*I was not compensated for this post. I’m just sharing some potential obstacles related to alcohol and working out!
If you’ve ever wondered how alcohol affects working out, read on, and find some tips for taking control of that hangover!
Related: Best Texas Wines to Try
A few weeks ago, I shared 5 Ways to Balance Fitness and Fun, and included some of my favorite ways to squeeze in a drink while trying to stay fit. While I fully support taking a break every now and then to live life outside the confines of a calorie tracker, it’s important to examine the place alcohol has within a healthy lifestyle. If you’ve ever wondered how alcohol affects working out, read on, and find some tips for taking control of that hangover!
How Alcohol Affects Working Out
Hydration
Alcohol is dehydrating. I typically stick to one (maybe two) drinks per week because I feel the dehydrating effects almost immediately. When training for an event or simply trying to fit, hydration is extremely important. Dehydration can drain motivation, energy, and stamina, while keeping your body from carrying water-soluble vitamins and minerals through your system. (Muscle & Fitness)
Muscle Development
Strength training is (and should be) part of many people’s fitness regimen. During workouts, your muscle tissue tears down and then comes back stronger than before. Alcohol can interfere with this process, largely by preventing quality sleep. (Muscle & Fitness/Livestrong)
Related: 5 Ways to Balance Fitness and Fun
Performance
Alcohol affects working out both aerobically and through your motor skills. Drinking can affect your respiratory function, as well as slow your reaction time, decrease balance, and affect your hand-eye coordination. (Livestrong) Just like you wouldn’t get behind the wheel after drinking, don’t try to run a 5K in that condition either!
Hangovers
Unfortunately, the affects of drinking don’t immediately go away after you’ve stopped drinking. I think we all figured this out when we were in college! I’m not a fan of hangovers in the slightest and I limit my drinks so much largely to avoid the headache the next morning! Being hungover affects the quality of your sleep, can cause electrolyte imbalances, low blood sugar, and gastric issues. (National Strength and Conditioning Association) Not to mention any activity with a hangover just is not fun. Luckily, there are ways to battle hangovers. Proper hydration, electrolyte restoration, and a slow and steady mindset can get you back in the game safely.
Related: Best Texas Beers to Try
For more tips on balancing a good time with your weekend workout, check out this handy infographic created by Aaptiv. Don’t forget to try out a FREE 30-day trial of Aaptiv using the code BURPEES at checkout! Aaptiv is an audio fitness app that delivers a variety of trainer-led workouts right to your phone complete with their own unique playlists. You can pick from running, spin, strength training, yoga, and more, and from a variety of workout durations.
Question: How often do you enjoy a drink as part of a healthy lifestyle?
I’m linking up with Annmarie, Jen, and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday!
I’m with you– I only have a drink or two these days. It’s just not worth it anymore!
So true!!
I am not a big drinker at all anymore. Even the occasional glass of wine kind of leaves me feeling sluggish the next day.
I’m with ya. I hate having a drink and then trying to wake up to work out the next morning!
All of these are really great reasons to put the glass down, I can tell I’m not my best after I drink before a race but I do have one tip. If I’m going to drink and sill have to run I’ll try to have my drink early in the day or evening and finish with plenty of water.
Yes, always finish with plenty of water!
I try not to drink the night before long runs because I’ve definitely seen how even one drink affects my performance the next day!
Same here! It’s crazy how quickly it can come into play!
Hangovers really do last way longer than desired…like for days for me now. I definitely have to limit my alcohol consumption.
To me, hangovers feel a lot like sleep deprivation. Two of my least favorite things in the world!
I have learned so much from your post. Drinking even one glass of wine can have a negative effect on the performance. Excellent and very educative post!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I am 71 days sober as of today, and my fitness (and muscle mass) has gone through the roof. I never realized how much alcohol was negatively affecting my fitness until I quit!