As the temperatures will likely soar in Australia at the beginning of the year, one of the world’s top tennis players has taken an important step to prepare for that heat. Maria Sharapova recently welcomed scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) into a training session where they conducted a sweat test to help her understand how to ensure proper hydration. Through test activities, Sharapova learned how well she replaces the fluids and electrolytes she loses in sweat during intense play and reinforced how dehydration can impact performance.
GSSI has tested hundreds of elite professional and amateur athletes from all over the world to help them understand their individual hydration needs. According to research conducted with WTA athletes, tennis players generally lose between one and 2.5 liters of sweat. To help avoid the dangers of the heat, it’s important for tennis players to replace the fluid and electrolytes they lose in sweat.
“As a professional athlete you always want to find those little percentages that can make you perform better,” said Sharapova. “GSSI does an amazing job in making sure athletes stay hydrated. They helped me understand that I need to replace more that just water.”
During an on-the-court training session, the GSSI scientists conducted two types of tests with Sharapova – the Sweat Analysis Test and a Hydration Assessment Test.
“Our research shows that many tennis players show up to their training sessions or their matches inadequately hydrated, said Beth Stover, MS, CSCS, senior scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute.”
The mission of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) is to help athletes optimise their performance and safeguard their health through research and education in hydration and sports nutrition science. Individuals and teams that have undergone sweat testing, include two-time world football player of the year Ronaldinho, the Chelesa Football Club, baseball player Derek Jeter, golf champion Tiger Woods, Australian cricketer Brett Lee, and many other elite teams and athletes.
When it comes to replacing what athletes lose in sweat, the scientifically-proven formula of Gatorade rehydrates, replenishes and refuels better than water. Backed by 40 years of scientific research, Gatorade has electrolytes like sodium and potassium which athletes lose in sweat and need to replace. Gatorade has flavour and sodium which research shows encourages athletes to drink enough fluid and stay better hydrated than when drinking water alone. Gatorade has carbohydrates which provide energy for working muscles and performance benefits that water doesn’t have. Gatorade is the most thoroughly researched sports beverage in the world. For more information, visit www.gatorade.com.