Muscle Sport Magazine

How to Control and Reduce Excessive Sweating During Exercise

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It is completely normal to sweat during a workout. Perspiration is our body’s natural method of cooling itself down. As sweat is released, it evaporates off the skin surface, taking excess heat with it. Both humidity and heat are two of the main causes of unwarranted sweating. This can make working out in the summer a bit of a nuisance. Luckily for you, the following shows you some simple ways to help fight and control excessive sweating during exercise.

Before Your Workout

Making sure you use a good deodorant/antiperspirant combination won’t only help disguise any odor, but it will also fight the moisture. The right type of clothing is important. Wearing loose clothing if you’re working out outdoors is advised as it is more breathable. This increases evaporation which reduces sweating. If you are in the gym, it is worth investing in clothing that stops you appearing sweaty. Sauna vests are great for this. They can help increase perspiration, but at the same time, the special material absorbs the sweat.

Drinking plenty of water is always important when exercising, as it keeps you hydrated. If you know you are going to be exercising outdoors, then it is a good idea to drink more water a few days prior. During the days that lead up to this outdoor activity, you should also avoid drinking too much caffeine, as caffeine can actually make you more dehydrated.

Throughout Your Workout

When you first start exercising in hot and humid weather, pace yourself. It will take a bit of time for your body to adjust to the warmer temperatures, especially if you normally stay indoors during your workouts. Allowing your body to slowly adjust over a week or two means that you will be able to slowly increase the amount of time you exercise, as well as how intense your exercise regime is.

While you are working out, make sure you take regular breaks. During these breaks, sit and relax in cool areas (e.g. shade or under the AC), splash some water on your face and make sure you drink water. Don’t just drink when you’re thirsty. You should take little sips throughout your workout and if you can add an electrolyte powder, then that is great to replenish minerals lost via sweat.

After Your Workout

Taking a cool (not ice cold) shower after you exercise is a very effective way of lowering your core temperature, reducing the amount you sweat. If you can’t do this straight away, then use a wet, cool towel to wipe yourself down. Use an indoor fan, open a window or turn on the AC to reduce the humidity until your core body temperature is back to normal while you relax. Again, don’t forget to keep on drinking water to replenish your fluids.

It can be hard to get comfortable after you have been hot and sweaty. A great way to make you feel a little more refreshed is using a dry shampoo to help absorb moisture from your hair. It is easy to use and you can take it anywhere. A pinch of baby powder could also do the job and can be used on other parts of your body that feel particularly moist.

The main thing you can do to help reduce excessive sweating is to keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after your exercise session. Wearing the correct clothing and carrying out the right methods to lower your core body temperature effectively as well as safely is also very useful. Just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard and don’t forget, sweating is natural, necessary, and important. So, yes, you can control it, but don’t try to stop it completely!

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