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Aerobics/Working out with or without the AC

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Expert: - 8/7/2003


Question
Is it best to workout with the air conditioner on or off during summer? It seems I get a better workout when the AC is off (I sweat a lot more).

Answer
****Suggestions offered here may or may not help you in your particular situation****

Hi Sweetnisss.

Working out with or without air conditioning is a personal preference.  Sweating is usually not a good indicator of exercise intensity, especially in a hot and/or humid environment.  You sweat because your body is trying to cool itself, maintaining its homeostatis (basic survival).

You must always consider heat illness when exercising in hot environmental conditions.  I cannot recommend physical activity for prolonged periods of time in heat without some rational reason and ALWAYS adequate hydration.  

Go to this website for more heat/exercise information:  
http://www.clinicalsportsmedicine.com/chapters/48c.htm

Unless you are training for a marathon in the desert, enjoy your workouts in the AC in the summer.  

Hope this helps.  Take care of yourself.  

Sincerely, Daphne  

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Daphne E Brown MS CPRP

Expertise

I will answer questions concerning exercise, nutrition, health and diseases related to obesity or sedentary lifestyle. I can also answer questions about being an aerobics/group exercise leader or questions about getting certified with AFAA.

Experience

Receiving my Masters of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, I have been Fitness Director on board Royal Caribbean luxury cruise ships, I have given training seminars for aspiring group exercise leaders; I am certified and I work for Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). I was Senior Exercise Physiologist and lecturer at the Internationally renowned Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa at Turnberry Island Resort in Miami, Florida for almost 10 years and I was also the Fitness Assessment Coordinator at the exclusive Fisher Island Spa Internazionale on exclusive Fisher Island in Miami Beach (famous residents of the island include Oprah Winfrey, Andre Agassi, and Sharon Gless). I've competed in AAU and NAC Aerobics competitions. Currently, I own a Fitness/Lifestyle planning business. I have been in the Fitness industry for almost 20 years and here on AllExperts since 1999.

Education/Credentials
B.S. Biology/Chemistry M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology AFAA Certified and Examiner

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