How was your SWEAT session?

There is nothing like a good sweat! And if you think of every drop being fat leaving the body, wouldn't you want to sweat just a little more. Lets think of it that way. The challenge is to start sweating sooner and longer every time you go to your WOD.

What will you do to make that happen? Wear an extra layer, move your feet a little faster, pump your arms a little harder, pick up a little more weight, run fast, faster, fastest?

Sweating is very cleansing for your body. Various cultures throughout time have embraced this fact as demonstrated by the prevalent uses of sweat lodges, bath houses and steam rooms in numerous traditions. When you sweat, your body undergoes a series of processes that allow for the release of toxins and an increase in metabolism.

What Is Sweat?

Sweat is made up mostly of water but also contains minerals, urea, lactic acid, ammonia and sugar. Sweating is your bodies way of regulating its temperature. When you run long distances or exercise in hot weather, for example, your muscles exert themselves and your body overheats. Sweating is your body’s way of bringing your temperature back to normal.

The Benefits of Sweating

When you sweat, you breathe faster, your heart works more, your circulation improves and your metabolism accelerates, all in an effort to resume your normal body temperature. Because your circulation is increased during sweating, many of the toxins and impurities are able to exit your body by way of your open skin pores. This is a good reason to exercise to the point of sweating or to sit in a steam room regularly.

Your skin also benefits from sweating. Your skin pores open and any dirt or impurities on the surface layers of the skin have a chance to exit. Sweating regularly, if followed by proper cleansing, will help you to achieve softer and smoother skin.

It is believed that the immune system also benefits from sweating. When your body heats up, your body generates more white blood cells. This strengthens your immune system.

Sweating for Weight Loss

Sweating has been discussed heavily as a tool for weight loss. The weight that you lose through sweating is water weight. This weight is quickly replaced when you replenish your fluids. However, activities that lead to sweating often burn up calories. Sitting in a sauna uses up energy as your body tries to restore your normal temperature. If you are sweating because you have been exercising, you have been burning calories.

So, sweating as part of a weight loss program means that your body is eliminating toxins and burning up calories. Just be sure to make sweating a part of a larger program of balanced nutrition and exercise for a maximum effect.

Sweating for Stress Relief

Sweating can also be very relaxing for both your body and your mind. When you sweat, your body’s muscles are warmed up by humidity and heat. This helps to release the stress and fatigue brought on by muscle tension.

SO SWEAT! Sweating is healthy and cleansing. It helps your body get rid of toxins. It cleanses your skin. Sweating gets your circulation going and increases cardiovascular activity. It increases your metabolism, leading to calorie burning. It boosts your immune system. Sweating is also an effective stress reliever.

information from FITDAY.com