Alcohol and Fitness

With patio season quickly approaching, the temptation to indulge in a few alcoholic beverages grows bigger and bigger.

How much does alcohol really affect your fitness goals?

Well, let's start with the fact that alcohol is a diuretic which means it will cause a loss in fluids and electrolytes that your body needs to maintain proper hydration. Alcohol also increases the production of lactic acid causing premature fatigue while exercising and also dehydration and increased sweating. Consuming alcohol before or after your workout will increase these and the following side effects but it also has longer term effects such as weight gain.

Since alcohol is so high in calories, it is very easy to quickly consume your whole days worth of calories in only a couple of drinks. Not only will it cause you to store more body fat but it will also impair the process of protein synthesis which can interfere with your ability to actually grow and even maintain muscle. This wouldn’t be ideal for anyone who is on a fitness journey!

Binge drinking can increase cortisol (a hormone that destroys muscle) and decrease your overall testosterone levels! All of these side effects will have a very negative impact on your fitness goals. Try to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum and if you do drink, make sure to stick with low calorie mixers and alcohol options.

Alcohol and fitness are not the best mix and if you are really serious about reaching specific fitness goals its best to try to cut it out as much as possible.