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sweating excessive during cardio.... arghh!
surfsunbeach Posts: 17
Aug 10, 2009 10:29 AM GMT
hey ive recently stepped up my cardio a few notches, incorporating yoga, running and spin into my weekly weights routine..

Within the first 5 mins of cardio i sweat like nothing else. By the end of the slog, my towel and tshirt are absolutely soaked..

i know that sweat is good for my body etc, but will i sweat less as i get fitter, its driving me mental..
ChilaxinJOCK0... Posts: 270
Aug 10, 2009 11:20 AM GMT
sometimes that happens to me when im not hydrated real well...or if i let my blood sugar get a little low. Other than that, I think they say the more you sweat the better shape ur in..
jlly_rnchr Posts: 501
Aug 10, 2009 11:22 AM GMT
I don't think level of fitness determines sweat output. I've gotten progressively fitter since college, and my sweat has remained the same if not gotten worse.

It seems to be the 10 minute mark on the treadmill is when I have to start wiping the brow to prevent dripping. I am drenched by the end of my run.

I would guess that level of hydration is what would influence sweating, but that's just a guess. If it's really bothersome, and it's only a few areas that are over-producing, you could use something like Certain-Dri (or a generic form of it) that pretty much closes the pores and prevents sweating. That doesn't exactly sound healthy, but it might help.
syd_hockey_79 Posts: 524
Aug 10, 2009 11:28 AM GMT
I think you'll just keep sweating the same amount. I sweat like a bastard, and it sux, but such is life.
DCEric Posts: 1551
Aug 10, 2009 11:30 AM GMT
I don't do it my self, but why not get a shirt that wicks the sweat away?
surfsunbeach Posts: 17
Aug 10, 2009 12:53 PM GMT
ChilaxinJOCK09 saidsometimes that happens to me when im not hydrated real well...or if i let my blood sugar get a little low. Other than that, I think they say the more you sweat the better shape ur in..


actually this might make a little sense in my circumstances, i feel that i do not drink enough water as i always feel dehydrated morning, afternoon and night
calibro Posts: 1348
Aug 10, 2009 1:51 PM GMT
actually, sweating readily can be a sign of fitness, since it means your body is working very well. i know when i step into a cycling class, i sweat within 10 minutes, and it takes most people 2 to 3 times as long.
LuvMuscle99 Posts: 233
Aug 10, 2009 2:02 PM GMT
Watch your alcohol intake. Drinking in excess, and Id sweat like a stuffed pig!

Discliamer: I used to drink alot and daily. Im sober now... just sayin'
chuckystud Posts: 4810
Aug 10, 2009 2:02 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidhey ive recently stepped up my cardio a few notches, incorporating yoga, running and spin into my weekly weights routine..

Within the first 5 mins of cardio i sweat like nothing else. By the end of the slog, my towel and tshirt are absolutely soaked..

i know that sweat is good for my body etc, but will i sweat less as i get fitter, its driving me mental..


Awesome. Sweating is your body's natural way of cooling itself. If you're sweating loads, that means you're fully hydrated and your body is operating at peak efficiency (I.e. you're cooling system is working properly.). Doh! The more you sweat the more cooling you have. The lower your temperature, the higher your performance.

Take a towel. You're a real boy now.

If you're dehydrated, or have to much sodium, you won't sweat as much, your temp will rise, and your performance will decrease.
chuckystud Posts: 4810
Aug 10, 2009 2:06 PM GMT
LuvMuscle99 saidWatch your alcohol intake. Drinking in excess, and Id sweat like a stuffed pig!

Discliamer: I used to drink alot and daily. Im sober now... just sayin'


Anything that effects ADH, and DH, will have these affects. It also bounces your blood pressure around.

Contingent to how long ago you drank, ADH can be high, or very low during, and just after drinking (until the alcohol clears). Over five drinks a day is said to have a negative affect on BP. However, 1 to 2, drinks per day, can lower BP and have a number of positive effects.
surferdude110... Posts: 174
Aug 10, 2009 2:21 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidhey ive recently stepped up my cardio a few notches, incorporating yoga, running and spin into my weekly weights routine..

Within the first 5 mins of cardio i sweat like nothing else. By the end of the slog, my towel and tshirt are absolutely soaked..

i know that sweat is good for my body etc, but will i sweat less as i get fitter, its driving me mental..


same things happens with me, its annoying
wrestlervic Posts: 748
Aug 10, 2009 2:27 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidhey ive recently stepped up my cardio a few notches, incorporating yoga, running and spin into my weekly weights routine..

Within the first 5 mins of cardio i sweat like nothing else. By the end of the slog, my towel and tshirt are absolutely soaked..

i know that sweat is good for my body etc, but will i sweat less as i get fitter, its driving me mental..


I would be honored to help remove your sweat for you.

cestfort2000 Posts: 45
Aug 10, 2009 3:08 PM GMT
calibro saidactually, sweating readily can be a sign of fitness, since it means your body is working very well. i know when i step into a cycling class, i sweat within 10 minutes, and it takes most people 2 to 3 times as long.




I agree, in my class I am really wet after 10-15 mins and the other people will go 30 or so before they start to sweat. If effort is any indication that might explain it but I tend to think its a sign of fitmess ( at least I like telling myself that )
lifted Posts: 272
Aug 10, 2009 3:11 PM GMT
sweating is a natural thing... you could burn your entire body with 2nd or 3rd degree burns and take care of those nasty sweat glands. some strong acid may work also, otherwise id just get use to it or bring a little towel sweating is good for you
Aug 10, 2009 3:14 PM GMT
Free_Radical saidsweating is a natural thing... you could burn your entire body with 2nd or 3rd degree burns and take care of those nasty sweat glands. some strong acid may work also, otherwise id just get use to it or bring a little towel sweating is good for you


thats thinking outside the box
Sparkycat Posts: 487
Aug 10, 2009 3:30 PM GMT
The really sweat guys I see at the gym are hot! And you make everyone else look like a bunch of lazy slugs.
surfsunbeach Posts: 17
Aug 10, 2009 4:42 PM GMT
LuvMuscle99 saidWatch your alcohol intake. Drinking in excess, and Id sweat like a stuffed pig!

Discliamer: I used to drink alot and daily. Im sober now... just sayin'


i dont drink very much at all.. ill have a beer maybe once a fortnight..

get drunk maybe once every 2-3 months,.

so its def not this.
surfsunbeach Posts: 17
Aug 10, 2009 4:45 PM GMT
also some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..
Pinny Posts: 1722
Aug 10, 2009 5:07 PM GMT
Keep hydrated and keep sweating. It is 100% natural and I doubt the amount you are sweating is anything unhealthy.
Colbert_Natio... Posts: 548
Aug 10, 2009 5:29 PM GMT
For my cardio routines I bring 3 headbands AND a towel! I've seen some people wear headbands and wristbands as well to keep the sweating under a measure of control.

You just do what you got to do ;)
EricLA Posts: 2306
Aug 10, 2009 5:43 PM GMT
I only do a few minutes of cardio as a warm-up, but try to keep my heart rate up during the rest of my workout by keeping breaks between sets and exercises short. The gym I use during the week never seems to have the A/C on very high (maybe it's not on at all). So, my clothes are pretty soaked by the end of my workout. I hate the feel of it.
SoDakGuy Posts: 745
Aug 10, 2009 6:10 PM GMT
Suck it up soldier! It's a good thing.

My clothes are drenched after my workout. I really don't care for it, but it's a good indication I've really worked hard that day.

That overrides the wet and smelly clothes.

surfsunbeach saidhey ive recently stepped up my cardio a few notches, incorporating yoga, running and spin into my weekly weights routine..

Within the first 5 mins of cardio i sweat like nothing else. By the end of the slog, my towel and tshirt are absolutely soaked..

i know that sweat is good for my body etc, but will i sweat less as i get fitter, its driving me mental..
jock_1 Posts: 190
Aug 10, 2009 6:34 PM GMT
i fall into the category of "sweat like a pig"

it doesnt really bother me at all except for trying to get a good grip on things...ie.. baseball, football

some girls i have talked with thinks its hot to see guys sweat, i just think its a natural guy thing
Aug 10, 2009 9:32 PM GMT
i wear my sweat as a badge of honor. for me, it is a sign of a job well done. when i get off the stationary bike at the gym after 50 minutes of cardio, my shirt is soaked, my shorts are soaked, my underwear is soaked - all moisture wicking garments, too. it is evidence of biking 12.85 miles, burning 530 calories, drinking lots of water to maintain my body's cooling system, and on the right path to physical fitness. and nothing feels better than stripping down and having a cold shower after to refresh and relax. i say sweat away and be proud that you are actually exerting yourself to achieve positive results.
Aug 10, 2009 9:44 PM GMT
saguaroman saidi wear my sweat as a badge of honor. for me, it is a sign of a job well done. when i get off the stationary bike at the gym after 50 minutes of cardio, my shirt is soaked, my shorts are soaked, my underwear is soaked - all moisture wicking garments, too. it is evidence of biking 12.85 miles, burning 530 calories, drinking lots of water to maintain my body's cooling system, and on the right path to physical fitness. and nothing feels better than stripping down and having a cold shower after to refresh and relax. i say sweat away and be proud that you are actually exerting yourself to achieve positive results.


I totally agree.
There is nothing tougher than finishing up a work out and being drenched, it shows you aren't fucking around. I don't go to the gym unless I intend on my hair and clothes sticking to me like I just got dunked.

If there is a time and place to sweat like a whore in church... it's the gym.
Mmm... this thread makes me want to go to a spin class!
Aug 16, 2009 5:29 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidalso some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..


I'm no expert but I had this too and I was told that it means you're burning muscle as opposed to fat. Not a good thing. Make sure you are getting at least a few carbs (preferably complex) and a little protein shortly before workout and some soon after too.

I got it because I was taking on too few calories, esp. carbs, in the course of the day before a heavy workout. My body was basically going into crisis mode b/c it was working very hard on insufficient fuel. Over time, this can have consequences, including driving blood sugar up (to compensate for crisis mode).

Not a super big deal, necessarily, but don't just ignore it. A chat with a doctor and/or nutritionist might not be a bad idea.
chuckystud Posts: 4810
Aug 16, 2009 5:39 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidalso some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..

Ammonia results ketone conversion (usually ketoacidosis). It's usually an indicator that you in ketosis. You may also notice an almond smell (low blood sugar ketosis). It's easy to test for with Ketostix, available at any pharmacy. If you smell ammonia, or almonds, it's proof positive you're training as an idiot. Ketosis generally isn't a good thing for a Real Jock to be into. You can buy a glucose tester for 9 dollars at Walmart. The strips are pricey, but, if you're not diabetic, it shouldn't be an issue. I noticed how thin you are. Either you're not eating enough, or you have a thryoid / or other medical problem. You shouldn't be smelling ammonia nor almonds when you exercise. It's a sign you're doing something gravely wrong. Normal blood sugar is 74 to 120, but may be much higher in insulin tolerant folks (type 2 diabetes), and may be higher right after eating ...upwards of 150 to 250, in anyone.

Your liver will dump, as mentioned right above, and drive your sugar up some, but, unless you're diabetic, the main thing to worry about is your organs suffering damage from your body metabolizing protein for fuel (e.g. Karen Carpenter). That's called anorexia.

You should seek medical attention if your condition continues. You may have an undiagnosed eating disorder. You may have diabetes. At best, the famine response is highly counter-productive to your workout regime.

EAT. Test your blood sugar.

Ketosis (pronounced /kiːˈtoʊsɪs/) is a state characterised by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood, occurring when the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies (which can be used by all of the body for energy as an alternative to glucose). These ketone bodies are a by-product of the lipid metabolic pathway after the fat is converted to energy.[1][2][3][4][5] Ketoacidosis, by contrast, is the accumulation of excessive keto acids in the blood stream (specifically acetoacetate and beta-hydroxy butyrate).

If you have ketosis at low blood sugar, you'll likely be smelling like almonds.

At high blood sugar, ketoacidtosis smells like ammonia and can mean you have severe illness.

Ketoacidosis is a type of metabolic acidosis which is caused by high concentrations of ketone bodies, formed by the breakdown of fatty acids and the deamination of amino acids. The two common ketones produced in humans are acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyrate.

Ketoacidosis is an extreme and uncontrolled form of ketosis, which is a normal response to prolonged fasting. In ketoacidosis, the body fails to adequately regulate ketone production causing such a severe accumulation of keto acids that the pH of the blood is substantially decreased. In extreme cases ketoacidosis can be fatal.[1]

You would be very wise to not allow this condition to continue, unless you're an idiot. You may also be an undiagnosed diabetic.

This is a SERIOUS condition, EITHER WAY, and needs to be RESOLVED.

Ketoacidtosis is a VERY BIG DEAL, and can be life threatening. Ketosis is not good for you. You need to stop it. If you're smelling ammonia it means your blood ph isn't right, period.

And, one other thing...you may just need to wash your "stuff." Maybe you're just stinky, but, it sure doesn't sound like that. Sounds like you're training without any real level of intelligence.
badmikeyt Posts: 665
Aug 16, 2009 5:44 PM GMT
Ahh, nothing like calling someone an idiot to guarantee that they're not going to listen to a word you've said.
flex89 Posts: 1402
Aug 16, 2009 6:02 PM GMT
surfsunbeach saidalso some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..


That ammonia smell is your body going into ketosis and metabolizing protein for energy. Mine does the same thing when my blood sugar goes over about 250 because I go into ketoacidosis (and I get this wonderful "rotting meat" smell on my breath ). Both cases are different in that my body isn't able to metabolize glucose, whereas yours just isn't getting enough in. What you need to be doing is getting at least 50g of complex carbs in before you work out or your body will keep cannibalizing muscle.

But to answer your original question, your sweat problem may never go away, so bring a towel
chuckystud Posts: 4810
Aug 16, 2009 6:07 PM GMT
flex89 / Logan lives with me. I'm so tuned to this that I can tell if he's hypo, or hyper, based on what my nose tells me. Whenever I smell rotting meat, I know we have to get Logan's blood sugar down right away.
SinnernSaint1... Posts: 618
Aug 18, 2009 7:27 AM GMT
Yeah, while working out I "sweat like a whore in church"..............or the way I like to put it "A HOLY MAN IN A WHORE HOUSE!!!"
rusty_dk Posts: 29
Aug 20, 2009 12:21 AM GMT
surfsunbeach saidalso some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..


If you didn't sweat during a Bikram Yoga session I'd be worried...everyone I've seen during a bikram session has been sweating like a crack whore.
Aug 23, 2009 2:29 PM GMT
rusty_dk said
surfsunbeach saidalso some times my sweat absolutely stinks like ammonia...

especially after a bikram yoga session..

the sweat takes on a real metallic hue..


If you didn't sweat during a Bikram Yoga session I'd be worried...everyone I've seen during a bikram session has been sweating like a crack whore.


I think the heavy sweating is fine, but the ammonia smell definitely means something is wrong. Probably something that can be easily corrected with a change in diet, but it needs to be looked into.
Aug 23, 2009 2:38 PM GMT
I don't sweat that easily, so its only by the end of my cardio that I have some decent sweat to show for. So I would gladly take your place.
jrs1 Posts: 1474
Aug 23, 2009 3:02 PM GMT

I'm glad to have read through this thread. There were some very insightful comments and suggestions. During intense cardio sessions, I'm a certified sweat-er. Having read through this, teamed with my intuition, I am now more aware that it is my health that is showing rather than its inverse. Wewt.
Aug 26, 2009 6:54 PM GMT
Thank goodness I am not alone here on the sweating front!

See I thought there was something wrong with me, because I did sweat so much. But, what I've heard, is that the healthier you are the more you tend to sweat. I predominately drink water, drink alcohol occasionally, and never drink pop. I do cardio workouts 7 days a week, and have been running forever it seems. But, I still have a sweating problem when I do these workouts, but hey it makes me look like I am working harder than I actually am!! Good post surfsunbeach
EricLA Posts: 2306
Aug 26, 2009 7:01 PM GMT
I think I'm pretty fit and I still sweat like a pig when working out. I keep things moving with my workouts to keep my heart rate up.
metta8 Posts: 1218
Aug 26, 2009 8:06 PM GMT
Part of it is genetics. I have to workout really hard for a long time before building up any sweat, unless the room is really warm. That also helps. That is why I don't like the fans in the cardio rooms. People that tend to have more hairy bodies seem to be able to sweat faster. I like it when I'm able to build up a good sweat. I just feel like I got a better cardio workout when I do.

I don't know if that is true that the more you sweat, it means that you are healthier. Please show me that study. I think it is more about genetics than anything else.
Aug 27, 2009 5:28 AM GMT
I used to circuit train with a Pro cyclist. Following him around the stations was more like a swimming session as he sweated so much. No matter how much he tried to clean up, there was pools of water everywhere. His cardiovascular fitness was phenomenally good, but he always sweated huge amounts.
Aug 27, 2009 5:50 AM GMT
Quit taking FAT LOSS meds...
Aug 27, 2009 6:29 AM GMT

Some guys just are heavy sweaters and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Here are some suggestions some of which have already been made:

wear a 'wicking' t shirt ( not a vest as that covers less of your upper body)

keep well hydrated - a good way is to make up you own drink to have while you are working out: 400ml of fruit juice, 400ml of water and half a teasppon full of salt. Drink all of this over an hour. It keeps you hydrated, provides some energy and replaces sodium which you loose when you sweat so much.

wear a sweat band on one wrist - it is easier than having to use a towel all the time

and forgive me for saying so but wipe the machine down when you have finished.

Don't let this stop you getting fitter and fitter. Enjoy
sundayswim Posts: 447
Aug 27, 2009 6:44 AM GMT
wish i sweated more.
wish i swat more.
wish i sweated more. wish i swat more.
sounds like im missing out.
Cannuck Posts: 3
Aug 27, 2009 7:24 AM GMT
I've heard that when digesting protein, your body temperature rises more in order break it down. I've noticed that as my food and protein intake has risen, so to does the amount I sweat. Not sure if this is direct correlation, or only circumstantial due to the fact that I drink more fluids while in eating.
rdberg1957 Posts: 82
Aug 30, 2009 2:55 AM GMT
I'm trying to ramp up cardio, but at age 52, I am trying to balance improving fitness with not exhausting myself. I get very tired after cardio, much moreso than after strength training. I no longer try and do both strength and cardio on the same day. I tend to use cross-trainers for cardio as they are best for my joints. I drink water before, during and after cardio. If I do too much cardio (intensity and duration), I may not work out for three days. I think my capacity now is about 20 minutes 3x/week. I would like to eventually ramp up to 45 minutes 4x/week. Interestingly enough, I can play racquetball for 45 minutes easy and be pleasantly tired. Any thoughts?
teamB_macro Posts: 7
Sep 02, 2009 5:03 AM GMT
Sweating is actually your body's way of telling you that it's losing those extra pounds. I'd keep a towel near if u sweat buckets after a regular workout. Just make sure you drink lots of fluids too.
Sep 02, 2009 5:06 AM GMT
i actually change in between my cardio and when i lift weights. i see guys that i know work harder than i do but i dont see them sweating as much as i do. i dont mind it, just cos i dont think i smell (at least i dont think so) but thats why i bring two or three shirts.

its agym anyway.. ur supposed to sweat right?