Running is the best exercise for weight loss, and many people have a long-term habit of running. Although it can be quite painful to stick with it at the beginning, once you get used to it, you feel like you’re missing something if you don’t run every day. It becomes second nature. However, some people, in their determination to keep running, even go for a run after drinking alcohol. This can be very harmful. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of running after drinking.
What are the dangers of running after drinking?
1、Severe Muscle Soreness
Even without running, you’ll likely feel achy all over the next day after drinking. Alcohol promotes muscle fatigue, making muscles more relaxed and reducing muscle tension. If you run after drinking, your muscles will release a large amount of lactic acid, leading to severe soreness the next day. It might take more than a week to recover.
3、Risk of Dehydration
After drinking, you often feel very thirsty because your body needs to replenish water to dilute the alcohol concentration. You’re already in a dehydrated state. If you then go running and sweat heavily, the dehydration becomes even worse. Symptoms of dehydration include increased fatigue and other discomforts. Therefore, after drinking, it’s better to drink plenty of water and rest rather than exercise.
4、Harm to Heart Health
After drinking, your heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and your heart is already under strain. If you exercise at this time, whether it’s light or intense, the burden on your heart becomes even greater. Additionally, alcohol inhibits myocardial contraction, making your heartbeat even faster. Exercising in this state increases the risk of heart disease.
5、Higher Risk of Accidents
Alcohol numbs the nervous system. After drinking, people tend to feel drowsy and have slower reactions. Running in this state, especially outdoors, increases the likelihood of accidents. Running after drinking makes it hard to focus, and navigating complex terrain becomes difficult. In cold weather, falling asleep outdoors after a run can be extremely dangerous, even life-threatening. Such incidents are not uncommon in northern winters.
The desire to stay fit is understandable, but sticking to a running routine doesn’t mean you have to run every day. When you’re in a state where you’ve been drinking, your body isn’t ready for a run. It’s better to rest at home and wait until you’re completely sober or well-rested before resuming your exercise plan.
