Many people have vowed to change their lives on Jan. 1 after a big night of ringing in the New Year — but experts have weighed in on whether exercising with a hangover is a good thing.
A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviours looked at 1676 undergraduate students. They’d all had at least one hangover in the last three months and did 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, according to The Conversation.
The study found hangover symptoms were reduced by those who engaged in more vigorous physical activity. This is because exercise modulates pain, improves sleep and metabolism.
But, should you exercise after a big night?
Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic, told news.com.au it would all depend on how you felt the next morning.
“Alcohol can cause dehydration, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and sometimes even anxiety,” Lucas told news.com.au.
“While some of these symptoms can benefit from exercise, dehydration is one of which you need to be more careful. If you do decide to workout with a hangover, listen to your body and let that determine what style of exercise you should be doing.
“For example, if you are very dehydrated, a brisk walk or swim will probably be more beneficial that a 45-minute HIIT class.”
He said for himself, a man who loves to run, he’d likely do a 5km run or a shorter 15 to 20 minute HIIT class depending on how he was feeling.
Glenn Phipps, Exercise Physiologist and founder of the Stretch Yourself Strong Program, also weighed in on the issue. Phipps also agreed it depends on how you’re feeling.
“Light activity can sometimes help alleviate mild symptoms by improving circulation and boosting endorphins,” he told news.com.au.
“However, it’s better to prioritize rest and hydration if you’re severely dehydrated, fatigued, or feeling unwell. Exercising while dehydrated or undernourished could make you feel worse.
Phipps warned that if you do decided to continue with a workout you had planned before your hangover, it will take a lot more effort. He also pointed out you can’t “sweat out” a hangover.
“Interesting to note, that research shows that those who engage in vigorous activity regularly have less, and less severe, hangovers,” he said.
Phipps said hangover workouts should be kept light, focusing on movement and recovery. He also advised it was important to keep nutrition and hydration in check.
