Q: I sweat profusely (literally dripping wet) during my aerobic
workout. Is this an indication that I'm out of shape? A: The
reason for profuse sweating is that body core temperature
becomes significantly elevated by the increase in metabolic heat
production during exercise. In response to an elevated body core
temperature, the brain signals the body to dissipate the excess
heat as rapidly as possible. Eccrine sweat glands are then
activated, and fluid is transported to the skin so that it can
evaporate and create a cooling effect. Rather than indicating a
lack of conditioning, sweat dripping off the body may be more
indicative of the fact that the humidity of the environment is
so high that sweat can't evaporate. All factors considered, this
is not an ideal situation, because it may mean that the body is
not being effectively cooled via evaporation. On the other hand,
profuse sweating can also be a sign of being relatively fit,
since one of the adaptations to consistent exercise training is
that individuals