What I Did to Finally Stop Stinking During Cardio Workouts
We all sweat. It’s necessary. It’s part of the body’s method for cooling itself down and cleaning itself out. But, boy, when you sweat, you can really stink. And that’s embarrassing. Nobody wants that. Especially when you are sweating your butt off in an intense cardio class at the gym. I’ve been there, and I know how horrifying it really is. So I knew I had to do something about it.
What did I do to finally stop stinking during cardio workouts? I outline my strategy below for those who also want to get their body odor under control.
First, Tackle the Stinky Workout Clothes
Some of the offensive odors that you experience during your workouts could be coming from your clothes rather than your body. Thankfully, there are some choices that you can make that will help reduce the stench on your clothes.
• Stick with workout clothes that are made from natural materials. Avoid synthetic fabrics that could more easily harbor the growth of bacteria.
• To prevent odors from sticking to your clothes, wash your workout gear right after you’re done exercising. Avoid letting sweaty clothes hang out on your laundry pile. You can even pre-soak your clothes in some water, vinegar, and baking soda before you throw them in the washing machine.
• Ditch the energy-sucking dryer and go eco-friendly by drying your workout clothes in the sunshine. The UV rays will destroy germs and help remove odors.
You Might Be Using the Wrong Deodorant
Deodorant might be your go-to tool when you want to stop stinking during cardio workouts, but did you know that what you use to remove body odor could actually make it worse?
There are some ingredients in body sprays, deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, and body washes that will encourage the growth of smelly bacteria because they give the bacteria food to feast on. So if you have a body odor problem, try washing with an all-natural, minimal ingredient soap. You can also try applying apple cider vinegar or diluted lemon juice, as these contain acids that could inhibit the growth of bacteria and the smell that comes with them.
Consider Your Diet
A few of the foods that can make you stink include fish, liver, legumes, and eggs. These contain high amounts of choline, which your body might have trouble metabolizing. Plus, foods that are high in protein might also increase B.O., so experimenting with your diet might be your ticket to a stink-free workout.
So there you have it. You can stop stinking during cardio workouts and regain your confidence while you’re working out at the gym, so there’s no need to continue feeling embarrassed and out of control.