Alcohol awareness week

21 Nov 2011

Alcohol awareness week

Think twice before you swap that training session for a drinking session!

Most of you may not have been aware that it was alcohol awareness week last week.

Whether we like it or not, drinking is a big part of our culture in the UK and alcohol is seen by many as the way to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work. But before you open that bottle as soon as you arrive home tonight, here are a few statistics for you attention:

• Every minute, alcohol related problems cost the UK around £48,000.
• Every hour, more than 100 people go into hospital in England and Wales with an alcohol related condition
• Every day, more than 40 people die as a result of alcohol in England and Wales.
• Every week, more than 100 children call child line upset about their parents drinking - some as young as five years old.

Now you may be thinking that this all sounds a bit extreme for those of you who simply have the occasional glass of wine, however for those people trying to carry out a strict fitness regime, there are certain things that need considering before you swap that gym session for a drinking session.

The effects of alcohol on exercise

To stay fit and healthy, you, not only have to take regular exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet, but you must also watch you alcohol intake.  Alcohol contains vast amounts of calories and greatly reduces the effectiveness of exercise.

• Alcohol reduces cardio vascular fitness meaning the heart and lungs work less efficiently
• Alcohol reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals which are essential for the conversion of food to energy.
• If alcohol is still in a person’s system, then it will increase the chances of getting muscular cramp.
• Drinking alcohol after exercise will not help to hydrate the body; instead it will continue to dehydrate it.

Government advice

The government explains that ‘Exercise may help get rid of a hangover but working out cannot undo the damage that heavy drinking may cause’.

They also warn that ‘regular exercise will not stop the onset of liver disease and other alcohol related illnesses, if people continue to binge drink above safe levels’. 

If you must consume alcohol, do so in moderation and never right before exercise as this could impair your balance, judgement and coordination.