Fitness Myth: Sweating means calorie loss

Many people believe that an increased amount of sweat corresponds with an increased physical activity level, and an increased rate of calorie loss. A good workout is often associated with a shirt covered in sweat, as well as excessive body odour and a red face. However, all of these factors are independent of the use of calories.

When the body sweats, it is evaporating water off the surface of the skin in order to cool the body. This is why the body sweats more during hot days rather than cool ones. In theory, it is possible to perform an entire exercise session without sweating if the conditions are cool enough. It is also possible to completely drench a shirt with sweat without performing any exercise should the conditions be hot enough.

When performing exercise, it is vital to ensure that one doesn’t forgo their normal routines and goals in order to facilitate the heat or cool. While it can be harder to train in hot conditions, as long as one keeps hydrated throughout the session it is possible to maintain the high standards required to continue improving.