It's summertime, and all we can think of is living in the comfort of AC. Times have changed, and the world has changed. Trees and a cool riverbank in the evening are no longer viable sources of relief. We have to adjust to urban living and the growing temperature. Since AC has become part of everything, many people wonder, Is it okay to workout in AC? After all, there are many misconceptions associated with it, including the question of whether working out in an AC burns less calories.
To start off, there's nothing inherently different when working out without AC or with AC, but with summertime raining down all its fiery glory, AC seems to be the sensible choice for many. In this blog, we will delve deep to discover the benefits and potential health implications of making air-conditioned spaces your fitness sanctuary.
Table Of Contents
- Can I Workout In A Cold Room?
- Is It Okay To Workout In AC? 7 Benefits of Working Out In The Cold
- Does Working Out In AC Burn Less Calories?
- Is It Okay To Workout Under A Fan?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Can I Workout In A Cold Room?
Exercising in a cold room does have advantages, such as the possible increase in endurance and burning calories. Some of the major physiological and metabolic effects of cold temperature exercise are the following:
1. Impact Of High Temperature On Exercise
Working out in high temperatures can raise the heart rate, reduce blood flow, increase sweating, decrease O₂ availability, and increase RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion). High heat causes increased fluid loss (sweat), which might have a negative impact on performance. Even a 2% fall in overall body weight due to fluid loss might result in a 4–6% decline in performance.
2. Effect Of Temperature On Heart Rate
Temperatures of 60°F to 75°F will raise the heart rate 2–4 BPM, and temperatures of 75°F to 90°F can raise it as much as 10 BPM. This has a huge impact on RPE and the body's ability to perform at full capacity.
3. Sweating & Blood Volume
Sweating reduces blood volume, meaning less blood returns to the heart. As a result, less oxygen-rich blood reaches your working muscles, and your body produces less energy aerobically. When more blood is diverted to the skin to expel heat, muscles receive less oxygen, making your heart and lungs work harder.
Therefore, using a fan or air conditioning during indoor exercise can help alleviate these challenges. This not only keeps the environment cooler but also helps regulate sweat and body temperature. If you're wondering, is it okay to workout in AC? — The answer is a strong yes.
For effective routines that suit all weather conditions, explore our summer workout plan at home to stay fit no matter the season.
Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Trending Cold Plunging (Ice Bath), Precautions & Effects On Fat Burning
Is It Okay To Workout In AC? 7 Benefits of Working Out In The Cold
Let’s have a look at the following benefits of working out in the cold:
Benefit | Description |
| Increases Caloric Expenditure | Your body uses more energy to maintain core temperature in the cold, leading to higher calorie burn during and after the workout. Cold room workouts have been shown to burn more calories than warm ones. |
| Improves Endurance | Exercising in cooler temperatures lessens heat stress, allowing you to exercise for longer periods with greater stamina. Muscles are stronger with reduced fatigue, sustaining longer and more effective sessions. |
| Enhances Muscle Growth | Cold exposure has been shown to stimulate the conversion of white fat to brown fat, which is more metabolically active. The process can be beneficial for both muscle gain and fat loss. |
| Provides Ideal Environment | Facilities with air conditioning provide a steady, comfortable temperature, creating a regulated atmosphere that enhances focus, drive, and productivity. |
| Prevents Heat Exhaustion | High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. These risks are significantly reduced in a cooler gym setting, creating a safer training environment. |
| Prevents Dehydration | Cooler temperatures help control sweating and water loss, maintaining hydration and energy levels for more intense and sustained workouts. |
| Improves Focus | Exercising in an AC gym reduces distractions from sweating and overheating, helping you stay mentally sharp and focused on your fitness goals. |
Also Read: 10 Cold Shower Benefits for Health & Recovery | ToneOpFit
Does Working Out In AC Burn Less Calories?
No, exercising in an air-conditioned environment doesn’t burn fewer calories. In fact, in colder temperatures, your body works harder to stay warm, which may even boost caloric expenditure.
Brown fat plays a role in regulating body temperature. When exposed to cold, it burns calories to produce heat, which can increase metabolic rate and aid fat loss.
The stress your body experiences in cooler environments, like producing heat, causes faster glycogen breakdown in muscles to provide energy. So, if you're still wondering, is it okay to workout in AC? — Remember, calorie burn depends more on exercise intensity, duration, and body type, not just room temperature.
For post-workout recovery in contrasting temperatures, read about cold shower vs hot shower to see what suits your regimen best.
Is It Okay To Workout Under A Fan?
Yes, it is safe and beneficial to work out under a fan, particularly in hot weather. Fans help in air circulation, cooling the body, and preventing dehydration.
1. Improved Air Circulation
Think of it like this: when you run around, you get hot air around you. The fan goes "whoosh!" and blows that hot air away. This makes it easier to breathe, and you feel better when you're doing your jumping jacks or running on the spot.
2. Cost-effective Temperature Regulation
Instead of using big, noisy ACS that cost lots of money, fans are like a cheap and cool helper. They keep the room comfy so you can do your exercises without getting too sticky.
3. Aesthetic & Practical
Plus, some fans look really cool on the ceiling in your workout room! They don't take up much space, which is good if your room does lots of things, not just workouts. So, yeah, fan power for your exercises!
That said, avoid letting the fan blow directly on your face for extended periods, as it may cause muscle stiffness or nasal dryness. Wondering if it's okay to workout in AC compared to using fans? AC offers more consistent cooling, but fans are a great supportive option, especially when paired together.
Expert’s Advice
Although it is vital to balance outdoor workouts in changing weather conditions and avoid overexertion, working under air conditioning is not only relaxing but also beneficial. To attain peak training performance in cold gyms, I recommend consuming the correct nutrients early and often, as well as staying hydrated even when you are not thirsty. This will go a long way and will not weary you. However, keep in mind that your specific needs, temperature tolerance, and health concerns should all be considered when making this selection.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
While nature's own charm of outdoor fitness workouts may still hold, comfort and the regulated setting provided by AC can, in fact, be a blessing for regular exercise, more so in the hot Indian summers. Know the subtleties, drink lots of water, and heed your body, no matter where you decide to work out. So, relax and make the right decisions towards a healthier you, even in the chilled hug of man-made climate control.
FAQs
1. Should we workout with AC?
Working out with AC is safe and often preferred, as it prevents overheating and allows you to exercise more comfortably and effectively. However, ensure proper warm-up, as cooler temperatures can increase the risk of muscle strains if you start intense activity too quickly.
2. Will I lose weight if I workout in the AC?
Yes, you can lose weight while working out in an air-conditioned room, as weight loss depends on calorie burn versus intake, not room temperature. In fact, cooler environments may even boost calorie expenditure as your body works to maintain its core temperature.
3. What is the ideal gym temperature?
The ideal gym temperature is generally between 20°C and 22°C (68°F and 72°F), which keeps you comfortable, reduces overheating risks, and helps maintain workout performance. Proper ventilation is also important for air quality and overall safety in fitness centres.
References
- https://draxe.com/fitness/working-out-in-the-cold/
- https://www.froedtert.com/stories/how-cold-weather-affects-body-during-exercise
- https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/02/is-exercising-in-cold-weather-a-better-workout
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/ac-vs-non-ac-gym-comparison-for-working-out-in-summer-1685364861
- https://www.dansfancity.com/benefits-ceiling-fan-home-gym?srsltid=AfmBOoo1jiQo_RnyKMQNhtDZWc-wc5ZrjGkRpf1QY6GXPAFBvbnQowmw
- https://bikerumor.com/aasq-44-should-you-use-a-fan-while-on-the-trainer-for-the-best-results/
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