Rarely remaining static for too long, the body is a fantastic system that can regulate itself. Having the ability to maintain itself through different processes allows for this self-regulation. Through a process of elimination and statistical study, we can determine without question the best temperature for bodily function during a workout.
Regulating the Body
The body’s natural mechanism of regulation is more formally known as thermoregulation. A perfect example of this is warming up for exercise. Whenever you warm up, the blood from your core rushes into your musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system all at once. This primes the body for activity and, in turn, slightly raises the temperature of the body, activating it for whatever it needs to get done.
The Ideal Temperature
Certain things will happen whenever the body is under stress. If the body is too hot, it will cool itself, and whenever it’s too cold, it will warm itself. The body prefers to be in a state of comfort, so in order to achieve this, it works to keep itself within a certain temperature range. Studies show that this range is somewhere between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or roughly 37 degrees Celsius.
Dressing in Layers
It’s important that you pay careful attention to the weather forecast and terrain for your outdoor activities. Wearing the proper clothing keeps the body well-regulated and comfortable. In recreation such as skiing or snowboarding, for example, dressing in layers to better help the body regulate its temperature might be ideal. You’ll need fewer layers in warmer weather, so for hiking in summer temps, you might only want shorts and a tank top or T-shirt.
The next time you’re shivering in the cold as your body works to warm itself or sweating uncontrollably after a nice workout, you’ll now recognize thermoregulation in action. It’s important to know what your body is doing so that you can act accordingly to the elements. Therefore, everyone should know the best temperature for bodily function during a workout or during rest periods.
