You head to the gym and suddenly realize you’re sweating through your clothes. Some people find that they don’t need to exercise for very long before they are wetter than anyone around them. Find out why you might sweat so much during workouts to better understand your body and feel more in control of your body.
Why sweating occurs during a workout
People sweat when they work out because their body is trying to cool down. When you are physically active or spend time in a warm climate, your body activates your sweat glands. They release water in the form of droplets that evaporate on your skin. The evaporation refreshes you. It also accounts for 22% of the total body heat loss when you are instinctively thermoregulated.
Reasons why you might sweat more than others
If you feel like you’re always the sweatiest person in the room, your sweat glands may be overactive for several reasons. You may be doing the most intense workout, resulting in a higher body temperature than other people at the gym.
You might also have an undiagnosed condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition causes excessive sweating when you are not in a warm environment or exercising. Experts estimate that it affects 5% of the U.S. population and may be linked to other undiagnosed conditions, such as endocrine disorders. Talk to your doctor if your excessive sweating occurs without a clear trigger.
It’s also possible to start sweating if your heart rate increases. Some medications cause an increase in heart rate. Talk to your doctor to identify the most likely cause of your sweating if you think it might be related to something beyond the intensity of your workouts.
4 ways to combat excessive sweating
You never want to stop your body from sweating. It is a crucial part of regulating your internal temperature. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate excessive sweating both when working out and outside of the gym.
1. Use a combined antiperspirant and deodorant
People sometimes think that all deodorants are the same, but they serve different purposes. Look for one that combines deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients. Antiperspirants block your sweat glands wherever they come into contact with your skin. Meanwhile, the deodorant ingredients erase the smell of your sweat. If your problem is primarily excessive sweating under your armpits during a workout, this combination tool might make you more comfortable and smell better.
2. Think about your medications
If you are taking prescription medications, check their side effects. They could be causing some of your extra sweating. You can always discuss with your primary care physician the possibility of switching to a similar medication that does not affect sweat production. There may be other brands available that will still provide the same medical care.
3. Wear moisture-wicking fabric
Check the labels on your clothes. Are they primarily made with dense cotton? You might be more comfortable wearing a moisture-wicking fabric. It uses a special design to wick sweat away from your skin and onto the outside of your clothing. You’ll feel less sticky, which might make it easier to tolerate your body’s natural amount of sweat.
Just make sure you don’t confuse less stickiness with less need for hydration. You can still sweat the same amount, which means you still lose the same amount of water from your body. Drinking plenty of water improves brain and muscle function, so track your water intake whether you’re cutting down on sweating or not.
4. Consult your doctor
You can always consult your doctor about medical treatments for heavy sweating. Some are as simple as Botox injections to manage underarm sweating. It 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 in shallow containers of water. Their doctor then uses a device to pass a weak electrical current through their skin. You may be a candidate for this treatment if you do not have metal implants or a pacemaker.
Better understand your body
It’s not uncommon to sweat excessively during a workout. There are many reasons why you might have a higher sweating rate than others. You may also be a candidate for many treatments. Call your doctor to discuss your options and find the best solution to feeling good about yourself again.