How much of a difference does it make to workout with sweats on?

Question

I realize that you sweat more when you run with sweats on, but does losing water weight affect your weight gain/loss in the long run? I was under the impression that ultimately, your weight pattern is determined by net calorie intake vs. expenditure, and losing calories is basically determined by weight vs. distance (when running). So, theoretically, wearing more clothes, other than adding a fraction to your weight, shouldn't affect your weight loss (in the long run). Again, I realize you will lose more water weight, which will make you lose more weight in the short run, but for someone trying to lose weight as a lifestyle change, is it smart to run with sweats on? Additionally, if you theoretically can run further without sweats, since you won't dehydrate as easily, then is it actually BETTER to run without sweats?

Answer 1

Not much of a difference. You may lose more hydration with sweats on, but then you'll just drink more water to replace what's lost. Once your body has raised its core tempature sufficiently, it will regulate and maintain it whether you have sweats on or not.

In fact, you may lose more water WITHOUT sweats, because the body needs to work harder to maintain a sufficient tempature for working out. It would vary with each individual, and would also depend on what type of climate you are training in.

[SIDEBAR: Incidentally, that's all a "warmup" is: raising your body's core temp. You don't need to do a strenuous warmup before a workout. Five minutes on the treadmill is sufficient, and stretching is not as important as some make it out to be. A little is ok, but it's more important to raise the body's core temp than it is to "stretch" muscles (which don't technically "stretch" anyway).

Love Jack

Answer 2

Ultimately, water weight does not count towards your overall weight loss, unless you are obese, the obese tend to retain a lot of water. It's best to run in whatever you are comfortable in based on the weather and that won't interfere with your running stride, like baggy sweats can. You can't really sweat toxins out of your system, that's a myth.

Answer 3

It is better to work out with sweats on... 1. it's alot more comfortable 2. You are carrying extra weight with the sweats which will take more energy (carbs) to work out. (it'll make you work out harder) 3. You'll definitely sweat up a storm and yea your losing alot of water weight but your also getting rid of all the toxins through your sweat... so keep yourself hydrated with Gatorade or Propel fitness water 4. if you continue pushing yourself then your building up resistance not just for now but for the long run.
So for me hands down stick to the sweats!! :)

Answer 4

Depends on how much toxins you want to sweat out. Is your goal to sweat out toxins? If not, then why bother wearing sweats.

Nice smile by the way.

Answer 5

I think it is better to workout without sweats on. If your heart-rate is up, that is all that really matters.
Good luck.