General Cycling Discussion - Sweat

I'm sick of people trying to say that sweat is a bad thing! I think being covered in sweat is a very special feeling, and it is about the only redeeming feature that the concept of "summer" has going for it! I can't believe those people at various work places who want cycle-commuters to shower first before coming into the office. What's wrong with having co-workers covered in sweat (especially if they are the opposite gender)?

As far as I am concerned, it's a case of: "Ask not what sweat can do for you, but what you can do for sweat". Sweat rules.

Chris

Chris L, You got me smiling, :D :D :cool: :cool: :) :)

Chris,
You're right. Most people think that just because someone is sweating, they smell. Not so!

My wife never complains when I come in from riding. And she would tell me (in a kind way) if I did.

When I arrive at work I wash at the sink with cool water (no soap) in the men's room (no showers where I work) and dry with a towel. No one has said anything to me yet about BO.

When I got back into cycling 2-1/2 years ago, I did smell "just a little" ;) .
Now, when I wipe down (at work or home), I have noticed that my towel doesn't smell, even after several hours.

I honestly think its people who don't exercise regularly that smell when they sweat. Their system is clogged up with toxins and they don't get "cleaned out".
Regular exercise cleans these toxins so when we (cyclists) sweat we are primarily eliminating water.

I'm sure you know people who constantly complain about how hot it is while you are perfectly comfortable. These people aren't used to being hot because they don't exercise. And often they are overweight. That extra weight (fat) makes a great insulator. It keeps the body heat in.
These are the people who ride around in their air-conditioned cars when the outside temperature is very pleasant.
They are the ones who smell when they sweat!!

I totally disagree. ;)

If one drop of "perspiration" were to appear on my brow, I would be so embarrassed!

Exertion is so primitive!

:eek:

I smell like sweat right this very moment...I went riding and I haven't taken a shower yet!!!!

I came in from a ride in 103º heat index and I'm dripping sweat, and I don't smell. My cat would tell me.

In the years I arrived at work drenched in sweat (summertime, anyway), I just did a quick wipe-off with a wash cloth and water, usually not even soap--very occasionally, rubbing alcohol because it felt good--and I never once got any comment or raised eyebrows or people hurriedly moving away, so it must not have been a problem.

I think the notion about the toxins is probably true.

However, I can't say I enjoy sweat, as Chris does. In fact, when I wheeled my bike into my apartment half an hour ago, with sweat running into my eyes and dripping off my elbows, I thought of that "crazy Australian guy" that actually enjoys it.

I have to agree with Chris. I love the feeling of getting soaked with sweat. And lately it's been every day. I live not far from JonR where it's been 100+ for a couple weeks now.
Makes me feel like I really did something. It just seems really healthy to me to get rid of all those toxins in your system.
It's a great feeling!:p

Hey, sweat is for healthy folks!

I think it actually keeps us clean.

Most people don't know just how efficient their natural cooling system (thousands of years old) is.

When I come into an air conditioned building after riding, I know I am on an alien planet...today, I had to go back outside in high temps just to get warm again! :eek: (You think I'm kidding because you have such a narrow field of experience. I told you, your natural cooling system is more effiecient than any devised by man.)

Look, you people who have yet to experience the best things in life--sweat really feels great, and summer never bothers you when you are covered with it (the kind JonR so adequately mentioned, without odor...of course, the pits and crotch are still on my naughty list! ;))

Maybe I should clarify that I appreciate sweat for its cooling and purifying properties--very much so. All I object to is the messiness of it, how sticky it makes me feel.

I gotta get a good sweat in at least once a week or more or I start to feel like a couch potatoe. When I'm drenched I can actually feel the weight burning off of me. Plus it is absolutely the best AC system I know of. Sweat can surely give you hypothermia if your not careful. Wear a back pack on a long hard ride, then take it off and put it back on again. THAT's cold!! The sweat on your back gets cold as ice in seconds.

Also nothing in the world can replace the "million bucks" feeling you get after sweating it out good than cooling down and showering. Cleaned out is the only way I can describe it. Mentally, Physically cleaned out and relaxed.

here's my take on all this sweat jibba' jabba':

i work as a lifeguard in the summers and all i do is sweat. i get to work, put up my keys or lock up my bike, and then i go out and sit in the sun. and i like the sun, don't get me wrong, but sometimes, enough is enough. i mean, i like to sweat, sometimes , but i wouldn't go so far as to say
originally posted by Chris L.:

Sweat rules.

i get off of work, and can't wait to get home to take a shower and wash all that stuff off of my skin. but, again, that could be because i stay sweaty nine hours a day, i have developed a sort of tolerance/hatred for sweat.

and it seems that alot of others have this same tolerance. and i thought i was alone in the universe.

Originally posted by JonR
Maybe I should clarify that I appreciate sweat for its cooling and purifying properties--very much so. All I object to is the messiness of it, how sticky it makes me feel.

Oh but the feel of it is the best bit. :D

Chris

Sweat or no sweat, if you don't take a bath regularly your'e going to fu***********k******g smell:D :D

Working construction in AZ, we wear our sweat with pride.
Most people don't know just how efficient their natural cooling system (thousands of years old) is True. It takes an incredible amount of energy to turn water into vapor. Ever noticed when you get out of the pool you feel a chill no matter how hot it is.

Originally posted by mwmw
Working construction in AZ, we wear our sweat with pride.


COMRADE!!!

:beer:

P.S. Deodorant is evil.

Chris