BLASTING OFF A BEER BELLY

Whether it's the occasional drink at a special occasion or while lyming with friends, for many men, alcohol is the go-to social drink. But how much is too much? And what are the repercussions associated with the consumption of alcohol in men?

WHETHER IT’S the occasional drink at a special occasion or while lyming with friends, for many men, alcohol is the go-to social drink. But how much is too much? And what are the repercussions associated with the consumption of alcohol in men?

In an article on the JIS website on December 1, 2016, research analyst at the National Council on Drug Abuse, Uki Atkinson, revealed that one in three men has admitted to engaging in binge drinking. “This is having five or more drinks at one time, or four or more drinks at one time for a woman.”

Alcohol consumption can impair ones’ judgement, leading to risky behaviour such as unprotected sex, and driving while under the influence that can lead to fatal road accidents and other alcohol-related injuries. In 2014, the World Health Organisation reported that alcohol contributed to more than 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions. The study also showed that this affected men more than women.

Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can also affect a

man’s sex life. Dr Theophilus Nelson told Flair that regular alcohol consumption can cause difficulty in a man getting and maintaining an erection. He agreed that too much alcohol over a prolonged period of time will cause impotence and can affect fertility. He notes that over time it can also dampen one’s sex drive. Other long-term effects of alcohol include the development of cancers in the liver, oesophagus, colon, mouth and throat. Alcohol is also the main contributor to what is known as ‘beer belly’ due to its high calorie intake.

EXERCISE AND ALCOHOL

Exercise is a great way to mitigate the effects of alcohol on the body. Multi-joint high interval training can help the body to detoxify itself, as personal trainer Alex Carrington, founder of Level Up 876, explains. Carrington notes that exercises that work several areas of the body at once can effectively and quickly help to reduce body fat, especially for a ‘beer belly’. “The more muscles used, the more effective the weightloss goal,” notes Carrington.

Carrington, who is currently doing his master’s in biomedical research with hopes of going into sports medicine, focuses on training athletes and persons who would like to start living a healthier lifestyle. “This started five years ago when I began training a few friends and the University of the West Indies gym. It is something I love to do and have a passion for.”

His love has been transferred to our pages as today he demonstrates a few high-interval moves that you can try to kick-start the road to alcohol recovery. All you need is a sledgehammer, an old tyre and a lot of determination.

REFERENCES:

http://jis.gov.jm/alcohol-remainsused-drug-jamaica/ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcoholhealth/overview-alcohol-consumption/al... For more information visit their Instagram: LevelUp_876 or Facebook: Level Up 876

Step 2: Alternate each leg forward as quickly as possible for 20 minutes in bursts of 5 minutes.

GLADSTONE TAYLOR/PHOTOGRAPHER

GLADSTONE TAYLOR/PHOTOGRAPHER The Jackhammer: Using a sledgehammer and an old tyre, repeatedly hit the hammer against the tyre. Engage the arms and follow through into a deep squat. Do this for 1020 minutes in bursts of 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Power up with a jump, lifting the body off the ground as high as you can. Repeat steps 1-3 15 times for three sets.

Burpee: Step 1: Start in a plank position.

Step 2: Jump forward, ensuring the legs are tucked under the body.