The thing about sweating is that it is a full-body experience. When we sweat, our bodies release endorphins and "other neurotransmitters," including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, in the brain. These neurotransmitters are associated with several positive functions and responses in both the mind and body. It is a mental and physical release.
A great workout doesn't always make you sweat. Of course, that does not define the movement as a bad workout; you could be dehydrated. If the amount of sweat does not measure up to and reflect the work you put in, don't sweat it! Everybody is different, and people sweat more or less for a variety of reasons. Don't discredit your hard work if you did not break a sweat.
Not to make this a gender thing, but it has been scientifically proven that men generally sweat more than women and are more efficient sweaters. Growing up, girls and boys sweat about the same. But once hormones kick in, sweating starts to vary between both males and females. For men, their testosterone enhances their sweat response. Women need to get hotter before they begin to sweat, and estrogen plays a role here because it promotes lower body temperatures in women. Women tend to have more sweat glands than men, but men's sweat glands produce more sweat. Another reason why men seem to sweat more is that they are often bigger. The bigger the body, the more heat it generates, the more it needs to cool down. However, gender is only one of the determinants. Another is the fact that the skin is covered with approximately two to five million sweat glands. How much a person sweats also has to do with their age, room temperature, exertion level during a workout, how anxious a person feels, and whether the person is overweight. On average, humans can produce up to one to three liters of sweat per hour.
To some people, the idea of sweat dripping off of you, leaving your hair damp and clinging to the back of your neck might sound revolting, but for some, it all feels like success. A glistening forehead, sweaty tank top, after a run, hot yoga class, you name it, you best believe that I feel like that's a trophy. When I am in a bad mood, I do not doubt that breaking a sweat will lift my spirits.
Fun Facts:
- Your feet have the highest concentration of sweat glands, and your backs have the lowest.
- Athletes sweat more than people who don't work out regularly.
- Sweating from heat, exercise, and stress are all chemically different processes, and stress sweat has the most unpleasant odor.
Sweating is natural, it is healthy, and it's beneficial for your state of mind and well-being. Physiologically sweat is made up of electrolytes, salt, and sugar. It is produced by the body to regulate the body's core temperature at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweating is how the body brings itself to a simmer after boiling and overheating. When you are stressed from too much work, drama, or feeling anxious and overwhelmed, your emotional state will reflect in your physical well-being. This can lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure and a racing heartbeat. Both will cause your body's internal temp to rise. When your mental state starts to affect your physical body, it is an ugly cycle that puts you in a worse mood. Working up a sweat can reduce those stress levels, lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and slow down your respiratory system. You will feel physical relief as well as in mind. Sweating can be incredibly cathartic.
You can do food cleanses, face masks, etc. there is no other type of refresher than a good sweat. You can physically feel your body reviving and your mind thriving with positivity. Next time you find yourself in a funk, grab your dog go for a walk, run, hot yoga class, kickboxing class, Purify far-infrared session, a HIIT workout on Youtube, or your local gym. Work up a sweat and come back to balance physically, emotionally, and mentally. SWEAT IT OUT, BABE!
Warmly,
Samantha Albano
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