Friday, May 8, 2009

Bike To Work Month - Tip #3

"I can't ride to work. I get to sweaty!" Okay, if you're going to let a little thing like sweat get in the way of riding your bike to work then you might as well stay home and start watching your video of Sweatin' to the Oldies!

There's no way around sweat. The average person has over 2.6 million sweat glands. With all those glands something is bound to seep out. So, what should you do so you don't have to walk around the office all day with dry sweat all over your body and smelling well. . . kind of sweaty?

1 - If you use your commute as part of your exercise or training program use the ride into work as just a warm up. Keep your legs spinning but don't push yourself too hard. Just spin enough to get the blood circulating and heart beating. If you have a longer commute do a couple of hard efforts but use the last couple miles to cool down. Use your ride home for the hard efforts and even put in a few extra miles if you like.

2 - Remember, sweat occurs when you work your muscles and they need to cool off. Sweating is actually a good thing when it comes to exercise performance. However, to minimize sweat on the commute keep in mind you want to wear breathable fabrics. Otherwise, the heat builds up and has no where to escape. Also, remember to have your commuting attire washed regularly. Starting the day off with sweaty clothing isn't good for anyone.

3 - When you arrive at the office you'll need a couple things either stashed at the office or you'll need to have them with you in the backpack you brought with you or a messenger bag.
a. If your company has showers to use this is the easiest answer to your problem. Hit the showers and start the day feeling nice and refreshed!
b. If you work nearby an exercise facility see if your employer can work out an arrangement where you can use their showers.
c. If you don't have showers at your place of business start with a towel. Start by drying the sweat off your body. Remember, to toss your towel in the laundry after a couple uses!
d. Baby Wipes - They're not just for babies anymore! Use them to wipe yourself down after toweling off. They're good at getting sweat off your body and will help cool you down as well. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of smelling better then a clean baby's bottom! Actually, many commuters use them and rarely have been accused of smelling like a baby.
e. Deodorant or Antiperspirants - Use your favorite to keep yourself smelling like someone with whom your coworkers and customers want to do business with. Apply in all the usual places. The lower part of your back gets sweaty too so go ahead and apply some there as well if you like. Or, go the old fashion route and use some baby powder which is just as effective at eliminating odor and keeping yourself sweat free!

So, there you have it. Don't let sweat imprison you. Be released with the knowledge that sweat can't hold you back from enjoying your day at the office when you ride to work!

Enjoy your commute!

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