A recent study conducted in New Zealand confirms what some people may have suspected all along. The study measured the effects of alcohol on muscle recovery.
In other words, what happens when you drink alcohol within three hours of such strenuous exercise as running.
The results were fairly clear. It takes longer for muscles to recover.
To quote the study:
"The results of our study show that moderate consumption of alcohol increases the level of injury related strength loss and therefore delays the recovery of dynamic and static strength following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. This indicates that recovery from any strenuous sporting pursuit which has an eccentric component will be delayed if moderate amounts of alcohol are consumed during the subsequent three hours"
If you want to read the study you can download the PDF file below:
Download Effect of Alcohol Intake on Eccentric Exercise Induced Muscle Damage .
So next time you are thinking about having the post race beer, wine or dirnk, just remember that your muscles will pay the price.