Actually electrolytes are a natural part of your body's chemistry. Muscles won't work without 'em. Sports drinks and the related products just allow you to deliver them more efficiently to your muscles when you are doing intense exercise. So I don't think you should think of them as being somehow artificial.

If you are working out hard for hours at a time or are in a competition (bike race, triathlon, etc.) you will need to take in replacement electrolytes or risk muscle fatigue/failure. For regular old workouts I don't think they are needed. If you've eaten sufficiently well prior to working out and drink plain water to stay hydrated you will usually be fine.

cheers,
traveller