Sweating isn’t just physical. It’s also mental… and a bit magical! Here are a few of the underrated benefits of getting a little (or very) sweaty.
When you’re powering through a cardio session or unwinding in a sauna, that salty sweat dripping off of you is a way that your body cools itself. But sweat is doing a whole lot more than that! It’s also helping to elevate your mood, improving your “skin fitness,” and activating your body's own detox & recovery systems.
Sounds like you should be sweating more? We agree. Here’s what you need to know about the “other” benefits of sweating, and how to maximize them… even if you don’t have a sauna.
Does sweating release endorphins? Yes and no.
The act of sweating itself doesn’t make your body release endorphins, aka the “feel-good hormones.” But the combination of heat and activity that causes you to sweat in the first place definitely does!
Numerous studies have shown that cardio triggers the release of a cascade of natural mood-boosters. This can pay off right away – and throughout the day – in improved focus, reduced stress, and boosted mental energy.
But get this: The benefits aren’t just from the increased heart rate. Your body also releases endorphins in response to “heat stress” and increased core temperature. This is why you also feel on top of the world after a hot yoga or sauna session.
Cleaner pores: check! Detox: check!
Sweat isn’t just a sign that you had a good workout. It’s a full-body glow-up!
When you sweat, your skin gets a surge of circulation that delivers oxygen and nutrients, while natural minerals in your sweat gently exfoliate and clear away dead skin cells. Plus, antimicrobial peptides help protect your skin from pathogens, and the moisture helps keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
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Pore-clearing sweat: As sweat opens your pores, it pushes out trapped dirt, pollutants, and impurities. Ever feel like your skin is soft and glowing after cardio? That’s why.
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Skin detox: While sweat isn’t a “deep organ detox” of the liver or kidneys, it is your body’s preferred way to flush trace amounts of heavy metals off of your skin.
PS: both of these are also reasons to rinse off after sweating. Just saying!
Want to learn more about how sweat benefits your skin specifically? Check out the full blog post “Sweating is MAGIC for your skin.”
How to Sweat More Whenever You Want
All of the reasons outlined above are reasons to keep sweaty exercise on your weekly schedule. We’re talking to you, cardio-skippers!
But they’re also big reasons to "enhance" your cardio with a few key sweat-focused performance boosters, like:
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Caffeine: Studies have found that 75-100 mg of caffeine is a “sweet spot” that can instantly increase alertness and mood, while also helping reduce workout fatigue. It also stimulates your metabolism, which can indirectly help you sweat more.
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Evodiamine fruit extract and niacin: These two ingredients work synergistically to raise your core body temperature, helping you get hotter faster, sweat more and experience those “heat stress” benefits.
You can get all three of those ingredients, plus other performance boosters to fight fatigue and boost circulation, in SteelFit’s cardio-focused formula Steel Sweat Thermogenic Pre-Workout.
Another crucial way to sweat more? Stay hydrated! Dehydration can blunt your body’s sweat response, in addition to big-time negative impacts on your mood and mental abilities.
The “Instantly Sweat More” Plan
15-30 min. Before Cardio: Steel Sweat Thermogenic Pre-Workout, 1 serving
Immediately Before Workout: Apply Abs of Steel Fat-Burning Cream and Adjustable Waist Trimmer to increase core circulation & sweat
Before & During Cardio: Steel Fuel Vegan BCAAs and Hydration, 1 serving. Bonus points: Keep sipping on these throughout the day!
