While some prefer working out without an air conditioner, thanks to the common notion that “the more you sweat, the more weight you lose”, experts say that working out in an air-conditioned gym or indoor premises is actually advisable.

Should you work out with the air conditioner on? The topic has been oft-debated among fitnessfreaks. While some prefer working out without an air conditioner, thanks to the common notion that “the more you sweat, the more weight you lose”, experts say that working out in an air-conditioned gym or indoor premises is actually advisable, especially in peak summer.

But maintaining a moderate temperature is important, they say.

’23-25 degrees temperature while working out is optimal’

Experts say that while working out in an AC environment, one should make sure that it’s not too cold and also avoid exercising directly under the AC. Says Apoorvi Sethi, fitness expert and health coach, “The temperature should be moderate and not very low. Else, it will take longer for your body to warm up. 23-25 degrees is optimal to work out in. Since it gets extremely hot and humid around this time of the year, working out in an AC ambience is advisable.”

The more you sweat, the more you burn fat: Myth or fact?

Many may believe that sweating is an indication of fat loss, but that’s not how our body works, say experts. “Many people gauge the effectiveness of their workouts based on how much they sweat. Since sweating is reduced in an AC room, they assume that working out in such a setting is ineffective. However, the efficacy of a workout should be evaluated based on fat loss, muscle gain, endurance or strength improvement. When it comes to fat loss, the amount of sweat is irrelevant; what matters is the number of calories burnt. In an AC gym, you can exert more effort without overheating your body. To build strength, it is better to train in a temperature that keeps your body comfortable,” shares Tejas Rajaputhran, sports science lecturer, fitness coach and founder of TejasTeaches.

Hydrate, stretch: Tips for working out in an AC gym

BEFORE WORKOUT: Do a 20-minute full-body mobility drill

DURING WORKOUT: Keep yourself hydrated. Sipping on BCAA (branchedchain amino acids) or lemon water with pink salt is a good option

POST WORKOUT: Stretch well. And fuel yourself with protein

– Apoorvi Sethi, fitness expert and health coach