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Alkaline Water & TRACE Black Water from CrossFit BC. What is alkaline water? Learn what pH really means, why people choose it, what TRACE Black Water is, and why CrossFit BC offers it as part of training.
Alkaline Water Explained: pH, TRACE Black Water, and Why We Offer It at CrossFit BC
This article is part of the CrossFit BC journal, written by the coaching staff who run our classes in Olympic Village, Vancouver. We publish what we teach on the floor: training decisions, recovery, nutrition, and the honest tradeoffs behind them.
Alkaline water is simply water with a pH above 7, which puts it on the basic side of the pH scale rather than neutral or acidic. It can be naturally alkaline from minerals in its source or made alkaline through filtration or electrolysis.
pH is a 0 to 14 scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a liquid is. Seven is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Pure water sits around 7, and alkaline water sits a little higher.
For most healthy people, plain water and alkaline water both hydrate you well. Major medical sources say the dramatic health claims are not well supported. If you enjoy alkaline water and it helps you drink more, that is a genuine practical benefit.
No, not in any meaningful way. Your body tightly regulates blood pH through your lungs, kidneys, and buffering systems, and what you drink does not override that. Your stomach is also intentionally acidic to digest food.
It gets its dark colour from naturally dark plant-based compounds, often described as fulvic and humic substances, which come from long-decomposed organic plant matter. It is not food colouring, and the colour does not mean the water is dirty when it comes from a reputable brand.
Yes, when it comes from a properly produced beverage brand with real quality controls. The dark colour is simply how those plant-based mineral compounds appear in water. As always, choose reputable brands that test their product.
Yes. TRACE is a mineralized alkaline spring water enhanced with plant-based, fulvic-derived mineral compounds, and it carries trace minerals as part of its profile. For exact details, check the official TRACE Wellness website.
Hydration is good for athletes, and alkaline water hydrates you just like plain water. The biggest benefit is drinking enough fluid consistently. For long or very sweaty sessions, you may also want dedicated electrolytes and real food.
Both work. Arrive hydrated by sipping through the day, sip as needed during class, and rehydrate afterward alongside protein and real food. The timing matters less than staying consistently hydrated.
Possibly, depending on the session. Alkaline or mineralized water is hydration-positive but not a full electrolyte strategy. For long, hot, or high-sweat workouts, add dedicated electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Because small details matter. TRACE gives members a premium, local hydration option, sparks good conversation, offers an alternative to sugary drinks, and reflects the care we want every member to feel. We do not claim one bottle changes your life.
Yes. Grab one after your next class. The easiest way to experience the gym, the coaching, and the community is to start with three free classes at CrossFit BC.