Sweating excessively at gym!

sam72691

I've always been a major sweater, it doesn't take much for me to start sweating whether it's from the heat or exercise. It's something that usually makes me self conscious anywhere, but specially the gym. Not exaggerating, I start really sweating after just 10 mins on the elliptical at a low resistance setting and am completely drenched after 30 minutes of light to moderate cardio. I always have to bring a hand towel and have to blot my face with it almost every 30 seconds. Normally I wouldn't be so self conscious about sweating so much at the gym if it was after intense cardio but I feel like people around me there think it's weird for someone to be sweating so profusely just walking on the treadmill. Typically the only people I see sweating as much as me are those running on the treadmill for long lengths of time, not just doing light cardio. Anyone else have this issue? I am quite out of shape as well as being about 30 lbs overweight so I'm hoping it'll get better after losing some weight, however I'm a bit discouraged after reading how the fitter people get, the more they sweat! I can't imagine sweating anymore than I already do. For those who have/had a similar problem, how do you cope with it? Has it gotten any better with weight loss/getting fitter?

jenschroll

I've been that way for a while, too. I like to think that it's proof positive of how hard I'm working at the gym. And while it doesn't bother me per se, I am more physically comfortable when I wear breathable gear like UA's Heat Gear and Nike's Dri-Fit apparel. I do notice is that I lose a lot of salt when I sweat, so I really have to stay on top of my hydration and electrolyte intake.

L1zardQueen

My nickname at my old gym was "Swamp Thing". They loved me there and it was all in good jest. There is nothing you can do about it, don't be embarrassed, and wipe your sweat where ever it lands, it's all good.

WickedPineapple

I definitely sweat more after I lost weight / got fitter. It was a total surprise to me. I'm a runner and when I start running, I'm dripping from my elbows around 5 minutes in no matter how slow I'm going. I go for a 30 minute walk around lunch most days and will have sweat running between my breasts, even if it's <55F. I just dress for it, layers and lots of tank tops! Being outside helps a bit with the sun and wind drying me off.

I was never self-conscious about it, maybe because my dad was always a heavy sweater; however, I do tend to also get very red in the face and was a bit self-conscious about it. I try not to think about it, but when I see my beet red face in the mirror after running, I just think, "You're at the gym! This is what's supposed to happen!" I bet no one even notices, honestly.

aokoye

Honestly I don't care about how much someone is sweating. I care about whether or not they wiped of the equipment they were on, but that isn't exclusive to sweaty people. I do sweat a lot, but it is what it is. I wear black tech shirts at the gym for that reason.

Cbean08

I don't think people care. I know it can be hard not to feel self conscious, but people aren't focusing on you. They also don't know if you just got out of a spin class or had a long bike ride to the gym or had a run outside before coming to the gym. I have some clients who are super sweaty people and it doesn't bother me or any other of the trainers. I've had clients apologize for sweating all over the equipment and I tell them "you're here to workout, it's a good thing to sweat!" We provide towels and housekeeping for a reason.

TavistockToad

sam72691 wrote: »

I've always been a major sweater, it doesn't take much for me to start sweating whether it's from the heat or exercise. It's something that usually makes me self conscious anywhere, but specially the gym. Not exaggerating, I start really sweating after just 10 mins on the elliptical at a low resistance setting and am completely drenched after 30 minutes of light to moderate cardio. I always have to bring a hand towel and have to blot my face with it almost every 30 seconds. Normally I wouldn't be so self conscious about sweating so much at the gym if it was after intense cardio but I feel like people around me there think it's weird for someone to be sweating so profusely just walking on the treadmill. Typically the only people I see sweating as much as me are those running on the treadmill for long lengths of time, not just doing light cardio. Anyone else have this issue? I am quite out of shape as well as being about 30 lbs overweight so I'm hoping it'll get better after losing some weight, however I'm a bit discouraged after reading how the fitter people get, the more they sweat! I can't imagine sweating anymore than I already do. For those who have/had a similar problem, how do you cope with it? Has it gotten any better with weight loss/getting fitter?

i can guarantee that 99% of the people in the gym don't even know you are there, let alone how sweaty you are...

BrianSharpe

It's largely genetic and just an indication that you have an efficient cooling system. In my family we jokingly say that we can make anything look like hard work. At my tri club I've only come across a couple of people who can generate as big a puddle under their bike after an hour of spinning.

I've found that gyms are often worse as they're too warm and poorly ventilated.

Just keep well hydrated and wipe down the equipment when you're done. I'm pretty sure that most other people working out are focused on what they're doing; people get sweaty at gyms, don't worry about it.

GottaBurnEmAll

I honestly, sincerely envy you! I have the opposite problem. I don't sweat. I overheat and then get a migraine. It's some weird genetic thing. My daughter has it too. My hands are the only thing that sweat.

sam72691

Thanks for the replies! I'm sure it's all in my head about people judging me, just need to focus on what I'm doing rather than worrying about other people. I definitely wipe everything down! I'll look into some of the more breathable workout clothes as well.

hesn92

It's better than not sweating! The gym is one place where it's acceptable to sweat like crazy, and it's just evidence you worked hard lol. I'm a heavy sweater too, even when I'm not working out (unfortunately. Ugh.)

NorthCascades

For what it's worth, the only thing I ever think about another person at the gym ever is when are they going to be done with whatever piece of equipment I need. If I saw you sweating on an elliptical, I'd have no idea how hard you had been working, and I'd assume you must be kicking butt.

collectingblues

sam72691 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies! I'm sure it's all in my head about people judging me, just need to focus on what I'm doing rather than worrying about other people. I definitely wipe everything down! I'll look into some of the more breathable workout clothes as well.

As long as you are wiping down the equipment, I assure you that no one cares about how much you sweat.

777Gemma888

If you're considerate remembering to wipe equipment after use, no one cares you're sweating profusely. Check your sweat anxiety at the door. You should be in safe sweating company. It's a gym.

davert123

just wear your wet tee shirt with pride and just say sorry if you splash anyone :-)

Alidecker

I sweat a ton. For some reason if I am in the plank position, I instantly start sweating. I do 9Round Kickboxing and that one also has me drenched. It's kind of nice, our trainers will clean up the sweat you leave behind

lorrpb

sam72691 wrote: »

I've always been a major sweater, it doesn't take much for me to start sweating whether it's from the heat or exercise. It's something that usually makes me self conscious anywhere, but specially the gym. Not exaggerating, I start really sweating after just 10 mins on the elliptical at a low resistance setting and am completely drenched after 30 minutes of light to moderate cardio. I always have to bring a hand towel and have to blot my face with it almost every 30 seconds. Normally I wouldn't be so self conscious about sweating so much at the gym if it was after intense cardio but I feel like people around me there think it's weird for someone to be sweating so profusely just walking on the treadmill. Typically the only people I see sweating as much as me are those running on the treadmill for long lengths of time, not just doing light cardio. Anyone else have this issue? I am quite out of shape as well as being about 30 lbs overweight so I'm hoping it'll get better after losing some weight, however I'm a bit discouraged after reading how the fitter people get, the more they sweat! I can't imagine sweating anymore than I already do. For those who have/had a similar problem, how do you cope with it? Has it gotten any better with weight loss/getting fitter?

See bold. Your "feeling" what someone might think does not make it a fact. How can you possibly know what they are ACTUALLY thinking unless someone says something. If someone says "hey dude, what's wrong with you that you're sweating in the gym?" you can say "What's wrong with you that you're talking instead of sweating?" Some people sweat more than others, it's a fact. Just keep running!

Keto_Vampire

Sweating is an autonomic function; you have little to zero control over it (some control based on drug usage).
<-Sweats bullets during warmer months despite being in shape (I do prefer doing cardio @ home because of this). Winter months, I struggle to break a sweat (very heat intolerant due to a condition I have). Layering clothing appropriately can help as well as choosing the right fabrics (breathable cotton-spandex blends, modal, lyrca, etc. - tendency for cotton blends for absorbing some sweat)

Various OTCs (certain dri - aluminum chloride 12%) can help block your sweat pores (stronger 20% Rx only drysol, various anticholinergic drugs available as well, formaldehyde (Rx only), & the latest topical anticholinergic gylcopyrrolate - little to zero systemic absoprtion -ask MD about if cerain dri does not alleviate). Anticholinergics essentially dry up you sweat secretions (includes the mouth & urinary tract the more non selective & systemic the drug is). Would opt for non-drug strategies first of course

OldAssDude

I sweat like a shower head too. I do a 7.3 mile power walk/run interval workout at a local park on the weekends. The workout is pretty intense (for me), and i am in zone 4/5 much of the time.

One very hot summer day i weighed myself before i did the workout, and again after i got home. I weighed almost 10 lbs. less than i did before the workout.

HoneyBadger302

I sweat a fair bit. Shoot, I started walking home from the train station a couple weeks ago (rather than driving) after realizing how low my daily steps were, and going home, it is (literally) up hill the entire way. I don't feel winded, I'm walking at a quick, but comfortable, pace, and I will soak through the back of my shirt on the daily! So gross! But is what it is - at least on the way TO work it's all downhill and not that big of a deal.

At the gym I always grab two of the towels....one just to mop up my sweat.

claireychn074

When I see someone really sweaty at the gym I just assume they’ve worked out really hard. And then feel inferior because I’m not sweating as much so I obviously haven’t worked out as hard!! 🤣

Packerjohn

It is fine to sweat at the gym. Don't sweat it

33gail33

I also sweat a lot, and get a beet red face to go with it. Interestingly I have had someone comment on it at the gym (so much for people not noticing.) Guy got on the treadmill beside me "wow you sweat a lot, wish I could work up a sweat like that". That was a few years ago and I still remember because it was weird and embarrassing.
So to me sweating too much at the gym is fine, commenting on someone sweating at the gym isn't.

melissafeagins

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

I honestly, sincerely envy you! I have the opposite problem. I don't sweat. I overheat and then get a migraine. It's some weird genetic thing. My daughter has it too. My hands are the only thing that sweat.

This. Unless I do hot power yoga at 95 F I don't sweat at all. I can do a Barre class at the same studio at 88 F and my clothes are damp but I do not need to wash my hair. (Full disclosure, they have a 105F restorative yoga class that also leaves me drenched, but I have only been to it once.)

I know it's genetics. My husband is the opposite and sweats a lot and we have two kids that do and two that don't.

lalalacroix

I sweat a good bit. Makes me feel like I'm getting a good workout. I really don't care if others are sweaty as long as they wipe off their machines

hesn92

the gym is one place that it's socially acceptable to be all gross and sweaty lol

CharlieBeansmomTracey

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

I honestly, sincerely envy you! I have the opposite problem. I don't sweat. I overheat and then get a migraine. It's some weird genetic thing. My daughter has it too. My hands are the only thing that sweat.

I used to be the same way when I was younger. it didnt matter how hot it was I would be dressed like it was winter time and not sweat. I would wear jeans in 100 degree weather and be comfortable. AFTER I had kids that all changed .my hands didnt sweat back then either but I didnt get migraines from it thankfully

CharlieBeansmomTracey

I wouldnt worry about excessive sweating when at the gym. its when you arent at the gym and just doing normal things that it then could be hyperhidrosis

icemom011

I definitely sweat a lot less after losing weight. It's a really profound difference now, it has to be pretty hot/ warm environment for me to sweat noticably during workout. When i noticed that change, i was worried at first that something was wrong with me, then i thought my teammates would think that I'm not trying hard enough, as everyone will be dripping in the locker room and i would still be pretty dry. I'm over it by now, it is what it is. Don't stress it, truth is, no one cares. Lighter, quick drying clothing will help, and towel off as much as you need.

Cahgetsfit

I hardly sweat at all, but can I just say - as others up here have already pointed out, majority of people at the gym won't notice it AT ALL. Or if they do, they won't care. Just wipe stuff down and keep sweating!

UltraRunnerGale

I don't know about your gym, but every gym I've ever been a member of (and there are a lot of different ones over the years), has been too hot. I don't think they set the heat or AC for the people that are exercising, I think they set it for the employees.