Fitness centers usually offer in-house drinks to quench your thirst during training. However, if you don't want to buy refreshments at the gym, you can also bring your own to hydrate yourself. However, not every drinks packaging is suitable - and permitted.

Own drinks yes, but not from glass bottles

Owners of sports studios are not allowed to completely ban people from bringing their own drinks, “as hydration is essential for sports enthusiasts”, according to JuraForum, an online legal portal. However, it goes on to say: “A ban regulated in the contract may, however, be directed at certain containers if they could pose a risk of injury. This can usually be assumed for glass bottles[1].” The statements are based on various court rulings.

For good reason. “When glass bottles break, there is a risk of cuts from the resulting shards,” confirms David Klinkhammer, tutor and lecturer at the German Sports Academy. And emphasizes: “Especially in areas where barefoot walking or floor exercises are carried out, this can pose a considerable danger.” This risk does not exist with unbreakable plastic flaps.

Sturdy plastic bottles as a safe alternative

David Klinkhammer also believes that thirst quenchers in plastic bottles are a reliable choice: “Yes, definitely. From a sustainability perspective, a leak-proof, recyclable plastic bottle would be the best solution.” And he advises: “For safety reasons, don't leave the bottle on the training area during training. Instead use the built-in storage trays on equipment or tables.”

Commercially available PET plastic bottles, for example, are suitable for carrying your own drinks - they are robust and can be easily recycled after use. They also require less energy to produce and transport than glass bottles due to their low melting point and low weight.

Ideal for the gym

The plastic bottles are best “filled with sufficient mineralized water or juice spritzers - at least 0.5 liters per hour”, says the lecturer at the German Sports Academy. Fluid deficits of just 2 to 4 percent of body weight impair endurance, strength and cognitive performance, reports the German Nutrition Society (DGE) in its position paper “Fluid management in sport”.

“It is therefore crucial to compensate for the loss of fluids through continuous intake,” says Klinkhammer. In addition to water, valuable electrolytes are also lost. They are essential and must therefore be provided separately. Klinkhammer adds: “In addition, the intake of carbohydrates in liquid form can serve as an energy source.” So, if you want to stay fit, make sure you drink plenty of fluids when working out in the gym, preferably from safe plastic bottles.

[1] https://www.juraforum.de/news/eigene-getraenke-im-fitnessstudio_247305

Image Source: ALPLA

Image Caption: Hydration for fitness: The intake of water and electrolytes is essential during training. Ideally from plastic bottles - they are light and won't break, which is why they can also be used in the gym.