Alcohol and Exercise

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keiraev
keiraev Posts: 695 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Obviously alcohol affects exercise- I can rarely exercise the following morning if I've had more than one drink the night before as it makes me sluggish, and I wouldn't go and exercise after having several glasses of wine.

However- this evening I am due to go to someone's leaving drinks at work. I only plan to stay for an hour or two and I would ordinarily just have a soft drink- but I feel like I will be a party pooper if I don't have just one alcoholic drink?

The problem is I really need to get a run in this evening as am doing a 10K in a few weeks- and I am worried that after one drink it will dehydrate me and I shouldn't exercise afterwards.

Should I just forget the one drink afterwards and just have boring water or something!?

Replies

  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
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    Don't let anyone make you think you need to drink. You need to do what's best for you. It sounds like you don't want to have a drink, so don't have one. Soft drinks are fine.
  • lisab42
    lisab42 Posts: 98 Member
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    I'm facing the same situation this evening my friend. I think I will order a drink, carry it around for the hour or so I will be there, sipping from it lightly. Should appear polite enough right?
  • stephanieGmo
    stephanieGmo Posts: 27
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    Don't let anyone make you think you need to drink. You need to do what's best for you. It sounds like you don't want to have a drink, so don't have one. Soft drinks are fine.

    WELL SAID!!
  • hartsmart
    hartsmart Posts: 141 Member
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    I agree with MrsM1ggins...why should you feel like you need a drink? the beauty of being an adult is that you finally realize that you don't have to give into peer pressure! if you want a drink, have one...and have 2 waters. if you would rather have a soft drink, do that. however, i'm not sure a soft drink is really that much better a choice, but that's up to you. if you just want to hang for a bit, have a glass of water, then bow out early to get your run in, do that. it's all up to you, not your friends.
  • _Sally_
    _Sally_ Posts: 514 Member
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    Why don't you just get a seltzer or club soda with a twist? It will hydrate you and won't make you feel left out since it could be mistaken for an alcoholic drink.
  • elliecolorado
    elliecolorado Posts: 1,040
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    Personally I don't let myself drink if I haven't burned off the calories first. Before I am 'allowed' to drink I have to go for a long, long run. I do this for no matter what I want that isn't healthy. If I want 'junk food' or if I want to drink I HAVE to burn off the calories first. And honestly after a few drinks I feel like running or dancing or exercising,

    When I am hungover I actually usually get in a great workout the next day. If not I just make sure to get in a little exercise even if it is just a short walk.
  • MrBrown72
    MrBrown72 Posts: 407 Member
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    Go, have fun. I have been guilty of having a beer while exercising and just considering calories and sugars I don't thing there is a huge bonus to having a soda. I definitely won't suggest weight lifting while hammered but a drink really won't hurt that much. Now don't get me wrong I know drinking is bad always and that it's evil and that the devil gave us alcohol because, well , he wanted us to have a good time (hopefully that satisfied the nuts, trolls and religious that will feel they need to flame me) but if your going to do it go ahead.

    Personally I'll either go for a straight vodka on the rocks or a vodka water and nurse it. As long as one is in your hand folks seem to feel you're sufficiently joining in. Do try to stay away from shots though, they cause horrible lumps on the head.
  • vinnysgirl
    vinnysgirl Posts: 311 Member
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    I know exactly where you are coming from on this one as I used to get teased for just having 'pop', although I do enjoy having alcohol, I don't necessarily need it to enjoy myself and have a good time which is what some people don't understand.

    So, what I now do is drink Lime and Soda water, in a tall glass, lots of ice, and a slice of lemon. It looks alcoholic, is very refreshing, hydrates, is very low in calories and cheap.

    Enjoy yourself, have fun and do what you want to do, and don't be pressurised by others :-)

    Good luck for the 10k
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
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    I work away from home quite a lot and that means socialising with colleagues every evening. That used to mean drinks before dinner, wine with dinner and more drinks afterwards.

    Since starting my weight loss 'project' I don't drink when I'm away - I can't afford the calories. I get a good-natured hard time from my colleagues when I order a sparkling water or diet coke at the bar instead of my usual vodka tonic. Do I care? NO! It's not about them, it's about me!

    The first time they called me on my 'sensible' new habit I just told them that I was working hard to lose weight and wasn't about to waste all that effort. We now have a shorthand phrase I use instead - "My body is a temple!" This is usually said with a big grin :bigsmile:
  • jkleman79
    jkleman79 Posts: 706 Member
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    Let me give you a tip that I use for this situation.. Walk up to the bar separate and order your drink. Order a Pineapple and tonic in a collins glass with a garnish. Looks like a drink and no one at your table knows none the lesser. You can even start acting drunk if you like. On another note though dont ever feel that you have to drink.

    Just order yourself something pretty in a collins glass and all is good! =0)
  • broadsword7
    broadsword7 Posts: 411 Member
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    I would not let the social situation, other people, the moon, the stars, or the wind determine what's best for me. I would stick with good old water. Do what you need to do, for you. For whatever it's worth. And it's worth a lot.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    I'm friends with some serious runners, triathletes and even Ironman triathletes, and boy can they drink after a race!

    Alcoholic drinks can have a place in an active lifestyle within reason, and you should always stick with the guidelines of no more than a couple of units a day.

    Many Marathon preparation tips even advise to have a glass of wine (as well as a gallon of water!) with your evening meal before a race to help you relax, if it's something you regularly do.

    HOWEVER, if you're talking about running the same evening as you're drinking, DON'T DO IT! Even if you stay properly hydrated, you'll feel like cr*p.

    Your body processes alcohol before it uses other carbs, and in my experience you will feel lethargic and find it difficult to get your breath.

    The biggest warning however is that you won't fully have your wits about you. This is a risk to your personal safety and increases your likelihood of injury. I spent a year recovering from a torn shoulder tendon after a fall just from being a bit tired, let alone not fully compus!
  • keiraev
    keiraev Posts: 695 Member
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    You're all so right- I am going to have a slimline tonic or a lime and soda water I think- something that I can make last!

    If it was my day off from exercise it would be a different matter altogether :drinker: but my rest day was yesterday and I can't afford to take two in a row!
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
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    Good for you! :smile:

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