Sweating it Out: Harnessing the Science of Sweat This summer
Summer is here, and while it brings with it plenty of sunshine and outdoor fun, it also comes with intense heat that can make working out a challenge. But don’t let the heat get you down - understanding the science of sweat can help you optimize your fitness routine for peak performance even when temperatures soar. By learning about the anatomy and physiology of sweating, what happens to your body when it gets too hot, and how to use these principles to keep yourself safe while maximizing your performance during summer workouts, you'll be able to stay in shape no matter the temperature outside. Let's get into it!
Why do we sweat?
Sweating is an essential part of the body's natural thermoregulation system - a way for it to cool down when temperatures rise by releasing water and salt from the skin. When our bodies get too hot, millions of sweat glands located throughout the body activate and release sweat onto the surface of your skin. This then evaporates, cooling the skin and releasing heat into the air. As sweat evaporates, it also carries away some of the body's excess minerals.
Many of us don’t realize how the body loses more than just water when we sweat. Sweating not only lowers your body temperature by promoting evaporation off the skin but also results in the loss of an important electrolyte – salt. Yes, that's right! Evaporation carries away some of your excess salt along with depriving you of H2O. Replenishing this electrolyte must be done in order to keep ourselves hydrated, energized, alert and healthy.
what happens when temperatures get too hot?
When temperatures get too hot, your body will try to cool itself down by releasing more sweat. Excessive sweating can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and heat stroke if not addressed. As the temperature rises, your sweat glands will begin to overproduce in an attempt to cool you down faster. This causes loss of essential salts and minerals, which can reduce your performance and increase your risk of dehydration.
The sky may be the limit, but the heat isn't! It's important to understand and recognize the symptoms of heat stroke so you can act accordingly. Heat stroke can cause dizziness, fatigue, and confusion which are all signs that it's more than an average sunny day outside. Knowing what to look for may save you or someone you love from discomfort, illness, or worse. Take major precautions if you're planning to spend a large amount of time outside. Most importantly, take the necessary steps to recognize the signs of heat stroke. Prevention is key!
Tips for Staying Safe in High Temperatures
- Drink plenty of fluids:
- Proper hydration is essential for avoiding dehydration, especially during summer workouts. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after exercising to replace lost electrolytes. Hydration is especially important as an immediate measure for hotter temperatures to avoid heat exhaustion and day-after soreness. Staying prepared with a bottle of water can maximize your exercise potential.
- Monitor your sweat rate
- Do you ever find yourself wondering just how much water weight you're losing during an intense workout? Keeping track of your sweat rate can bring some clarity to that confusion. It can also provide valuable information about your exercise intensity - as well as plan for proper breaks throughout your routine. In fact, tracking this information regularly can help you consistently set – and reach – your fitness goals!
- Dress appropriately
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to help keep your body cool while exercising in the heat. Cotton and bamboo are great fabrics to wear when you're getting active. Not only do they allow breathable air through—so your sweat can't linger on uncomfortable sweat spots—but they allow your skin to properly breathe! This is because the fabric wicks away the moisture, leaving your skin feeling dry and fresh.
- Take breaks
- Resting is essential for preventing dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and heat stroke. It’s essential to create a balance and allow our bodies rest from the heat. Make sure to take regular breaks and get out of the sun when needed.
Overall, understanding the science of sweat is essential for optimizing your fitness routine during hot summer days. By learning about the anatomy and physiology of sweating, what happens to your body when it gets too hot, and how you can use these principles to keep yourself safe while maximizing performance during summer workouts, you’ll be able to stay in shape no matter the temperature outside. Remember: drink plenty of fluids before and after exercising, monitor your sweat rate, dress appropriately in breathable fabrics, take regular breaks from exercise, and get out of direct sunlight if needed. With proper knowledge and preparation, you’re sure to have a successful workout regardless of the heat!
