sweat=heart rate=calories burned??

[klirosi]

Anyone have any info or opinions on how the "sweat factor" relates to heart rate and, ultimately, calories burned? Is it true that the sweatiest workouts mean a higher heart rate (obviously working harder) which means you are burning more calories? This probably sounds like a dumb question, but I hear differences of opinion on which is more accurate - using a heart rate monitor versus your own perceptions of your workout. Any thoughts?

Kerrie

 

[naughtoj]

I think there is some sort of correlation, if you aren't on meds or have some sort of underlying medical condition. I am overall healthy and in general, the more I sweat, the harder I am working. But you know, weather can affect that too, humidity especially. Also, when I do a Cathe cardio indoors, even with fans, I sweat more than when I run very hard on a 70 degree day in Arizona. It is something about being inside. I tell myself that I get more free oxygen outside (and the wind). Very weird phenonmenon. I feel like I work 10x harder to any Cathe cardio than when I run or hike. And yes, I still work hard outside. HR monitor registers higher indoors too.



Maybe someone more educated on the topic will reply.

 

[elaineyue]

I don't think the sweat factor can be very accurate. What if you're working out in a dry environment, where your sweat evaporates faster, rather than in a humid environment, where you can be sweating just walking down the street? If you're going by your own perception of how hard you're working, gauge it by how hard you're breathing. You probably want to be breathing heavier than normal, but still be able to talk (rather than gasp!) But if possible, definitely try a heart rate monitor, it will tell you the truth! You can get a real basic one for a decent price.

Elaine