For summer workouts, sweating is good – to a point
The past few months have been especially humid, and I’ve found myself sweating even more than usual during summer runs. I don’t carry water with me, but I try to rehydrate promptly after I’m done. While exercising, what’s a good way to know when I’m experiencing “normal” perspiration and when I need to worry about dehydration and overheating?
Dr. McEver prescribes
Sweat may leave you soaked after a summertime run, but perspiration is generally a good thing.
When your body temperature rises from exercise, sweat helps keep your internal temperature stable. Everyone perspires when they work out, but when and how much varies.
Men sweat more than women. Larger people more than smaller ones. And physically fit people tend to perspire faster and more than those who don’t exercise.
An athlete’s body is conditioned to sweat sooner, allowing a runner like you to go harder and farther without increased body heat (and the risks accompanying it). Think of it as an efficient air-conditioning system.
Nevertheless, dehydration is dangerous and can sneak up on you. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, thirst, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.
Although dehydration can lead to heatstroke, a drenched running shirt alone isn’t cause for alarm. Monitor