If you have a very energetic and active lifestyle, you may be inclined to think that sweating makes you lose weight. You would be wrong! Sweating can help you stay fit and even able to lose weight. Here is how….
Boost Your Metabolism
When you sweat, your body undergoes a process called aerobic metabolism. Aerobic metabolism is the process by which your body gets energy from chemical reactions that occur during physical activity. Aerobic exercise increases the levels of certain enzymes that breakdown fats and proteins. When these enzymes are present in higher amounts, it results in increased fat loss. Additionally, when your body is actively breaking down fats and proteins, you are automatically consuming fewer calories, which ultimately aids you in losing weight. Studies have shown that even a 10-minute walk a day can increase your metabolism and help you burn calories, so be sure to get moving!
Reduce Water Retention
When you exercise, your body loses water. This is because during exercise your muscles, which are made up of protein, require more water to maintain their structural integrity. After your muscles have contracted to the point that they require more water, blood vessels in your muscles dilate, allowing for more blood circulation and therefore more efficient delivery of nutrients to your muscles. This helps to reduce the amount of water weight you may be carrying around with you. Knowing how much water you are retaining can easily be remedied by drinking enough fluids daily, or taking a daily shower. Keeping your muscles hydrated will also improve their elasticity and strength, making you more efficient at sports activities and therefore able to lose more weight!
Reduce Food Cravings
When you reduce stress and eat the right foods, your body will respond with enhanced mood and less cravings. Studies suggest that the hormones oxytocin and histamine are responsible for diminishing hunger pangs and food cravings. Eating foods that provide your body with necessary nutrients and building blocks, such as fruits, vegetables and proteins, can help to elevate your mood and reduce food cravings. Eating the correct food can also increase the bioavailability of nutrients to your body, improving the quality of your life and allowing you to shed off those extra pounds!
Help Keep Your Body Cool
You need to keep your body cool in order to maximize the benefits of aerobic exercise. During exercise, your body becomes more sensitive to heat and therefore more prone to overheating. If your body temperature rises, you will not only struggle to perform at your optimum level, but you may even experience some damage. Keeping your body cool is best achieved through hydration and proper clothing. When exercising in the summer, make sure to drink plenty of water and wear loose, cool clothing that allows for better heat dissipation. If you feel hot even with these measures, it’s best to seek help from a medical professional so that your health does not get put at risk!
Improve Your Overall Health
Apart from helping you lose weight, exercising can improve your health in numerous ways. The release of endorphins and dopamine, which are the body’s natural opioids and neurotransmitters, is felt to be one of the most beneficial aspects of exercise. These chemicals are known to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, increase contentment and create a sense of accomplishment. If you feel that exercise has helped to improve your health and quality of life, then it’s worth making the time for a workout!
Make You Feel Confident
In addition to improving your health and allowing you to lose weight, exercise can give you a boost of confidence. Studies suggest that the human hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin is responsible for increasing feelings of trust and security in humans. Through exercise, you are regularly giving your body a good workout, which stimulates the release of endorphins and therefore encourages you to engage in further activity. Knowing that you have the ability to control your body and be active can give you a sense of confidence that you cannot get from social media or fashion magazines!
Reduce The Chances Of Injury
Injury is one of the main concerns whenever you start a new exercise routine. It is important to warm up before beginning any exercise program, and while it is important to cool down after exercise, it is more important to do so in a safe manner. Failure to do so can result in injury and therefore prevent you from enjoying the benefits of physical activity. Before you start moving around, make sure that your muscles are loose and warmed up, and if you experience any dizziness, faintness or pain, it’s best to stop immediately and consult a medical professional so that your health is not put at risk!
Have Fun!
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the fun part! Studies suggest that exercise is fun when you do it with a partner or in a group. Joining a gym or class with a friend can increase the chances of you both having fun while working out! And what is workout fun if not trying something new and challenging? Seeing your friends struggle with the same exercise that you are handling easily can make the experience all the more rewarding!
Therefore, even though you may lose weight from sweating, it is not necessarily bad to do so. On the contrary, let’s keep in mind the benefits of sweating! It may even be the key to your weight loss success.