It’s summer time. It’s hot. And many people try to avoid the outdoors or doing certain types of activities because of a natural reaction when we are hot: sweat. 

What exactly IS sweat? Sweat is water with tiny chemicals that comes from our overheated bodies. 

“But I don’t like to sweat”. You are not alone. Many people don’t like to sweat. Let’s face it, sweat gets a bad rap. It can be stinky. It can be too much. You may get weird looks when you should be sweating more in a group workout and you’re not (since when is sweating not enough an issue?). 

If you live in a climate with high humidity, expect to sweat just from walking outside of your house. But don’t let the climate keep you from sweating while you workout. 

I need to sweat because...

There are many reasons why we may try to avoid sweating, but check out why we need to sweat.  

1. Sweat keeps you from overheating. It’s the body’s way of regulating its temperature and keeping it cool, even when you feel everything but cool. So even if you are sitting and you start to sweat, know that your body is doing what it is supposed to do. 
2. Sweating produces natural endorphins that act as painkillers and stress relievers.. Pushing yourself to sweat could be the healing you need from the aches and pains you feel, physically and emotionally.
3. Sweat opens pores and gets rid of stuff.  Heavy metals and other pollutants are eliminated through sweat. If these toxins do not leave our body, we end up with acne or blackheads. Who needs adult acne?!
4. Sweat helps prevent colds and other illnesses because it acts as an antimicrobial peptide called dermcidin, which fights off the germs, rest assured that sweat plays a part in keeping you healthy.  If you have a cut, the sweat can help fight off the germs. When our body is able to fight off germs, we remain healthy. When illness does hit, have you noticed how fevers cause people to sweat? It’s the body's way of releasing the toxins. Some people make themselves sweat out their illness. Embrace sweat as the body’s defense against illness and a healer when it does become sick. 

 *Please consult your physician if you have a fever. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.

5. Sweat keeps your skin healthy.  The process of sweating is what opens up your pores for toxins to be released from your skin. Not all sweat is treated equally, though. When it comes to sweating in your head, salty sweat is not good, so wash that out. The salty sweat contains lactic acid, which can damage the follicles on your scalp. 

Sweat + Weight

If you are focused on your weight, sweating is not a contributor to weight gain or loss. Sorry. Sweat  is water weight, which you replace when you drink more water. If you are not sweating a lot, don’t sweat :) Remember, sweating is the body’s way of regulating temperature. Do pay attention to your water intake, as not sweating enough could mean that you are dehydrated. 

When you sweat, your body craves more hydration, which helps with the function of your kidneys. So sweat away!

Sweat + Workout attire

Wear moisture wicking activewear when working out, ESPECIALLY during these hot summer months. Moisture wicking fabrics will absorb the sweat your body produces. 

Sometimes sweating comes from increasing your workout intensity. If you are in need of a sports bra to increase your workouts, check out moisture wicking sports bras from Bounceless®.

Sweat + Mood

Feeling tired and in need of an energy boost? Sweat it out!

Feeling anxious and need to relax? Sweat it out!

When those endorphins kick in, your mood is sure to change for the better. Honestly, do you recall feeling terrible after a sweat induced workout? 

Let us know what you are doing to sweat it out in the comments below. 

#livebounceless and sweat it out!