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General Science / Do you sweat when swimming laps?
« on: 20/11/2008 15:01:52 »
Julia asked the Naked Scientists:
I've had several arguments with a friend about whether or not a person
sweats while swimming laps in cool water. I have argued that no, you
wouldn't, since the cool water would conduct any body heat from the exercise away from your body without the need for you to sweat.
My friend argues, though, that your body just says "I'm hot, I'll sweat now," without "realising" that the cooling is already being done by the water. I have noticed that when I spend a long time swimming laps, I get quite thirsty, but I always thought that that had more to do with loss of moisture through respiration, particularly since one does so much mouth-breathing while swimming.
Thanks!
I love the show!
What do you think?
I've had several arguments with a friend about whether or not a person
sweats while swimming laps in cool water. I have argued that no, you
wouldn't, since the cool water would conduct any body heat from the exercise away from your body without the need for you to sweat.
My friend argues, though, that your body just says "I'm hot, I'll sweat now," without "realising" that the cooling is already being done by the water. I have noticed that when I spend a long time swimming laps, I get quite thirsty, but I always thought that that had more to do with loss of moisture through respiration, particularly since one does so much mouth-breathing while swimming.
Thanks!
I love the show!
What do you think?