How Poor Habits Can Effect Gains

In this article, I will be explaining how some common poor habits can affect gains. Two of the main topics I will be covering are the effects of alcohol on gains, as well as the effects of marijuana on gains.

I am by no means an expert on these topics, I will be providing you with the quality information that I have learned with the intention of delivering it in an easily absorbable format. Let’s get into the article!

Alcohol and Gains:

There are two main direct concerns with alcohol and one main indirect concern. The direct concerns are in regards to alcohol increasing fat storage, as well as reducing muscle protein synthesis. The indirect concern is in regards to its lifestyle play. If you are consistently consuming immense amounts of alcohol, there is a good chance it will result in overall poor habits that will continue to distract you from the focus on your goals.

When consuming alcohol, your fat storage goes up as your body is busy metabolizing the toxic substance. Now, if you are still in an overall caloric deficit, you should be fine. Consider reducing the amount of fat you consume when planning to drink, both to help achieve a caloric deficit and to minimize any fat that may be stored. However, once again, if you are in an overall caloric deficit, you should be fine.

Eating protein with the alcohol would be more beneficial, not even just in general but for reducing the negative muscle protein synthesis effects that alcohol can have. When you consume alcohol, your muscle protein synthesis amounts decrease. Muscle protein synthesis is what allows you to build muscle. Increasing protein intake before consuming alcohol has been shown to reduce this negative effect, but still not eliminate it.

Now, of course, no one is saying that having a drink has major detrimental impacts. These potential negative effects come from when you over-consume alcohol.

Jeff Nippard has a great video on his YouTube channel explaining this. That is where I got this information from. You can check that out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JC9gnTVKxg&t=525s.

Marijuana and Gains:

There have been limited studies looking at the effects of marijuana and gains, this is largely due in part to the substance still being illegal in many areas. The general consensus on marijuana is that it has none or negative impacts on performance. It can also reduce your reaction time and make it difficult to sense pain, therefore increasing the risk of injury.

Overall, it would appear that the use of marijuana has negative impacts on your training sessions, which can compound over time if done consistently. If this substance improves your enjoyment of exercise and can help your focus, it is a decision for you to make whether or not you feel like it would be beneficial or not for you to use. Always abide by your local and regional laws!

PictureFit has a great video on their YouTube channel explaining this. That is where I got this information from. You can check that out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1fEd0SsipU.

Wrapping Up:

All in all, the use of alcohol and marijuana certainly has their fair share of negative effects. Now these effects can be reduced or offset by certain actions, but overall I would say they do not help your performance or gains. If anything, they may reduce the optimality of your results.

If you feel like using marijuana can be of benefit to you, then that is your decision to weigh the pros and cons. This is if it is a legal option where you reside. I thank you for taking the time to read this article and as always, if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to leave them below and I will be sure to reply!

Until Next Time,

Kohl Johnson

Please refer to my liability disclaimer to ensure you know who is responsible for use of this information after reading.

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