As someone who has been lifting for 40 years consecutively, I feel like I have a unique opportunity especially having this space on EliteFTS. Many of us here have been around the block and our advice carries weight.
For the average person I am very fit and very strong. Within the strength and conditioning world I'm not at the top of the heap any longer, but then again, I'm now in my fifties. At 54 I would categorize myself in some relatively rare air.
Over the years I've had an overwhelming response to my Operation Be Less Fat blogs. These Mature Meathead blogs will be another place where people can easily find some advice they may be looking for.
Enough of the intro already, here's today's tip. There are two things that do not mix well with training, drinking alcohol and lack of sleep. Unfortunately, the two things often go hand in hand.
A few weeks ago when I was in Aruba I drank alcohol every night. Not a lot mind you as I hardly drink and have become a lightweight, but enough to get a buzz. Jess and I still trained and were getting over 20,000 steps a day and I woke up every morning feeling great.
Last night while staying over a friend's I enjoyed a few cocktails. Again, nothing crazy. However, I woke up this morning feeling like $h!t. The difference, I only slept six hours last night while in Aruba and drinking I was sleeping eight to nine hours a night.
I love to train hard and do not lament my age. However, I'd be lying if I didn't say recovery isn't an issue. Gone are the days of pushing every training session and throwing caution to the wind.
To perform and feel good sleep is an absolute must for recovery. It's more important than saunas, cold water immersion, breathing exercises, foam rolling, etc. It all starts with sleep. I have always held it's the least sexy, but most optimal form of recovery one can get.
So I'm not saying you shouldn't drink and enjoy yourself. But if you have some heavy miles on your body, make sure to time your drinking properly. Get your ass to bed so you can get your hours.
Love the blog. Good advice for most people but I spent 40 plus years in the pro wrestling business lifting hard and drinking a case of Miller Lite every day. I guess some "men" can't hang with the big dogs. Love.