Why Do You Sweat So Much When You Workout?

why do i sweat so much when i workout

Why Do You Sweat So Much During a Workout?

When it comes to sweating during a workout, it’s obvious that some people sweat more than others. However, what does it mean? Can sweat be used as an indicator of health or fitness? These are some of the most popular questions around this particular topic.

Sweat so much during a workout?

The truth is the amount that a person sweats is simply a biological variation.

If you were to compare two people of the same gender, age, build, and even fitness levels, they will likely sweat different amounts.

The reason for this could be as simple as one person having more active sweat glands than the other.

As a result, since every person’s baseline level of sweat is different, is quite difficult to say how much sweat is “healthy”.

What Studies Have Shown

However, with that said, there is a study that was done in 2010 that compared sweating between fit people and unfit people.

For Real Why Do You Sweat So Much During a WorkoutThe results of this study showed that the fit people actually started sweating much sooner than the unfit group of people and they also sweat more during exercise.

Additionally, it was found that men tend to sweat much more than women. The reason why the fitter people sweat more is that they have a higher capacity for heat generation and can also exercise at a higher workload due to their fitness levels.

This additional heat generation is the reason for increased levels of sweat.

Next, it was found that people who were overweight or obese, also tend to sweat more than people who have a normal BMI. This happens because they have larger bodies and thus have a greater ability to generate heat while active.

There has even been research that indicates that people from different climates also sweat differently.

For example, if you were born and grew up in a hot or humid climate, then it is more likely that you have more mature and active sweat glands than a person who lives in a cold climate.

Now, you may be asking yourself, does how much you sweat impact the effectiveness of your workout? Some people are under the impression that a workout is only effective if you’re drenched in sweat after it.

However, that is not true. It is completely possible to have a very effective and calorie-burning workout while barely breaking a sweat.

For example, if you’re working out in an air-conditioned room or outdoors where there is a lot of breezes, then the sweat would likely quickly evaporate, leaving you relatively dry.

Then, if the same workout is done in a hot or humid room, you’d be drenched in sweat. Also, the amount that you sweat also depends on your level of hydration.

A dehydrated person will sweat a lot less than a well-hydrated person because the body would be trying to hold onto as much water as possible.

What You Can Do If You’re Self Conscious About Excessive Sweating at the Gym

As we’ve already stated, it’s completely natural to sweat at the gym or during a workout. However, there are instances where individuals are either self-conscious about it or could actually suffer from something called Hyperhidrosis.

In either case, there are a few things you can do while at the gym to help keep your armpit and body sweat in check.

1. Moisture Wicking/Absorbing Clothing

The fitness industry has seen a big surge in the “dry fit” clothing segment. If you’ve ever been inside of stores like a Nike Outlet, DICKS, or even Big 5 you’ll know what we are talking about.

These sweat-proof undershirts, shirts, and leggings help wick the sweat and have better absorption than your standard shirt: popular brands are Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, etc.

2. Consider Layering

We know this may actually cause you to sweat so much, however, workout hoodies and sweatpants are naturally thicker and therefore can help keep your sweat from making it onto equipment or showing through your shirts.

3. Sweat Proof Clothing

So you may be thinking that this is the same as tip #1 but there are some slight differences.

Generally, sweatproof shirts from a company like Sweatshield Undershirt are meant to be worn under normal clothing (but can also be worn alone).

If you are someone who prefers looser or more comfortable clothing during a workout then this might be a better option.

Wrap-Up

To wrap things up, sweating a lot during a workout is fine and it is also fine not to sweat a lot.

It all comes down to your genetics as well as numerous other personal and environmental factors.

Why Do You Sweat So Much When You Workout?