We’ve all been there, hungover and reaching, firstly for a glass of water and secondly, for a reason not to hit the gym, play that game of tennis or go for the run that you agreed to enthusiastically, several pints deep.
Well, here’s some good news; scientists tend to agree that exercising when you’re hungover isn’t particularly beneficial. In fact, in many cases, it’s actively detrimental to the fuzzy-headed, bleary-eyed soul.
So, with the best will in the world, why not make today a duvet day instead? If you’re wondering whether you should exercise when you’re hungover or if going to the gym when drunk is good for you, then you’ve come to the right place. In short; don’t. But to dig a little deeper, and with the help of E-bikes Direct, the team at UK’s largest online retailer of electric bikes, here are 5 reasons not to.
NO, YOU CAN’T SWEAT OUT A HANGOVER
First things first; you can’t actually ‘sweat out’ a hangover. Essentially, such a myth suggests that you can secrete alcohol by means of sweat which (perhaps) unfortunately, happens only minimally. As little as 10% of the alcohol that your body hasn’t metabolised is flushed out through sweat, breathing and urination; the majority is oxidised in the liver, and no amount of exercise will help with that process.
That’s not all; exercising when hungover can actually be bad for you. Most hangover symptoms are caused by dehydration. In fact, the consumption of alcohol is one of the quickest ways to dehydrate the body. A toxin, alcohol acts as a diuretic, suppressing the production of the hormone Vasopressin, the body’s natural antidiuretic. As a result, you will likely go to the toilet more often than usual when hungover. This leads to further dehydration.
What’s more, working out when dehydrated is a sure-fire way to incur cramps and injury as the muscles tense and experience more strain.
You should actually be trying to do the complete opposite of sweating to fight off that hangover; taking lots and lots of water on, by drinking it.
LACKING ZZZEDS, LACKING STRENGTH
It’s a myth that drinking even a little alcohol can lead to a good night’s sleep. Whilst initially you may fall asleep faster due to the increase in the brain’s chemical adenosine, which is accountable for stimulating sleep, its rapid decrease throughout the sleep cycles leads us to wake more in the night.
As a result, the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of our sleep cycle is interrupted, causing fatigue. Exercising when fatigued is likely to throw off coordination which, in turn, can lead to injury. Working out often relies on balance and coordination, making exercising whilst hungover a recipe for disaster.
METABOLISM SLACKS
Alcohol has a massive impact on the body’s metabolism. Once passed through the small intestine, alcohol makes its way to the bloodstream. The body cannot store alcohol like it can sugar and carbs, so it makes its way to the liver to be processed.
Consequently, tension is inflicted upon the digestive system as the body attempts to access essential nutrients. It is here that the metabolism slacks. Reduced access to essential nutrients inevitably has a negative impact on your workout and you are likely to grow tired far quicker than you may have, had you not had a heavy session the night before.
Read: 6 lifestyle hacks to maximise your gains pre and post gym
FRY UP?
Ever wondered why you crave a fry up or sweet treats post alcohol consumption? Alcohol promotes the brain’s production of the chemical galanin. The production of galanin sees us craving fatty foods, particularly those that are laden with Omega 6.
Omega 6 is often found in frying oils used in fried breakfasts, hence why you might find yourself longing for a sausage sarnie or bacon and eggs following a big night on the pints.
The problem is that high fat foods cause a rise in blood pressure, as does exercise. Doubling up on increased blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness, a prolonged increase in heart rate and even fainting. Research suggests that you should take a break from exercise for one or two days after drinking alcohol.
INJURIES
It is no secret that exercise releases feel-good hormones known as endorphins. Feeling good, what’s not to love? Well, if you are hitting the gym after drinking alcohol, the hit of endorphins along with increased oxygen to the brain can give a false sense of security with regards to how you are feeling, and may temporarily camouflage any injuries that you may incur. If choosing to work out hungover, it is crucial to keep this in mind.
For something more gentle, yoga, some simple stretches or pilates can all work as efficient exercise regimes the morning after.
Just as it is important to be mindful of post drinking workouts, it’s also wise to be conscious of workouts pre drinking. Weightlifting and extensive cardio can both leave the body needing rest and relaxation in order for your muscles to repair sufficiently. If you’re anticipating a night that won’t be restful or relaxing, perhaps don’t hit the gym too hard in the hours leading up to it.
Oh, and if you’re keen to avoid those hangovers for good, then here are 5 amazing benefits of quitting alcohol today.