After exercise, the right mineral water restores electrolytes, buffers lactic acid and shortens the gap to your next session.
Post-exercise, your body is in fluid debt, mineral debt and pH debt at the same time. Plain water solves only the first. High-mineral water solves all three — replacing sodium and magnesium lost in sweat, and using bicarbonate to neutralize the metabolic acid produced during hard training.
Sodium drives fluid retention; magnesium prevents next-day cramping; calcium supports muscle contraction. The most effective recovery waters carry all three in meaningful concentrations rather than spiking on a single mineral.
Magnesium accelerates muscle relaxation and helps prevent delayed-onset cramping. Endurance athletes routinely run low on magnesium — making a high-magnesium recovery water like Donat Mg or Gerolsteiner a smart addition to a training block. See magnesium rankings →
| # | Brand | Mg | Na | HCO₃ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerolsteiner | 108 | 118 | 1,816 |
| 2 | Donat Mg | 1,050 | 1,565 | 7,790 |
| 3 | Borjomi | 50 | 200 | 3,500 |
| 4 | Apollinaris | 130 | 470 | 1,810 |
| 5 | Badoit | 85 | 165 | 1,300 |
First 60 minutes after exercise. Drink 500–750 ml of a high-mineral water alongside a carbohydrate + protein meal. Gerolsteiner is the easiest all-round pick.
For very long or hot sessions. Add a 200 ml glass of Donat Mg or Borjomi for the magnesium and bicarbonate boost.
