DOES DRINKING ALCOHOL AFFECT ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE??
Even moderate alcohol consumption can and will affect your athletic performance for up to 48 hours after drinking; with higher levels of intoxication lasting even longer.
Drinking Alcohol will:
v Increase your risk of dehydration due to its diuretic effects
v Impair your body’s ability to regulate body heat, impairing endurance
v Reduce your blood sugar levels which lowers energy level needed for prolong activity
v Impair your reaction times, coordination and balance
v Reduce endurance, strength and speed
v Increase your risk of injury and negatively impact recovery time
v Impede your body’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients and deplete vitamins already stored
v Slow the respiratory system
v Interrupt sleep patterns interfering with truly restful and restorative sleep
ü Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before strenuous exercise/training/playing
ü After exercise you must re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks
DRINKING ALCOHOL WILL DECREASE AN ATHLETE’S ABILITY TO TRAIN AND PLAY HARD!
Visit these websites for more information on how alcohol affects athletic performance: