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After three weeks of Dry January, I’m starting to see results in the gym
I’m doing Dry January for the first time ever and I’ve just completed week 3. This was the most rewarding one yet as my gym progress is finally starting to show.
The challenge was launched by a British charity called Alcohol Change UK in 2013, who urge people to abstain from alcohol for the month of January for many health benefits.
What happens at 3 weeks alcohol-free
Alcohol Change UK explains that, after the third week, most people start seeing the “pounds dropping off,” especially if you’ve been spending your free time exercising. Going to the gym pays off faster without alcohol in your system.
“As the average pint can rack up 200+ calories and a large glass of wine about the same its easy to see why you might find your waistband loosening after a couple of weeks,” they said – and that’s not the only benefit.
At week 3, many start noticing improvements in their memory, particularly short-term memory. This means you can retain information for longer, may become less forgetful and are more able to focus your attention.
I’m starting to see results in the gym
After week 3, I’ve certainly seen some benefits when it comes to fitness. I’ve been going to the gym four times a week, doing a mixture of weights sessions and cardio, and doing a daily ‘Hot Girl Walk’ since the start of January.
All that hard work is paying off as I noticed I was suddenly lifting heavier weights this week compared to the start of January. My endurance when it comes to running, cycling and doing the Stairmaster is also considerably better.
I don’t weigh myself as I prefer to go by the way I look and feel than the number on the scales, but my clothes definitely seem a bit looser and my body is feeling a little more toned – so the hard work is beginning to pay off.
With a holiday to Ibiza planned for June, I set a New Year’s Resolution to become the best version of myself this year, and not drinking this January has certainly helped kickstart my fitness goals with a bang.
Alcohol vs fitness
As outlined by Alcohol Rehab Guide, it’s scientifically proven that alcohol use decreases fitness and negatively affects an individuals ability to achieve their fitness goals. Alcohol is a sedative, which means it slows down functioning.
This weakens hand-eye coordination, impairs judgement, and slows down reaction time, which is bad if you’re trying to play sport. Put simply, drinking stops you from being able to perform at your highest level.
Alcohol also contains high calories that provide little nutritional value, which can significantly set you back from your weight loss goals. Plus, working out and drinking alcohol both dehydrate you, which can create exhaustion.
On top of that, drinking alcohol after a workout prevents the muscles from healing, and booze can actually slow down your metabolism, weaken your muscles, and make you fatigued. People are far less likely to exercise while hungover too.
If you are doing Dry January too, app Sober, who�are on a mission to help people on their journey to sobriety, are running a�Dry January Challenge�and offering a�huge prize to one lucky person.
“Sober App adds extra motivation for Dry January participants with one lucky winner taking home a free month of rent or mortgage payment,” they told The Focus.
To enter, download the Sober app today and enter the Dry January contest before January 31 at 11:59pm.
Week 3 of Dry January completed, now bring on the final week!
