You likely wipe sweat from your face and forehead during aerobic exercise. Your body releases sweat to cool you down, preventing damage from excessive heat. Sweat also releases waste products from inside your body; however, it also secretes important electrolytes needed for muscle function. Aerobic exercise and sweating is healthy, but excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, cramping and fatigue.
Body Temperature Regulation
Sweating is part of your body's thermoregulatory process. Muscle movement creates heat, which is necessary to help increase your temperature when you are cold -- for example, shivering. During an aerobic workout, your muscles create a great deal of heat, most of which is not needed. To protect itself from damage, your body works to dissipate the heat toward the surface. Veins and capillaries expand, your heartbeat increases and blood is pumped to the skin for cooling. If this process is not entirely effective, your brain signals sweat glands to release fluid; evaporation of this fluid reduces heat.
Sweating Benefits
In addition to cooling you down, sweating provides other potential benefits. Similar to receiving a steam treatment during a facial, sweating causes your skin's pores to open. Cleaning your face after a workout may deep-clean your pores. Your body also releases toxins and byproducts of chemical reactions, helping to "clean out" various systems, according to Dr. Luke Fortney of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health.
Dehydration and Mineral Depletion
Though it may play a role in detoxification, excess sweating has potential health risks. One consequence of exercising for extended periods of time, particularly in the heat, is that you risk dehydration. Sweating for too long without properly replenishing your fluids can lead to symptoms of dizziness, thirst, confusion and uncoordinated movements. Your urine might be dark and you may also vomit. Excess sweating also reduces your sodium, chloride and potassium levels; these are needed for muscle contraction and relaxation. Low levels of potassium can lead to fatigue and muscle cramps. Drinking fluids frequently -- every 15 to 20 minutes -- is recommended to maintain fluid balance. Salt tablets and electrolyte drinks replenish minerals lost through sweating.
Considerations
Breaking a sweat while working out is a positive sign; your body is likely functioning properly while you build your strength and endurance. However, too much sweating is harmful. Take precautions when exercising, especially in hot weather. Carry water with you and avoid working out in excessive heat. Talk to your doctor to develop a healthy aerobic workout plan, and discuss the ideal ratio of sweating vs. hydration.
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