You’re getting into your groove at the gym and suddenly realize your clothes are soaked in sweat. Some people find that they don’t need to exercise for very long before they become wetter than others around them. Learn why you sweat so much during exercise to better understand your body and feel more in control of it.
Why do you sweat when you exercise?
People sweat when they exercise because their bodies try to cool down. Your body activates sweat glands when you engage in physical activity or spend time in hot climates. They release moisture in the form of water droplets, which evaporate on your skin. Evaporation cools you down. It also accounts for 22% of total body heat loss as you instinctively regulate your body temperature.
Reasons you might sweat more than other people
If you feel like you’re always the sweatiest person in the room, your sweat glands may be overactive for a number of reasons. You may be doing your most strenuous workout, resulting in a higher body temperature than everyone else in the gym.
You may also have an undiagnosed condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition can lead to excessive sweating when you’re not in a hot environment or active. Experts estimate it affects 5% of people in the United States and may be linked to other undiagnosed conditions, such as endocrine disorders. If you experience excessive sweating without a clear trigger, talk to your doctor.
You may also start to sweat if your heart rate is elevated. Some medications can cause your heart rate to increase. If you think your sweating may be related to factors other than exercise intensity, talk to your doctor to find out the most likely cause of your sweating.
4 Ways to Fight Excessive Sweating
You never want to stop your body from sweating. It is a key part of regulating body temperature. However, there are things you can do to reduce excessive sweating when you exercise and outside of the gym.
1. Use antiperspirant and deodorant together
People sometimes think that all deodorants are the same, but they serve different purposes. Look for products that combine deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients. Antiperspirants block sweat glands wherever they come in contact with the skin. At the same time, deodorant ingredients eliminate odors from sweat. If your problem is primarily excessive underarm sweating during exercise, this combo tool can help you feel and smell better.
2. Reflect on your medication
If you take any prescription medications, check their side effects. They may cause you to sweat extra. You can always talk to your primary care doctor about switching to a similar medication that doesn’t affect sweating. There may be other brands that still offer the same medical services.
3. Wear moisture-wicking fabrics
Check the labels on your clothes. Are they mostly made of dense cotton? You may be more comfortable wearing moisture-wicking fabric. It is specially designed to transfer sweat from your skin to the outside of your clothing. You’ll feel less sticky, which may make it easier to tolerate your body’s natural amount of sweat.
Just make sure not to confuse less stickiness with less need for moisturizing. You’re probably still sweating the same amount, which means you’re still losing the same amount of water from your body. Drinking plenty of water can improve brain and muscle function, so whether you sweat less or not, stay hydrated.
4. Consult your doctor
You can always ask your doctor about medical treatments for hyperhidrosis. Some are as simple as Botox injections to control underarm sweating. This depends on where your sweat glands are most active.
You may also be a candidate for iontophoresis. People undergoing iontophoresis place their hands or feet into a shallow container of water. Their doctors then use a device to pass a weak electric current through their skin. If you don’t have a metal implant or a heart rate regulator, you may be a candidate for this treatment.
Know your body better
Excessive sweating during exercise is not uncommon. There are many reasons why you may sweat at a higher rate than others. You may also be a candidate for a variety of treatments. Call your doctor to discuss your options and find the best solution to make your skin feel comfortable again.
