We all know we should drink more water. Every social media app seems to remind us. The bottles with time stamps guilt-trip us. But when you're halfway through a run, knackered after sparring, or getting steamrolled in Sunday league, hydration isn’t just a box to tick.
Because when you’re sweating, you’re not just losing fluid, you’re losing electrolytes. And those tiny minerals? They’re doing some pretty big jobs.
We've recently collabed with one of the UK's biggest electrolyte brands, REPOWR, so we figured it was the perfect time to dig into why hydration matters, what electrolytes actually do, and how to recover well. We even got a physio's thoughts...
THE ROLE OF ELECTROLYTES:
WHY HYDRATION ISN'T JUST WATER...
Most people tend to think hydration = water. Simple, right? Not quite. When you sweat, whether it’s during a run, a tough 90 minutes, or a brutal gym session, you’re not just losing fluid. You’re also losing electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
These tiny minerals play a big role in keeping muscles firing, nerves functioning, and your body actually holding on to the water you drink. If you only replace the water, you can throw the balance off. Cue cramps, brain fog, heavy legs and the kind of stuff that ruins performance and slows down recovery.
And the longer or sweatier the session, the more that balance matters. It’s why elite athletes have hydration plans, not just water bottles and why a solid electrolyte mix can make a real difference for the rest of us, too.
So yes, drink water... but make sure you're topping up the good stuff too.
WHAT ELECTROLYTES ACTUALLY DO...
Electrolytes are one of those things everyone’s heard of, but few people can actually explain. (Until now. We’ve got you.)
In simple terms, electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. Your body needs them to do all sorts of important jobs, like helping muscles contract, keeping your heart beating steadily, supporting nerve signals, and managing how much water stays in (or leaves) your cells.
Sodium is the big one! It’s the electrolyte you lose the most when you sweat. But potassium, magnesium, and calcium all play their part too. When those levels drop too low, you start to feel it: cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, even poor coordination.
It’s not just about avoiding the lows either. Getting your electrolytes right can help keep energy levels more stable, reduce post-training soreness, and support quicker recovery between sessions. Basically, they’re small minerals doing big work, especially if you train hard, sweat buckets, or stack sessions close together.
PRACTICAL RECOVERY TIPS FROM THE SIDELINES
Recovery isn’t just about what you do after a session, it’s what you do between them that matters. And hydration is one of the easiest things to get right, if you actually pay attention to it.
If you’re heading into your next session still chasing the tail-end of the last one, your recovery routine might need a tweak. Water helps, but without electrolytes, you’re not fully refuelling, especially after long or sweat-heavy sessions.
Here’s what we’ve seen work, from the pros to the average gym-goer:
Don’t wait until you’re gasping – Thirst = you’re already behind. Sip steadily across the day.
Electrolytes matter – Particularly post-training. Water alone won’t replace what’s lost.
Sleep + fuel go hand-in-hand – You can’t out-drink a bad recovery plan.
Pay attention to signals – Cramps, brain fog, and sluggish legs often point to low electrolyte levels, not just tiredness.
It doesn’t need to be complex, just consistent. And the difference? You’ll feel it the next time you train.
WHO ARE REPOWR?
if you haven't yet heard of them, REPOWR (@get.repowr) is a UK-based electrolyte brand built on a simple idea: hydration should be effective, easy, and transparent. No weird ingredients, no complicated formulas, just the essentials your body actually needs.
Their products are designed with athletes and active people in mind, helping to replace those all-important electrolytes lost through sweat, without the added sugar or nasties found in some sports drinks.
What really stands out? Well, from what we've seen, it's their commitment to quality, sustainability, and honest labelling. Everything they do is about supporting your performance and recovery. Whether you’re smashing rounds in the cage, pounding the pavement on a long run, or just making it through an intense gym session.
In the same sort of way that we like to share the benefits of taping and general recovery, they're with us with the no fluff, just answers, type of thinking.
THE SIMPLE TAKEAWAY: STAY HYDRATED
Hydration isn’t complicated, but it is important. Water’s the foundation, but electrolytes are the secret sauce that keep your body firing on all cylinders.
Whether you’re training hard, recovering faster, or just trying to feel better day-to-day, balancing fluids and electrolytes is key. With brands like REPOWR making it simple and clean to get those electrolytes back, there’s no reason to leave hydration to chance.
REPOWR are offering SPORTTAPE customers a free sample sachet with every order, just simply add to cart at checkout. So next time you’re gearing up, remember: don’t just drink water. Repowr yourself. Check out their website at getrepowr.co.uk.
Disclaimer:
All content and references are strictly for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical, nutritional or health advice. Please seek the advice of a healthcare professional before changing your diet, or consuming supplements or electrolytes. This is particularly important if you take medication or have a chronic health condition. REPOWR SHOULD NOT be used if you have hypertension, kidney disease or take diuretic medication. Contact hello@getrepowr.co.uk if you have any questions.
