The Hoboken Cafe 

Brent:

Can you comment on the effects of alcohol and hangovers on our workouts. I partied like a rock start this past Christmas break and when I go to do yoga now my limbs feel so heavy. Is there some kind of lactic acid or toxin buildup in the muscles?

Thanks.

Maybe it's just because you skipped out of yoga for a bit? When I haven't gone in a week or two and then go back, I feel like I can't move anymore. I was sick this past week and barely made it through saturday's 11am class! That room felt like it was at least 2000 degrees.

Ah, but I haven't skipped out. I'm hardcore. There's a definite difference when alcohol has been consumed. I'd love to hear the technical reason for why.

http://www.jrussellshealth.com/alcex.html

Most of the effects you are feeling I would assume are caused by dehydration, and a subsequent mineral and eloctrolyte depletion. Minerals(especially calcium) and electorolytes are key to contraction.(if you dont mind I will skip the boring details of "sliding filament theory")
and without water the Krebs Cycle (your "metaboolic mill") cannot be completed and subsequently you will end up with a depletion of ATP, CP, and muscle glycogen (lifting fuel).
There is also theories that properly hydrated muscles create the perfect distance between actin and myosin filaments which enable them to contract harder.
This will be the topic of my next article, where i will spend much more time on research. Keep your eyes open, it will take a couple of weeks however.
Thanks Windy
Brent Brookbush NASM, NSCA, IFPA CPT & ACSM HFI