Should you exercise while fasting?

Many people have vowed to change their lives on January 1 after a big night ringing in the New Year – but experts have weighed in on whether exercising with a hangover is a good thing.

A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors looked at 1,676 college students. All had had at least one hangover in the past three months and did 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, according to The Conversation.

The study found that hangover symptoms were reduced by those who engaged in more vigorous physical activity. This is because exercise modulates pain, improves sleep and metabolism.

But should you exercise after a big night out?

Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic, told news.com.au it would all depend on how you felt the next morning.

“Alcohol can cause dehydration, digestive problems, sleep disturbances and sometimes anxiety,” Lucas told news.com.au.

“While some of these symptoms can benefit from exercise, dehydration is one you need to be more careful about. If you decide to work out with a hangover, listen to your body and let it determine what style of exercise you should do.

“For example, if you’re very dehydrated, a brisk walk or swim will probably be more beneficial than a 45-minute HIIT class.”

He said of himself, a man who likes to run, he would likely do a 5km run or a shorter 15- to 20-minute HIIT class, depending on how he felt.

Glenn Phipps, Exercise Physiologist and founder of the Stretch Yourself Strong Program, also weighed in on the matter. Phipps also agreed that it depends on how you feel.

“Light activity can sometimes help alleviate mild symptoms by improving circulation and increasing endorphins,” he told news.com.au.

“However, it is best to prioritize rest and hydration if you are very dehydrated, tired or unwell. Exercising while dehydrated or malnourished can make you feel worse.

Phipps warned that if you decide to stick with a workout you had planned before you got hungover, it will take a lot more effort. He also noted that you can’t “sweat out” a hangover.

“Interesting to note, research shows that those who regularly engage in vigorous activity have fewer and less severe hangovers,” he said.

Phipps said hangover workouts should be kept light, focusing on movement and recovery. He also advised that it was important to keep a check on nutrition and hydration.