Effects of alcohol on stretching sessions?

[Joshua Slocum]

I tend to stretch late in the evenings - generally not long before going to bed. I also generally enjoy a beer or glass of wine in the evening a few times a week. What effect, if any, does light alcohol consumption have on stretching sessions? Does this effect change if the alcohol is consumed before, during or after the stretching session?

[Kit_L]

Short answer (I have to teach a workshop this morning): alcohol will be only a benefit, most likely. I am assuming that your stretching fits into a larger life pattern, so shifting the timing of the stretching is neither desired nor practical, so if works for you, keep doing it this way.

Alcohol in moderation is a CNS depressant, so can only help. Good to see you here.

[mlaen]

When I saw the topic I was a bit worried about the answer but I'm relieved now! I'm not giving up occasional beer for anything

[Kit_L]

Nor should you! If a doctor told me I had to stop drinking, I'd find another doctor (old theatre gag).

Seriously, though, I often go for a month or more sans alcohol; silent retreats are free of all drugs. My body does not miss it at all under those circumstances. This leads me to the perspective that alcohol is a pleasant tool to slightly soften the sharp edges of the modern world. Moderation's the key.

[Emmet Louis]

As an aside I've come across a fair amount of russian acrobatic coaches whose advice to get super flexible was to take a bottle of vodka into a sauna and stretch in there.

[Jim Pickles]

I find that hard stretching takes focus, work and determination - those tend to be reduced after alcohol. But I am sure a small drink will not have much effect.

[Kit_L]

Jim, if Emmet's right, this is something we should try at least once! When I next come to Brisbane, perhaps?

[mlaen]

I want to see a blog post about that session!

[thecolin]

So if I understand correctly, I should be doing shots before my stretching sessions.

One question, vodka, tequila? What would be best?

[[DW]]

Tequila.

..and I want to be part of this experiment too!

D

[Kit_L]

Allllllrighty then! (think Jim Carey)!