Break A Sweat

Sweating is an athlete’s internal cooling system. Sweating helps prevent the core temperature from rising to an unhealthy point. The cells and organs are protected from the dangers of overheating. According to Chris Carmichael at trainright.com, well over 50% of the energy an athlete produces becomes heat. Less than 50% of the energy results in movement.

What causes an athlete to sweat?

Sweat is a response to an increase in body temperature. An increase in body temperature can be the result of exercise, an increase in external temperature, hormones or a fever.

How does sweating provide cooling?

When a body heats up, sweat is produced. Heat on the skin causes the temperature of the sweat to rise. When the temperature of the sweat rises enough, the sweat evaporates removing heat and cooling the body.

How much should an athlete sweat?

How much an athlete sweat varies by individual. An athlete should sweat as much as needed to cool the body temperature.

Should I try to break a sweat every day?

No. Sweating should be a response to an increase in body temperature, not a goal.

How do I become an efficient sweater?

Practice and hydration lead to efficiency.
Practice:  Typically developed athletes will sweat sooner than novice athletes. The developed athlete’s body knows what is coming and starts the cooling process earlier than the novice athlete.

Hydration: an athlete needs to be hydrated in order to sweat. If an athlete is not properly hydrated, performance will decrease. Body heat will not dissipate as easily as muscles, organs, and the cooling system compete for limited resources.