Should you drink water or soft drinks during summer exercise?

　　Sports drinks are sometimes crucial for athletes running lap after lap in the August heat. However, are sports drinks necessary for someone going on a short hike?

　　“When used correctly, sports drinks can be an athlete's secret weapon. ”says Suzanne Girard Eberle, author of "Endurance Sports Nutrition." Sports drinks contain water, carbohydrates and electrolytes, all of which are necessary for athletes. Moisture is especially important in summer, because hot environments mean people sweat more and lose more water.