Lately, the controlling factor to how much time I can spend working out isn't strength or endurance, but heat and the attendant dehydration.

Now, my gym, like other gyms I've been to, is kept at more or less normal room temperature. And I think that's part of the problem.

So instead, how about a gym where they keep the temperature way down- maybe 50 degrees Fahrenheit or so, with very low humidity. You would need to exercise to stay warm, and once you were exercising you'd have a much easier time venting waste heat from the exercise.

I also seem to recall that cold encourages burning calories, and while the effect would probably be tiny every little bit helps. More importantly, people would sweat less, so the gym would smell better.
-- Uncle Nutsy, Oct 17 2000

High-Altitude Gym http://www.powerhousenj.com/hypoxic.htm
Not quite the Arctic Gym. Here you can exercise in simulated high-altitude (low oxygen) rooms [hippo, Oct 17 2000, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Thermo-STAT http://www.stanford.../thermostat122.html
Saw a study where this device was used in reverse to cool down athletes. This increased comfort and performance dramatically. Why not build one into a StairMaster? With a little feedback, it could maintain your desired temperature without freezing the rest of us. [rmutt, Oct 17 2000, last modified Oct 17 2004]

You'd still get tired... but at least you wouldn't be hot. And if you take off your parka, you probably won't sweat very much, either.
-- egnor, Oct 17 2000


One of the problems with exercising in a cold environment is that you need to stretch for a longer period of time before and after you work out. Small problem, though.

Another idea: take up swimming. The water provides a fair bit of resistance, and the water temperature is colder than room temperature so you burn more calories as well.
-- BigThor, Oct 18 2000


please please please I want this so BAD. OMG-- listen, I run in shorts in 20 degree F weather and that's p e r f e c t .... Man if I could lift in a cold room I'd be so amazing.... yes yes yes....
-- futurebird, Jan 14 2003



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