More and more of you are practicing a sporting activity regularly and that's very good ! Beyond the many physical benefits and the immense feeling of satisfaction (and we know how important it is to motivate yourself in the early stages !), sport is very important for mental health. Physical activity allows you to detach yourself from the stress and tensions of daily life !
But what about alcohol consumption ? High-level practice requires total commitment, rigorous discipline and constant attention to one's body. This is why many top athletes choose to reduce or even not consume alcohol at all !
1. Impairment of physical performance
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant that directly affects physical performance. It slows reaction times, impairs coordination, decreases muscle strength and reduces endurance. These effects impair athletic performance, whether it is the quick reflexes needed in agility sports or the muscular power required in strength sports. And yes ! You can't be slow on the pitch !
2. Impaired recovery
Recovery is a crucial element for athletes. After intensive training or competition, the body needs time to recover and rebuild itself. In short, recharge the batteries ! Alcohol interferes with this recovery process by causing cramps, disrupting sleep, dehydrating the body and affecting the immune system's ability to regenerate. By consuming alcohol, athletes risk extending their recovery time and therefore preventing themselves from performing at their best level.
3. Impact on body composition
Body composition is an important factor in many sports. The what ? It refers to the percentage of fat, bone and muscle in your body. Doctors use body composition to determine if you are a healthy weight for your body ! Athletes seek to maintain the lowest body fat percentage possible. Alcohol is high in empty calories, meaning it provides calories with no nutritional value. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass. Everything an athlete seeks to avoid !
4. Effects on the hormonal system
Alcohol can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, including increasing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and reducing levels of testosterone (the muscle growth hormone). Again, hormonal imbalance can lead to decreased muscle recovery, increased fatigue, and impaired ability to build and maintain muscle mass.
5. General health risks
Furthermore, alcohol can damage the liver, weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases... So many side effects that we all want to avoid ! Athletes generally take care of their bodies and seek to minimize risk factors for their health.
By moderating their alcohol consumption, athletes give themselves the best chance of achieving their goals, maintaining optimal physical condition and preserving their long-term health. The discipline and determination needed to succeed in sport go hand in hand with healthy lifestyle choices, one cannot go without the other !
Choosing to consume an alcohol-free aperitif like OSCO allows you to stay true to your goals, avoiding the negative effects of alcohol but above all, not sacrificing moments of sharing with loved ones ! Fenn, the leading brand of surfskis (aka sea kayaks) understands this and recommends to its team of world champions and its customers, a good OSCO cocktail to stay on course.
No matter your sporting goals, it's all about balance ! Moderate your alcohol consumption as you approach a competition or sporting challenge by finding nice alternatives, but above all don't forget to toast when you cross the finish line !