Headaches, Hangovers, & Colds

By Christian Duque

 

Some athletes don’t know when to hold back. I’m here to tell you that there comes a point in time when going to the gym is the wrong thing to do. Many times you’ll go to the gym, people would be coughing, wheezing, and sometimes running to trashcans to puke. Aside from being very considerate about the health & well-being of others, some people will train to the point they’ll pass out. It’s dangerous for the athlete & also ruins the experience of other gym-goers.

Drinking is never recommended for weight-lifters, but it’s a common in certain situations and not a major issue within reason. If the lifter has a few beers, coupled with water, that’s fine. It’s when people get drunk that problems ensue. If you absolutely must get drunk (for whatever reason) don’t do it the night before training back or legs. You’ll definitely regret it. Exerting your body through a hangover is bad news; it has nothing to do with being hardcore. Not only will it be difficult to train at the same pace, your senses will be severely affected, and your normal endurance will be shot. I’ve been there. You don’t want to go down with 315 on your back for deep squats when you’re not 100% in the game. If you don’t like the hangover feeling – don’t get drunk!! Moderation should be employed with all things, but we’re all human, & get that. Just don’t “push through” your hangover at the gym. Please!!

Headaches, on the other hand, can be a different story. Many times a good preworkout powder like Tokkyo Nutriton’s Diesel Fuel is just what’s called for. You can take a serving, 30 minutes prior to training, and that coupled with the adrenaline of walking into the gym, might be all you need. Headaches come about for a myriad of different reasons. Don’t always assume that taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen is going to make it all better. These OTC’s are used for pain relief, swelling, and even basic colds. Don’t be in the category of people that pop pills for any all ailments. Sometimes what you need is a little caffeine, other times you might need a good night’s sleep, and sometimes you might just need a liter or two of ice cold, refreshing H20!! The same way you should avoid the gym with a hangover, don’t force yourself to train with a migraine or debilitating headache. There’s nothing hardcore about training in pain – not that kind of pain!!

Whatever you may be feeling, 9x out of 10, it’s your body telling you that something is wrong!! There’s ‘hardcore’ & then there’s stupid. Be the former, but avoid being the latter.