How rugby players drink during different workouts
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance During Two Different Preseason Training Sessions in Elite Rugby Union Players
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
No cases of hyponatremia occurred despite players drinking 196% of their sweat loss during resistance training.
It contradicts the widely held belief that overdrinking during exercise inevitably leads to hyponatremia, especially at such high levels of fluid intake.
Practical Takeaways
Tailor your fluid intake to the type of workout—don’t assume the same drinking strategy works for cardio and strength training.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
No cases of hyponatremia occurred despite players drinking 196% of their sweat loss during resistance training.
It contradicts the widely held belief that overdrinking during exercise inevitably leads to hyponatremia, especially at such high levels of fluid intake.
Practical Takeaways
Tailor your fluid intake to the type of workout—don’t assume the same drinking strategy works for cardio and strength training.
Publication
Journal
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Year
2014
Authors
S. Cosgrove, T. Love, R. Brown, D. Baker, Anna S. Howe, K. Black
Related Content
Claims (4)
Rugby players drink way more than they sweat out during strength workouts but don’t drink enough during cardio workouts, even when conditions are the same.
Even when rugby players drank way more than they sweated out during workouts, their blood sodium levels stayed normal—no cases of dangerous low sodium were seen.
Most top rugby players show up to practice already dehydrated, even though they have trainers and tools to help them stay hydrated.
When people exercise a lot, they can get low sodium because they drink too much water, not because they aren’t taking in or losing too much salt.