How does alcohol affect sports performance?

Answer 1

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

Remember:

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!