Alcohol as a performance enhancer

kwerk · 30 Jan 2011 at 18:52

I've always suspected alcohol might actually be a performance enhancer when it comes to lifting weights, or any sport that doesn't require fine motor skills.

I have a pull-up/dip tower thing in my basement and to test this I did an experiment. On friday I did 8 dead hang wide grip pullups while completely sober. Today I did 13 reps using the same timing and technique, after drink 5 reasonably strong beers. That is a 60% improvement.

Try it yourself, see how many push ups you can do completely sober, then how many you can do after a few bevies.

Of course you are at more risk of injury so you shouldn't do anything like squats and should probably have a spotter.

zetec452 · 30 Jan 2011 at 18:56

Probably a mental confidence you get with booze? Or that you are more relaxed.

r2d2 · 30 Jan 2011 at 18:59

hahaha.

Yes most strength athletes drink a six pack before competing.

Andr3w · 30 Jan 2011 at 18:59

It's not a good idea to work out when drunk, but I know what you mean!

HOWEVER, drink beer then go for a run. Sure you will run faster for a short period....but you will be absolutely knackered

RickST · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:01

I am always better at pool when I have had a few beers...

Vonhelmet · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:01

Your body is probably dulled to the pain. I'm not sure this would be a viable long term plan.

Randomface74 · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:02

after a 6 pack I can do 500 reps. king of the world.

Nate--IRL-- · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:03

A lot more glycogen in the muscles from the carbs in the beer? Interesting scientific investigation though

I might give it a go myself.

Nate

kwerk · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:04

I think it's a combination of alcohol having almost twice as many calories per gram as carbs, the anesthetic effect stopping the pain signals reaching your mind, and maybe little a boost in strength of the neural signals going to your muscles.

I doubt it would work for running unless you were able to drink continuously throughout the run, and added electrolytes to the beer.

Raymond Lin · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:05

Are you sure you weren't drunk and lost count?

Greenlizard0 · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:08

That's my thought as well, drunken exaggeration.

"I...I ....*hic..* I did shixty pershent.....shixty!! pershent more"

*thump*

Andr3w · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:08

Raymond Lin said:
Are you sure you weren't drunk and lost count?

Gunni Parker · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:09

I turn into a sex stud after beer! Shame no one else thinks so.

TFleming · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:10

I have noticed this before actually. A lot of it is mind over matter which is dulled when drunk so i guess it makes sense.

kwerk · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:19

TFleming said:
I have noticed this before actually. A lot of it is mind over matter which is dulled when drunk so i guess it makes sense.

It would be same for doing the splits. Technically most people can do the splits at any time, but their mind/CNS stops them because the body perceives it as a potential injury.

Morgoth · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:20

I should start lifting again. Over 60 units this week!

Cosimo · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:34

billysielu said:
after a 6 pack I can do 500 reps. king of the world.

After three bottles of red I can kick ass.

kiwi · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:50

On a related note, when I used to drink at my mate's house the other side of town, I used to run all the way home, must have been about a mile or so. I imagine it was fairly staggered but further than I could manage sober!

KNiVES · 30 Jan 2011 at 19:59

It's just a case of Dutch courage, you don't feel as nervous or anxious so you tend to perform a little better... so the theory goes.

"andy" · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:00

you will damage yourself

when you stopped after 8 reps that was your body telling you it needs a rest. alcohol will stop your brain/body sending such pain messages

Alcohol as a performance enhancer

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