Athlekinetix Blog

Just like the myth that coffee and aspirin cure a hangover, it is a myth that you can sweat one out at the gym as well. There are many problems associated with alcohol and exercise.

The first problem is that the benefits of exercise are greatly diminished when you are not operating on full cylinders. Energy levels are depleted and your body will not perform to optimum capacity. Alcohol diminishes your strength and elevates your heart rate extra high during aerobic activity. Not only are you not getting benefit from exercise when you are hung over, but you are putting yourself at risk for injury.

Another issue with alcohol is related to food. The most likely scenario of an evening of over consumption of alcohol, is over consumption of food (most likely fatty, greasy food). A workout following a night of overdrinking and overeating is not likely to yield positive results. Exercise performed with a headache and stomachache is not likely to yield positive results. In addition, alcohol has a lot of calories on its own, not to mention the number of extra, unwanted calories you are consuming from the food you eat while intoxicated. Hangovers might pass, but the unwanted pounds added from too much partying may linger.

Lastly, too much alcohol causes dehydration. Dehydration is a huge concern when it comes to exercise. Not only does dehydration sap the body of energy and strength, but it greatly increases the risk of injury and fainting. Dehydration is a risk anytime you exercise, but it is practically a guarantee if you are hung over from a night of partying.

The bottom line is alcohol and exercise do not mix. A glass of wine on an evening out is fine for exercising the next day, but a night of boozing makes exercising the morning after not only futile, but potentially dangerous.