I learned in a physiology class that gatorade does work, at least in terms of elevating available blood sugar levels. Normally, sugar and other nutrients we need are absorbed in the small intestine, but thats all dependent on the stomach contents emptying into it. Scientists (long ago) discovered electrolyte-glucose pumps within the stomach that activate when, for example, high levels of sodium/other ions and glucose are present. The gist of this is basically, the electrolytes in gatorade stimulate earlier uptake of glucose available in the stomach, so that you're able to get the energy you need quickly. Plus, the electrolytes are there to replenish those lost when you sweat it out during the exercise/workout.