Training under the influence

Training under the influence

I thought this could prove quite a topical article especially under the recent months of sunshine and lockdown.

I was recently surfing my favourite break with a friend and fellow fitness practitioner and purveyor of fine ales, who whilst surfing made the observation concerning the quantity of alcohol he had consumed over the previous weeks. As a result, he had invested in a can crusher to help disguise his said obsession.

I very much empathise in this kinship because as much as I push the boundaries in both my clients and my own fitness, it does not take much for me to wander off down a dark and hazy ale path, lined with all kinds of fruity goodness.

In fact, I am always a few weeks off being in the shape of my life because I accept that I like to continually raise a glass to the God of India Pale Ale and believe me when I say my glass is always half full!

So here it is! I thought I would do some research and relay in simple terms why my abdominal muscles are not continually on show and the effects of alcohol consumption in getting into shape.

Here are a few concise facts concerning affecting potential goals. You may leave now if you find ignorance bliss!

If your goal is to build muscle 
I hate to say it but alcohol can play a key role in derailing both muscle gains and weight loss.

The driving force behind building muscle is Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis in which protein is produced to repair muscle damage during recovery as a result of intense exercise.

This makes what you put into your body crucial for muscle growth. Alcohol can reduce protein synthesis by negating the influence of Hormones (messenger molecules) by causing your body to enter into a Catabolic state (breaking down muscle tissues) instead of building muscle.

Which is not great for all you budding Arnies out there!

If your goal is to burn fat to get into shape
The body isn’t designed to store alcohol and it is often referred to as empty calories as it contains very few nutrients. It will convert it into acetic acid which is circulated into the bloodstream as an additional source of energy for the brain and organs to use.

Therefore before you burn the body’s’ natural energy supplies of Carbohydrates (Glucose) and Fats (Lipids) the acetic acid will be utilised first as its primary source; therefore, inhibiting the body's natural ability to burn fat as energy slowing down weight loss.

If your goal is athletic performance
Alcohol is a diuretic which increases the excretion of urine, which in turn equates to early dehydration. When you think that a loss of sweat equal to 2% of body weight can cause a noticeable decrease in physical and mental performance affecting energy levels, coordination, concentration and reaction time you may want to think twice before downing a bottle of your favourite tipple if you are focussed on achieving certain physical goals. 

The Crux Of It
In reality, I think we all would like to live life in balance and not be satiated by the need for sensation but “what the hell!” There is a lot to be said for kicking back, glass in hand, feeling the sun on your face and taking it easy, enjoying moments of stress-free relaxation induced by your favourite tipple.

The fact is a couple of glasses of wine a night, for example, probably won't affect your ability to put on muscle, burn fact or affect performance.

But beware everything in moderation or your abs might well become a thing of the past!

Peace, Mike.