12 menshealth.com.au
ASK MH
PERSPIRATION
IS GOOD, SO
DON’T SWEAT IT.THE BIG QUESTION
For a certain type of gym-goer, the
sweat patch on their T-shirt is a badge
of pride – the surest sign of a workout
well done. For others, however, it
gives way to a creeping sense of
insecurity that their fitness isn’t up to
scratch. Quit beating yourself up, MC,
because sweating is unequivocally
a very good thing.
“Perspiration is simply a function of
your body’s heat-regulating system,”
explains physiologist and performance
coach Tom Middlebrough. “The more
you sweat, the more physiologically
efficient your body is – so relish it.” In
fact, the burpee-induced puddle on
the mat is also an indication that
you’ve triggered excess post-exercise
oxygen consumption (EPOC), which
means your metabolism will remain
fired up long after your workout. Even
so, we appreciate that returning to the
office with a wet back and glistening
brow is less than desirable. To combat
this, drink plenty of water during your
workout – not just after it – and don’t
skip your cool-down. “If you stop
abruptly, your body will divert blood to
the digestive system and other organs.
Less will go to your muscles, so they
won’t cool as quickly,” says
Middlebrough. Just 10 minutes of low-
intensity work is enough.
Then, in the changing rooms, place
a cold towel on your neck while you
check your emails: studies suggest
that this part of your body is optimal
for cooling because of its proximity
to the thermoregulatory centre of your
brain. So, go ahead and wear
that pale-blue shirt without fear.Does sweating buckets – even
if it’s just a short workout
- mean I’m out of shape?
MC
SPINACH
This staple veg is rich
inmagnesium, an essential
electrolyte – along with
potassium and sodium –
that needs replenishing after
your workout.WATERMELON
Studies have found
low-fibre, water-packed fruits
can hydrate the body twice as
well as H2O. Watermelon
stands out, with an impressive
92 per cent water make-up.COCONUT WATER
A glass packs around
600mg of blood pressure-
regulating potassium. Plus, its
5mg of natural sugar make
it a worthy alternative to
sweetened sports drinks.THE BIG CHILL
Water isn’t the only way to rehydrate.
Rebalance your body with this cooling shopping list