5th May 2020

Staying ahead of the game with iPRO Hydrate

For an elite rugby team to succeed, every cog in the machine is vital.

From the work done by the strength & conditioning team in the gym to the finest tactical adjustments made based upon the work of analysts, every detail is crucial when it comes to ensuring success when the final whistle blows.

Included in these pre-match preparations is ensuring players are fuelled and hydrated throughout each game week. Tom Coughlin, Scottish Rugby Performance Nutritionist and consultant with Glasgow Warriors, explains how having iPRO on board with the team is an invaluable resource…

How does iPRO help the team stay hydrated over the course of the season?

There’s a definite need for electrolyte drinks in elite sport when keeping players hydrated and fuelled. When you’re competing in a hot environment, for example, there are massive health and performance implications if guys aren’t hydrated properly. Having a product available like iPRO is probably one of the top five things a rugby team needs to have in place, and we’re thankful for their support.

What are the main benefits of using iPRO on a training day or matchday?

We tend to only use iPRO drinks when they’re required – for short bursts of activity or any low-intensity activity, they’re not essential. When the drinks really come into their own, though, is when you’re running a prolonged session or a high intensity session. It’s important to continually fuel the muscles in those situations, and that’s what iPRO does so well.

Why is iPRO the preferred hydration solution?

One of the main benefits iPRO has over any competitors, or over water for that matter, is the taste and range of flavours available. Each player has their own favourite flavour, and having that range is a great tool to have. Matt Fagerson, in particular, always goes after the mixed berry one! This increases the desire to drink, which has positive impacts for maintaining hydration status.

iPRO also go through all of the steps to meet the gold standard of what is required for elite sport by enrolling their products with Informed-Sport, which is critical from our point of view and makes it so much easier to work with.

What advantage does iPRO give to the players?

It allows them to perform to the highest level. Let’s say the players go into a session or a match without being adequately fuelled – the amount of work these guys put in is huge, and they’ll race through their energy stores so quickly. They’re at a level that means they need to keep those stores high, and that’s where iPRO comes in. It’s easy to digest, it’s tasty and it does exactly what we need it to.

How does iPRO aid recovery?

You’ve got three key things to consider when it comes to recovery – rehydrate, refuel and rebuild. iPRO hits the first two of those factors; it helps to replenish the muscle post-exercise, and then helps to rehydrate with electrolytes. It’s especially useful when guys have short turnarounds from one game to the next, when recovery becomes even more essential.

How important is it to stay hydrated, not just for elite athletes but in every walk of life?

Your immune system is massively affected by your hydration status – something as simple as generating saliva is affected by your hydration levels, and saliva is one of your first lines of defence in terms of your immune system. In general, hydration also helps by keeping your body ticking over and remaining healthy. It can be difficult to stick to your normal routine when you’re sat at home, whether that’s not drinking from your water bottle as often or using a water fountain. It’s key to monitor your hydration levels where possible; your urine colour - which is always a funny one to introduce to academy players! – and your thirst levels are big indicators.