Why Do I Sweat So Much When I Work Out?

You’re getting into a groove in the gym and suddenly realize you’re sweating through your clothes. Some people find that they don’t have to exercise for very long before they’re damper than anyone else around them. Learn why you might sweat so much during workouts to better understand your body and feel more in control of your body.

Why Sweating Happens During A Workout

People sweat when they work out because their bodies are trying to cool off. When you get physically active or spend time in a hot climate, your body activates your sweat glands. They release water in the form of droplets that evaporate on your skin. The evaporation cools you down. It also accounts for 22% of total body heat loss when you’re instinctively undergoing thermoregulation.

Reasons You May Sweat More Than Others

If you feel like you’re always the sweatiest person in the room, your sweat glands may be overactive for multiple reasons. You might be doing the most intense workout, resulting in a higher body temperature than other people at the gym.

You could also have an undiagnosed condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition causes excessive perspiration when you’re not in a hot environment or exercising. Experts estimate that it affects 5% of people in the U.S. and may relate to other undiagnosed conditions, like endocrine disorders. Talk with your doctor if your excessive sweating happens without a clear trigger.

It’s also possible to start sweating if your heart rate rises. Some medications cause an increased heart rate. Talk with your doctor to pinpoint the most likely cause of your perspiration if you think it might relate to something beyond the intensity of your workouts.

4 Ways To Combat Excessive Sweating

You never want to prevent your body from sweating. It’s a crucial part of regulating your internal temperature. However, there are a few things you can do to mitigate excessive perspiration when you work out and outside 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 make contact with your skin. Meanwhile, the deodorant ingredients erase the odor from your sweat. If your issue is primarily excessive perspiration under your armpits during a workout, this combined tool could make you more comfortable and smell better.

2. Reflect on Your Medications

If you take any prescription medications, check out their side effects. They might cause some of your extra perspiration. You can always talk with your primary care physician about shifting to a similar medication that doesn’t affect sweat production. There may be other brands available that will still provide the same medical care.

3. Wear Moisture Wicking Fabric

Check the tags on your clothes. Are they mostly made with dense cotton? You might be more comfortable wearing moisture-wicking fabric. It uses a special design to move sweat from your skin to the outside of your clothes. You’ll feel less sticky, which might make it easier to tolerate your body’s natural amount of perspiration.

Just make sure you don’t confuse less stickiness with less need for hydration. You may still sweat the same amount, which means you’re still losing the same amount of water from your body. Drinking plenty of water improves brain and muscle function, so keep up with your water intake whether or not you mitigate your sweating.

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 perspiration. It depends on where your sweat glands are most active.

You could also be a candidate for iontophoresis. People who undergo 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 might be a candidate for this treatment if you don’t have metallic implants or a pacemaker.

Understand Your Body Better

Sweating excessively during a workout isn’t uncommon. There are many reasons why you could have higher rates of perspiration than others. You could also be a candidate for numerous treatments. Call your doctor to discuss your options and find the best solution to feel comfortable in your skin again.