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Original poster

Please, please help - why do I get so hot and sweaty?

15 replies

FeelingHotHotHotAhem · 17/05/2018 12:11

I am in my early 40's but have always been this way. Whenever I exercise I go very red and sweaty - fair enough. However, I also get really, really hot when just walking too.

I don't walk very far (2 miles) nor very fast, but I still end up at my destination a sweaty mess that needs to change my shirt. I sweat especially on my face, back, plus groin, which means changing my pants and having damp work trousers too Sad. It's really getting me down.

I am a size 12-14, BMI 25, so could do with losing a little weight, but people do not see me as fat at all. I am pretty fit too. Just a hot, sweaty mess.

Due to stupid public transport, I have do walk two miles to and from work each day and this is really getting me down. It's going to get even worse when it warms up.

Does anyone have any ideas to help me please? Thankfully I'm not smelly with it (and wear cotton clothing as much as possible), but it is having a big impact on me.

OP posts:
ohfortuna · 17/05/2018 12:14

If you do more exercise your fitness levels will increase and your ability to dissipate the heat generated by exercise also increase
Do more exercise
walk further and walk much faster

Original poster
FeelingHotHotHotAhem · 17/05/2018 12:32

Thanks ohfortuna. I have been told that before, but it's not true for me. I was a hot, sweaty mess like this at 16 when supremely fit and playing sport for my County Sad.

Currently I run 2 x 3 miles per week and walk 20 miles to and from work. I only don't cane it when walking because I don't want the heat issue to get even worse. I do the two miles in approx 33 minutes which isn't a bad pace.

My body just seems to not be able to deal with me exercising in a very controlled manner....

OP posts:
SleepFreeZone · 17/05/2018 12:36

I was and am exactly the same. It’s the way we’re made I’m afraid.

ohfortuna · 17/05/2018 12:40

Ok then could you wear light loose fitting clothes for the walk, get a backpack with a change of clothes and just accept that's what you need to do?

Maybe anxiety and feeling pissed off about the whole overheating issue is making you sweat more?
Could you listen to a podcast or some music while walking to make it more enjoyable?

Could you carry a little frozen gel pack?
I keep a couple in my freezer during the summer for when I wake up too hot at night

Bringonspring · 17/05/2018 12:42

I would actually see your GP my sister was also similar and ended up having Botox to stop the excessive sweating.

It doesn’t sound like doing more exercise etc is the right answer here.

ragged · 17/05/2018 18:06

how much do you strip clothes off? I get warm easily, wear layers, take off as soon as I heat up.
I can't even sleep under a duvet in most hotels. No idea how other people do that.

RogerAllamsFangirl · 17/05/2018 18:08

I am the queen of sweat. I hate it but I've come to terms with the fact that it's the way I am. I can sweat just standing up for a long time. I always under-dress; I'd rather risk being cold and I layer as much as possible.

Original poster
FeelingHotHotHotAhem · 17/05/2018 19:26

Thanks for the additional replies.

I wear just one layer to walk to work in and then change when I arrive. It's not just the sweat, but the feeling of heat that is so uncomfortable. What is odd is that otherwise I am a cold person - I wear more clothes than the average bod just to keep warm, and always need the heating up higher than everyone else. But when I excerise, my body just goes whoomp and starts pumping out heat!

It feels like my body is not good at regulating itself - I get cold very quickly and stay cold, and heat up really high whenever I exercise or it is hot outside.

Flipping annoying really. I am liking the idea of a frozen pack to maybe put on my neck. I will look an idiot but it might help me cool a little quicker. Any other hot tips? Grin

OP posts:
ragged · 17/05/2018 19:50

I used to find being hot intolerable, too, but I am better at it now.

To cool down, wear wet clothes, wet your hair with water, drink well. I have a poor thermostat control, and otherwise usually cold, too, except I heat up hugely when I exercise. Not as bad as I used to. When I was young I was always baffled at how much clothes others wear; I still think they wear too much when exercising.

AiredaleFan · 17/05/2018 20:10

Is cycling an option? I find it makes a big differene having a self-created breeze when getting from A to B, even in hot weather (as long as you cycle steadily).

ragged · 17/05/2018 20:19

For a 40 minute (2 miles) walk at 10-14 degrees (today) I'd expect to wear something like capri trousers and a short-sleeve t-shirt by the end. Trainers with socks probably ok. Much warmer & I'd need sandals. What are you actually wearing?

Original poster
FeelingHotHotHotAhem · 17/05/2018 20:30

Cycling not really an option, as I have nowhere to leave my bike while at work, which is a real shame. Nor can I wear wet clothes to cool down - I have a forward- facing role Smile.

I drink cool water and put cold water on my neck, but the problem is that by the time I arrive at work, I'm just steaming, so it takes time for me to cool down. I wear 3/4 trousers, trainers and either a t shirt or if it is cooler when I leave the house, a long-sleeve shirt which I then roll up. I watch other people walking near me with coats and they seem perfectly cool!

So basically, my thermostat is rubbish? Can I get a new one in Screwfix?!

OP posts:
givemushypeasachance · 18/05/2018 09:49

You can get "cooling scarves" that are like little tubes of fabric filled with those water retaining crystals similar to what are sometimes added to pot plants. You put the scarf in water and the crystals soak up water and hold onto it, becoming squishy and making the scarf cool to the touch but not fully "wet". Then you wear that around your neck (or your wrist) and it helps to keep you feeling cooler. They're most effective if you stick them in the fridge for a bit first then they start out chilled and are extra effective, but even when warm they're doing some good. They stay hydrated for quite a while then as they dry out you recharge them by sticking in some water for a few minutes again. You can get them really cheap, just a few pounds, places like ebay. Here's an example on amazon where you can read reviews.

Peanutbuttercups21 · 18/05/2018 13:09

Ragged, I am like that as well. Often take the duvet out of the cover, and just sleep under the empty cover.

OP, I wear thin layers and strip down to vest top when hot!

AnnaBlush · 17/02/2023 14:33

FeelingHotHotHotAhem · 17/05/2018 20:30

Cycling not really an option, as I have nowhere to leave my bike while at work, which is a real shame. Nor can I wear wet clothes to cool down - I have a forward- facing role Smile.

I drink cool water and put cold water on my neck, but the problem is that by the time I arrive at work, I'm just steaming, so it takes time for me to cool down. I wear 3/4 trousers, trainers and either a t shirt or if it is cooler when I leave the house, a long-sleeve shirt which I then roll up. I watch other people walking near me with coats and they seem perfectly cool!

So basically, my thermostat is rubbish? Can I get a new one in Screwfix?!

Appreciate this is very old thread- but thought I would ask - Did you ever find any relief OP?
I am exact same - constantly cold, but the moment I exercise ( regardless of how how often) I go bright red and roasting
To point my skin goes beyond red, to red and patchy white. People will ask ‘Are you ok? No are your sure you are ok? Seriously your face- you need to sit down’ 🙈

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