8 Ways to Smell Fresh Post-Workout

It’s the New Year—which means it’s time for a new and improved you! And what better what to do that than diving headfirst into a new Beachbody fitness regimen.

Maybe it’s time to do something like…21 Day Fix  which is all about simple fitness and simple eating that simply is the perfect solution for those looking for a quick fix and fast results.

Then there’s Insanity Max:30 for those of you who are crunched for time but feel the urge to push yourself to your own personal max for insane results.

Then again, maybe you’re a walk/jogger, gym rat, or have your own physical fitness routine gong on, regardless of your level of physical prowess, when you get your heart pumping, blood flowing, muscles burning, and fast blasting—you also get your sweat glands churning. And as we all know too well: SWEAT = STINK. Stink is bad. Not only for your own nose, but also for those around you.

So to help you minimize the stench and not make enemies…

Here are 8 ways to smell fresh before, during, and after a good ol’ sweat:

Don’t eat high fiber foods before working out.

High fiber foods produce gas. And all that bouncing around is bound to release the bloat. So if you’re looking for an energy boost to get you through your workouts, great. Just make sure it contains less than 5 g of fiber, or else you might just earn the nickname of Stinky Butt  lol lol

Don’t wear spandex or cotton. Wear real workout clothes that wicks away sweat.

Spandex stifles airflow and traps sweat onto your skin, which then turns into a breeding ground for bacteria. And bacteria is the culprit of bad smells. The problem with cotton clothing is that it absorbs moisture, hugs to your sticky skin, and keeps you wet, which then makes you smelly.

While antiperspirant does just want the name says, helping reduce your perspiration which is secreted by your Eccrine glands, your Apocrine glands (which are located under your arms, near the groins, and on the breasts) excrete an odorless substance that turns gnarly when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. So to stop the stench, makes sure your “deodorant” contains both: antiperspirant AND deodorant.

Wear gym shoes.

They’re made with breathable mesh, which lets your feet breath. And the quicker your feet can air out, the less chance they will stink. No one likes stinky feet. No one

Wash your workout clothes.

Sounds like a no-brainer, huh? But you’d be surprised how many people let their stuff air dry then re-wear it again, and again, and again. And there are some who spray their garments with aerosol deodorant thinking that THAT kills the smell. Note to self: It doesn’t!

Wash your gym bag.

Whatever your stinky clothes touch eventually makes stinky too. So every couple of months or so, throw that bag in the washer, then let it air dry so you don’t melt anything.

Wash your body.

The sooner the better! Bacteria on your skin just about doubles every 20 minutes, and it’s the bacteria that creates the stench. So the quicker you wash it off, the sooner you’ll smell good.

Pull your hair out of your face so it doesn’t catch the stink.

Hair is pretty. And it makes you pretty. Yet there’s no need to wear it down and let it flop around during workouts. Just like your body, when it gets sweaty, it gets stinky. So bust out a ponytail holder and tie that mop back. Especially if you’re one of those who don't wash your hair every day.

And there you have it, 8 simply tips to help you smell, well…SWELL!