After a long workweek, the idea of having a few drinks with friends on Friday may seem appealing. However, before heading to the bar, it’s important to think about the impact of alcohol on your exercise routine.

While small amounts of alcohol may temporarily boost muscle endurance and strength, the benefits are short-lived. After about 20 minutes, the negative effects of alcohol outweigh any potential advantages. Alcohol is essentially a poison that can harm your body.

Alcohol can reduce strength, endurance, aerobic capability, recovery time, ability to metabolize fat, and muscle growth. Long-term use can lead to severe damage to your central nervous system. Even short-term use can weaken nerve-muscle interaction, resulting in strength loss.

Alcohol damages blood cells and inflames muscle cells, causing functional muscle contractions to decrease over time. It also increases muscle soreness after exercise, delaying recovery.

Your heart and circulatory system are affected too. Alcohol reduces endurance, increases heat loss, and makes muscles colder and weaker during contractions.

Digestive and nutrition problems can arise, as alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption and insulin release. This can lead to difficulty losing fat and deficiencies in B vitamins.

The liver, responsible for detoxifying alcohol, undergoes stress with excessive drinking, potentially causing serious damage. Alcohol’s diuretic effect stresses the kidneys, leading to heightened water retention.

If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Avoid alcohol before exercising, as it impairs balance, coordination, and judgment. Consider the impact on your health and exercise routine, and you may view things from a new perspective.