[Freeletics] Workout and Alcohol – 5 Reasons Why You Should Stop Drinking!

The past weekends I broke my rule of not drinking alcohol for a long time. Especially last weekend I had a couple of drinks containing vodka and rum two nights in a row. I didn’t get drunk but was in a „good“ mood (this is a lie…). However, I truly regretted the drinks… the latest at the moment of my next workout. It was the same workout (Hades) that I had to take three days before and I finished almost four minutes slower. So I started reading about alcohol and working out…

Here are five reasons why workout and alcohol don’t get along:

1. Alcoholic drinks contain high amounts of carbs. Half a liter beer has about 215 calories, one glas of vodka bull 130 calories and one mojito 215 calories. If you consume three cocktails like a mojito in one night, you will have consumed almost 650 calories. Even worse ist he fact that you get hungry and additionally get lots of calories from usually junk food…

2. Alcohol is toxic and our body tries to get rid of alcohol as fast as possible. Therefore, the liver has to work on full power and other processes like fat burning are reduced.

3. Excessive use of alcohol can lower and negatively effect the testosterone level in our bodies. Testosterone, however, is an essential hormone that supports muscle growth.

 

4. Alcohol withdraws water from the body. Thus, left over or harmful substances in muscles can’t be removed from and nutrients can’t be delivered to muscles.

5. There is a high possibility that after nights of heavy alcohol consumption the day after you will not be able to workout because you’re hungover and your body has to recover. If done regularly, this will negatively effect the disciplin needed by athletes to be become the best in their discipline. Just answer this question: which professional athlete – no matter in which discipline – drinks alcohol (and is successful) ? Do you see Lebron drunk? Or Lionel Messi? Novak Đoković?