Bottoms Up! Those Who Drink More Also Exercise More

Photo: Kristen Seymour

You might have made a joke or two about doing some "12-ounce curls" while you're throwing back a few beers with your buddies, but recent research indicates that folks who drink alcohol also exercise more.

Specifically, ABC reports that a University of Miami study found heavy-drinking women (those who had 45 drinks in a month) logged an average of 14 more minutes of weekly exercise than those who had up to 14 drinks in a month. When compared to teetotalers, the women exercised 20 more minutes, and were more likely to exercise vigorously than those who didn't drink at all. The fellas had similar results.

The results were a surprise to everyone involved, and many guesses have been made about why people who imbibe in adult beverages also hit the gym. For many, it could be a simple matter of calorie compensation. If you're calorie-conscious and have a few margaritas, chances are good you're going to work extra hard to burn those off.

Another possibility is the social aspect -- if you're out at a bar, it could be because you're a really social person, in which case things like a group exercise class or going for a run with friends is just another way to spend time with your pals. They're simply two forms of recreation.

Additionally, it might come down to a work-hard, play-hard personality. "[P]eople who spend more time exercising for the endorphin rush may also seek the buzz from excess alcohol consumption," Dr. John Higgins, exercise physiologist at the University of Texas, tells ABC News.

Do you find that your drinking habits influence your workouts, or vice versa? Tell us all about it in the comments!

And here's something else to think about: Can drinking alcohol affect your running ability?