By Kevin Jones
Sweating is almost inevitable when working out. You might be one of those who soak their clothes with sweat within minutes, constantly reaching for a towel to mop off. Or you might just glisten with only a few droplets of sweat forming on your skin.
Most people mistakenly believe that sweat defines the intensity of their workout. They believe that how much they sweat is directly correlated to how hard they’re pushing their bodies and that the more they sweat, the greater the workout. Still, others believe that profuse sweating means they’re burning more calories, eliminating more toxins from their bodies or that it shows they’re simply out of shape. However, none of these are why we sweat during a workout.
WHY WE SWEAT
Sweat is often associated with heat and exercise. As you exercise, your body heats up, raising its core temperature. In response to this, the body’s eccrine or apocrine glands secrete sweat. As this perspiration evaporates from the skin, it takes with it excess heat, leaving your body cooler. This is a natural process, and it has no bearing on the intensity of your workout or how many calories you burn.
In fact, you don’t need to be working out to sweat. Simply being somewhere hot can do the trick. You can also perspire heavily due to panic, stress, anxiety, underlying medical issues or even as a result of taking certain medications. Other factors that determine how much you sweat include your age, sex, weight or fitness level as well as your DNA.
SIGNS OF A GOOD WORKOUT
The stress that comes from a grueling workout is actually beneficial, which is why many of us are happy to work up a good sweat. But now that sweat isn’t a reliable indicator of a challenging workout, here are some ways you determine if you had a good workout.
* You develop a healthy appetite. After a workout, your body’s energy reserves are depleted and hunger is its way of letting you know that you should replenish. Focus on eating healthy meals and remember to re-hydrate as well.
* You feel tired but in a good way. A good exercise session can leave you feeling like you have jelly instead of muscles. The burning in your muscles indicates you’ve put them to good use.
* You feel energized. While you do feel tired after a good workout, you’re also pumped up. Your mind is clearer and you’re more focused and productive.
* You sleep better. Sound sleep is one of the benefits of a good workout. The combination of tired muscles and the stress-relieving benefits of exercise combine to give you uninterrupted sleep all night.
* You have good vibes. Exercise triggers the release of feel-good hormones in the brain. These chemicals elevate your mood, leaving you feeling euphoric after working out. Achieving your exercise goals also leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment and pride.
All the above are far better indicators of your workout intensity than how profusely you sweat. Instead of focusing on getting a good sweat going during each session, keep your sight on the long-term benefits of exercise and you won’t go wrong.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kevin Jones is a health and fitness blogger and a regular contributor to a number of fitness websites. He writes for NordicTrack. During his free time, he likes to be very active and spend time with his wife and two children shredding the slopes of Park City, Utah or chasing down the Salt Lake City Korean food trucks. Connect with him online; LinkedIn– Twitter