How Does Alcohol Affect Your Workouts?

Summer is in full swing and many people want to hit the patio for a mojito, glass of sangria or a cold beer during the summer months. Before you do, think about the affects it will have on the hard work you have put into your workouts.  This isn’t to imply that you can’t ever indulge, but as a wise trainer once told me…make it worth it! Don’t make it an every weekend thing, especially if you are working toward a goal or trying to maintain a lean physique.

Here is some valuable information regarding alcohol and your performance:

1. Remember, everything you do either hurts or helps your goal/progress.
2. A drink or two every day or even a couple days a week adds lots of empty calories to your diet. Calories that could be, and should be, full of nutrients to fuel your next workout.
3. The biggie…alcohol inhibits fat burning!  While your liver is metabolizing alcohol, it puts fat burning on hold.  That is why if you are on a fat loss program and you are serious about it, you really should eliminate alcohol.
4. Alcohol decreases your performance during your next workout.   You will find that your next lifting session isn’t as strong as your last or that your next run requires more effort for less output.  Who wants that?

So just think about these things next time you have the urge to kick back with a cocktail.  Remember to make it worth it so you can find the balance between life and reaching your fitness goals!