Is BODYARMOR a true sports drink?

No. It provides carbohydrate but lacks the sodium range a true sports drink requires; potassium is optional and unusually high.

Does BODYARMOR hydrate athletes effectively?

Not as effectively as drinks with 200–500 mg sodium per 10–20 oz. Low sodium reduces fluid retention.

Why is sodium more important than potassium for hydration?

Sodium replaces sweat losses, improves fluid retention, and supports carbohydrate transport. Potassium supports muscle contraction but is not required for hydration.

What should athletes drink for performance?

A sports drink with ~14–30 g carbohydrate and 200–500 mg sodium per 10–20 oz, adjusted for heat and sweat rate.

Can kids drink BODYARMOR casually?

Yes, casually. For practices and games, choose a drink that meets both sodium and carbohydrate standards.

Why Some Athletes Can’t Gain Weight or Muscle — 6 Signs of MisFueling

Dawn Weatherwax, RD,LD,ATC,CSCS
1 minute ago
2 min read

Why Some Athletes Can’t Gain Weight or Muscle —

6 Signs of MisFueling

Many athletes train hard but don’t gain strength, weight, or muscle.

Parents often say:

• “My athlete eats constantly but can’t gain weight.”

• “They’re exhausted during practice.”

• “They train hard but nothing changes.”

Often the problem isn’t training.

It’s MisFueling.

The 4 Athlete Fueling Zones

Athletes typically fall into one of four fueling patterns.

Under-Fueled
- Not enough calories for training demands.
Reactive Fueling
- Eating only after training when the body is already depleted.
MisFueling
- Eating regularly but missing key nutrients or timing.
Performance Fueled
- Strategic fueling before, during, and after training.

This is when athletes see better recovery, strength gains, and muscle growth.

6 Signs Your Athlete May Be MisFueled

Watch for these common signs:

• fatigue during practice

• heavy legs or low energy

• difficulty gaining weight or muscle

• slow recovery between practices

• dizziness or headaches during training

• frequent illness or injuries

These signs usually indicate fuel timing and hydration problems, not lack of effort.

How Proper Fueling Improves Athlete Performance

Correct fueling supports:

• better training energy

• faster recovery

• lean muscle development

• improved strength and endurance

Many athletes simply need a structured fueling strategy.

Learn How to Fuel Athletes for Performance

WATCH FOOD FOR SPEED TV

Learn more fueling strategies, snack ideas, and performance nutrition tips on Food for Speed TV.

TAKE THE FUEL TO WIN QUIZ

Find out if your athlete may be under fueled or misfueled.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ATHLETE FUELING

Sports Nutrition 2Go provides fueling education and resources for athletes and families.

SUPPLEMENTS (FOOD FIRST)

Food always comes first. When supplements are needed, choose products that are vetted for athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athlete Misfueling

### Why is my athlete always tired during practice?

Athletes are often tired during practice because they are under-fueled or dehydrated. Without enough carbohydrates, fluids, and electrolytes before training, muscle glycogen and energy drop quickly.

### Why can't my athlete gain weight or muscle?

Many athletes train hard but do not eat enough calories or protein to support training demands. Consistent fueling before training and recovery nutrition after training are critical for lean muscle growth.

### What should athletes eat before practice?

Athletes should eat carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats if have time before training to support energy and performance. Examples include fruit, yogurt and nuts, a smoothie, rice with eggs or chicken and olive oil, or a sports drink with a carb snack when time is limited.