Have you ever had to stop dead mid-workout because you felt like you were actually roasting in an oven? While exercise naturally makes you feel hotter due to your metabolism kicking into high gear, if you feel so hot you need to lay on the floor every time you try to hustle in your home gym, there could be a larger issue at play. Let's look at some tips to help you stay cool as you squat, sprint, and sweat!
Sometimes, open windows and fans just aren't enough, especially during the dog days of summer. This is where your HVAC system becomes your best gym buddy. You might think you're saving money by keeping the thermostat high, but trying to work out in a 78-degree room can quickly leave you feeling overheated and uncomfortable.
But your system needs to be up to the task. If you set your AC to a lower temperature, but are still sweating bullets five minutes in, it could be that you need a stronger unit to efficiently cool your entire home. It might be worth having an HVAC pro check if your system is sized correctly for your square footage, or if your home gym room is suffering from poor insulation or leaky ducts.
We all know we should drink water, but are you drinking enough of it during your session? When you sweat, you lose fluids, and your body temperature rises. Drinking ice-cold water helps regulate your internal temperature from the inside out. It also has other benefits, like helping you recover faster from your workouts, so don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Keep a large, insulated water bottle nearby so it stays cold throughout your session. Taking small sips between sets is better than chugging a whole liter at the end.
That old cotton t-shirt from college might be lucky, but it’s doing you zero favors in the heat department. Cotton is actually one of the worst offenders when it comes to heat management. It absorbs sweat like a sponge and holds it right against your skin, which prevents evaporation. Since evaporation is your body’s main way of cooling itself down, a soggy shirt is like a warm, wet blanket.
Instead, swap that old tee for moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. These materials pull sweat away from your body to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. You’ll feel lighter, drier, and cooler.
If your home gym has windows, the sun acts like a giant heat lamp. This is great for natural light, but terrible for temperature control. If you’re working out during the hottest part of the day with the sun beating through the glass, your AC is fighting a losing battle.
Try to schedule your workouts for early morning or later in the evening when the sun isn't at its peak. If you have to workout mid-day, invest in some blackout curtains or thermal blinds. Keeping the sun out will keep the ambient temperature of the room much lower.
With these tips for staying cool while working out in your home gym, you can keep comfortable while crushing your fitness goals and reduce the number of breaks you need to take. This will make your daily exercise routine more enjoyable, and also more effective for you.
