Myth #7: Sweat

Two years ago I wrote a blog Know Sweat about the myth that one needs to sweat to “get a good workout”.  Today I was reading a research article and the subjects were instructed to exercise “to a point that worked up a sweat”(sigh!).    Because I still hear many people using sweat as a measure of the quality of their exercise, its time to re-visit this myth.

Facts:

• Sweat does not mean you are burning extra calories or melting away fat!
• The body needs water to function well.
  • over-sweating limits the body’s ability to function
• Sweating depends on:
  • how you are dressed
  • the temperature of the air
  • amount of air movement (outside on a windy day vs. in a room with no fans)
  • the humidity (sweat does not evaporate as well so you feel the sweat more)
  • your genetics
  • your hydration level
  •  certain medications can make you sweat, like SSRIs (antidepressants).

Sweating is not a reliable way to monitor your exercise intensity nor the quality of a workout.

If you are someone who tends to sweat a lot, be sure to stay hydrated so your body can function well.

If you do not sweat much, don’t sweat it!

Check out the blog on sweating and the blog on cardiovascular exercise for more information about staying hydrated and the reliable ways to tell if you are really getting a “good” workout.

Keep Moving, Be Well,

Janet

Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery.  Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center

These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician.