Force Factor

Like it or not, working out means sweating! For many of us, a soaked t-shirt at the end of the workout is sign that we gave 100% in the gym. However, is sweating really a good indicator of success? How much is too much? Why do we even sweat in the first place? We break down the biggest myths and questions about perspiration. Read on to find out everything you’ve ever wondered about sweat.

Why do we sweat? When do we sweat?
Let’s start with the basics. You’ve probably heard that the body sweats in hot weather in order to cool itself down. This is true, but did you know that the body is sweating 24/7? Even when the temperature is cold outside and you’re just sitting on the couch, your body is sweating. Our bodies are constantly doing work, like converting the food we eat into energy, and this work raises our internal temperature. To keep ourselves at 98.6, we offset the heat with sweat, all the time.

Although we’re constantly sweating, it can be more noticeable at certain times, like when we’re working out. High temperatures and high humidity can also increase the amount that we sweat. We’re also more likely to sweat when we’re angry and under stress (due to the bodies release of stress hormones), eating certain foods, and when we’re sick. Interestingly, when we sweat for emotional reasons, it’s more concentrated on our faces, palms, armpits, and the soles of our feet.

Why do some people seem to sweat so much more than others?
You know that guy in the gym whose shirt is soaked with sweat within 5 minutes of starting his workout? Well, he’s not working harder than you, he just sweats more. Everyone has sweat glands, but the number you have and where they are concentrated will vary based on your genetics. Humans can have anywhere from 2 million to 4 million sweat glands.

Overweight people are more likely to sweat than individuals with normal BMI because body fat acts as an insulator. This means that their core temperature is often higher, especially during activity. Their bodies must counteract this through sweating more in order to maintain the ideal temperature of 98.6.

Finally, individuals who are more fit typically sweat more efficiently than others. This means that they sweat sooner in their workouts. If you’ve recently begun a fitness regimen, you may find that you break a sweat earlier in your workout now than you did when you first began training. Keep it up!

Am I sweating too much?
While everyone differs in the amount that they sweat, unusual increases in sweating can be tied to certain medical conditions. Ask your doctor if you notice a sudden increase in the amount you sweat (not directly caused by increased exercise), you start experiencing night sweats, or your sweating disrupts your daily life. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by frequent or constant excessive sweating. It can be treated or made more manageable with surgery or prescription anti-perspirants.

Why do certain foods make me sweat?
Do you break a sweat every time you bite into a spicy hot wing? You’re not alone. Spicy food can trick your body into thinking it’s overheated and needs to cool down. The same nerve receptors that respond to heat respond to spice, so it can be hard for your brain to tell the difference. As a result, spice triggers your body to perspire more, even if you’re snacking in an over- air conditioned restaurant.

Many people sweat in response to caffeine as well. This is because caffeine stimulates our central nervous systems, activating our sweat glands. If you’re getting your caffeine from hot coffee, the temperature of the drink can also stimulate even more sweating.

Finally, drinking alcohol can also make us sweat more. Alcohol is a vasodilator. That means that it widens the blood vessels in your skin, making sweating easier and more noticeable.

Am I burning more calories if I’m sweating more?
Not necessarily. However, if the reason for your increased sweating is hot weather, then it’s possible. The heart needs to work harder to keep muscles oxygenated during workouts. If it also needs to send extra blood to the skin to cool the body through sweat, then you can see more calories burned due to the heat.

Likewise, the body must work harder in high humidity. When it’s humid, the air is full of moisture, making it more difficult for the sweat on your skin to evaporate. As a result, the body must work harder to keep you cool. This is why high humidity can make our workouts feel even more challenging than high heat alone. Although you are burning more calories, this difference is likely to be small.

When do I need to drink a sports drink?
If you’re sweating, it’s essential to stay hydrated. A person working out in a hot and humid environment can lose as much as 2-3 liters of water per hour! Your body is two-thirds water and it needs to retain that balance in order to function at its peak. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.

When we sweat, we lose more than just water. We’re also losing electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) that can be just as essential to the body’s performance. If you’re working out, especially during high heat or for longer periods of time, be sure to hydrate with water and a sports drink. Body Rush from Force Factor contains electrolytes that can help hydrate and prepare you for an intense workout.

Why does sweat smell?
On its own, sweat is typically odorless. However, when it comes into contact with bacteria that live on our skin, it can develop an unpleasant smell. Deodorants work by making the skin more acidic and less attractive for bacteria. Fewer bacteria mean less smell!