It’s the ‘Strayan way: run a few Ks, then toss back an ice-cold tinnie to reward your efforts.
If a post-workout boozer has ever struck you as counterproductive, you can skull easy in the knowledge that a new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition has found it’s not actually *that* bad.
A sample group of 16 active dudes were made to perform a “dehydrating exercise” (aka run for about an hour in a stinking hot laboratory set to 35 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 60%), quenching their thirst in the two hours following the bouts of exercise with either mineral water or 600ml of regular beer.
Tested twice and three weeks apart just to be sure, it was found that beer didn’t adversely affect body mass, while fluid balance/urine excretion didn’t differ either way. Therefore, it was reasonably concluded that consuming a moderate beer (660ml regular) after sweating it out has “no deleterious effects on markers of hydration in active individuals”.
Us rn:
The study also found that, putting aside sodium and alcohol-levels, beer has similar nutritional properties to other sports beverages sold on the market.
So, while water is hands-down the healthiest way to quench your thirst post-workout, going for something with bubbles isn’t a sin punishable by the Fitness Gods.
One thing, though – maybe just don’t drink up before the race.
Cover image: Spartan Race.
