The Dream Team on Maximizing Sweat

Each month iVillage poses a different question to our Dream Team of experts. Here's what we asked this month: We see people bundled up at the gym to maximize sweat. Is this a good idea?

Jonny Bowden, MA, CN, CNS
Let me say two words about that: Martin Lawrence. You might remember that the famous comedian was once rushed to the hospital after he got the bright idea of trying to lose weight more quickly by running at full speed in the summer heat in the Hollywood hills. Oh, and did I mention he did wearing a rubber suit? This is an extreme example, but the point is that increasing water loss by artificially inducing sweating could lead to losing some extra weight, but it doesn't accomplish anything in terms of real fat loss. Plus you might overheat the body, which could leading to some potentially nasty consequences.

On the other hand, wearing an extra sweatshirt while you're warming up, especially in the cold, is a good idea. You want to get your basic core temperature up to where the muscles are pliable and flexible (think salt water taffy ‑- brittle when cold, pliable when warm).

But the bottom line is that causing yourself to sweat more by wearing excess clothing doesn't accomplish much and does exactly nothing for fat loss.

 

Liz Neporent, MA
It's not only a bad idea, it's a misguided one: When you pile on excessive amounts of workout clothing for a bigger sweat, you might see the needle on the scale go down immediately after your workout, but the loss is pure water, not fat. The moment you gulp down some liquids, you'll replace your body's water, and the weight will not-so-magically reappear.

Besides, overdressing for exercise is dangerous, especially in hot weather or in a room with poor air circulation. It invites dehydration, and in extreme cases you can put your health at serious risk. You're really asking for trouble if you wear plastic or rubber clothing to maximize the waterworks like Martin Lawrence did. He shed so much water he passed out and was in a coma for three days. People dying in similar circumstances isn't unheard of. And don't even think about wearing a "sweat" suit when you sit in a steam room or sauna.

 

You'll always get a better workout (and therefore burn more fat and calories) when you dress comfortably for the temperature and climate. Wear enough clothing so you feel properly protected from the elements but not so much you feel like you're suffocating. Choose fabrics that are breathable and that grab moisture away from your skin. Clothing shouldn't feel sticky or heavy, even when you're pushing yourself. In general, synthetics perform better than natural fabrics during exercise. If you exercise outdoors in the cold or in an air-conditioned gym, wear several thin layers of clothing, and shed them as needed.

Lisa Lillien "Hungry Girl"Okay, I have no clue whether that's a good idea. I only know that I do not enjoy sweating profusely, so when I exercise, I wear T-shirts or tank tops. I never understood why those nutty people at the gym were layered in sweatshirts and other bulky items during their workouts. I suppose if you're looking to drop water weight for some specific reason (maybe you're weighing in for an upcoming prize fight?) it might make sense. In any case, I never bundle up for workouts. Yuck!

For more from Lisa Lillien, go to hungry-girl.com.

 

Lynn Grieger, RD, CDE
Not unless you're planning on a trip to the emergency room! No matter what you hear, folks aren't losing body fat when they're sweating up a storm ‑- they're losing water. We all know dehydration is dangerous. How many times do you hear about children having to be hospitalized when they're sick because they're dehydrated? The fact is, losing even 2 percent of your body weight from excessive sweating can cause weakness, fatigue, nausea and confusion ‑- followed by increased heart beat, shortness of breath, muscle cramps and potentially death. It's fine to work hard at the gym, but dress so the sweat can freely evaporate off your skin to keep your body cool. And make sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during and after your workout.