps
FRANK
your Personal Trainer / Part-time-Electrolyter
