Exercising Without Sweating? Yes, please!

The summer is so hot and sticky, why would we want to sweat even more by exercising? Or is it just me who thinks like that? Regardless, humidity, sweat and clothes sticking to our bodies as we move make exercise seem rather uncomfortable. What can be done to fix it?   

Researchers at MIT have come up with a solution. They’ve developed a workout suit with flaps that open as the wearer begins perspiring. As the person cools off, the flaps contract until they assume their original position. You can learn more by watching the video here. 

Sounds cool (no pun intended), sounds practical. I should probably mention something majorly innovative about these flaps: they are lined with live, microbial cells. These cells can detect when the body is heating up too much, and in response, expand. It’s just as if they were working within any other organism, recognizing patterns of heating and cooling, then responding appropriately to maintain homeostasis.  

Seems kind of weird to have living cells (that aren’t your own) on you, right? Not to fear, these cells have been deemed safe. Plus, there’s a material (called bioLogic) in the suit that helps the flaps/cells hover ever so slightly above the exerciser's skin. The flaps start opening as soon as people start feeling warm and sweaty, and the bit of space between the suit and the skin helps foster that feeling of cool, refreshing, air as you move.