A hangover usually occurs after a period of heavy alcohol consumption which results in dehydration, fatigue and more.
So, what are good ways to handle hangovers? Is it safe to work out when hungover? This blog answers those questions and more.
Note: We advocate drinking responsibly. The aim here is to educate people on how alcohol consumption affects fitness to provide solutions for the same.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON FITNESS
- Alcohol consumption causes dehydration, headaches and nausea. So, if you decide to sweat it out while hungover and dehydrated, you will only lose more water through sweating and exhaust yourself faster.
- A hangover also results in decreased coordination and makes you more vulnerable to injuries. So, lifting heavy-duty weights or performing other intensive exercises can be more harmful for the body at this time.
- Another effect of alcohol is that it slows down the body and the brain. This means that concentration will be lower and adding complicated workouts to this state of mind will just make those exercises seem like a burden.
So, performing intense workouts when hungover is not recommended. But does this mean that hangovers and exercises should never mix? Not necessarily. It is vital to take things easy when hungover and identify how your body behaves when performing simple exercises.
HANGOVER WORKOUTS
- Go for cardio and simple mobility exercises to sweat a little and ease the joints.
- If cardio or mobility exercises trigger dizziness or pain, stop the workout. Focus instead on walks and get fresh air.
- Even if you feel like you are good to go for more intensive workouts, avoid complex movements and heavy lifting. Instead, focus on simple movements in the higher rep ranges.
POINTS TO NOTE
Here are a few particulars to keep in mind before committing to a workout while hungover:
- Sleep check: Assess if you slept well during the night after drinking. If you still feel fatigued the morning after or if you have been vomiting the whole night, it is best to skip workout for the day and focus on rest.
- Hydration: Hangovers result in dehydration. Therefore, the first thing to do after a night of drinking is to consume more water. Hydrate well throughout the day to recover faster.
- Breakfast: In order to regain lost energy from a hangover, it is necessary to have good solid food. So, never skip breakfast and include more proteins and carbohydrates in your meal. Fruits like bananas, oranges, berries and more are great for improving energy levels while drinks like coffee and coconut water are also helpful.
So, always begin by assessing your quality of sleep and hydration levels after a hangover. If those are dealt with, eat good food and start off gently with cardio and mobility exercises.
And of course, it is just as important to discipline yourself to drink in moderation at any point of time.
What is your go-to cure for a hangover? How have workouts helped you with hangovers? Let us know!
