Regulating your body temperature is a full-time job. A normal core body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, activities such as working out regularly can increase your body temperature. Bodily functions, such as sweating and shivering occur when your body temperature drops or raises too high. Depending on how much you exercise, you can manipulate your body temperature, which may have some benefits.
Turning up the Heat
Exercising naturally raises your body temperature by stimulating your metabolism. Think of your body as a machine; when the engine is running it heats up. Your body responds by trying to regulate your temperature, which is why sweating occurs. People who exercise often increase their metabolism, thus raising their body temperature. Aerobic activity such as running raises your temperature more than strength training because cardiovascular exercise stimulates your metabolism more.
Raising your body temperature through regular exercise helps you burn calories and lose weight. According to Medline Plus, a higher body temperature from exercise helps kill bacteria and virus infections in the blood. Another benefit of running a high temperature is improved heart function and cancer prevention. Exercise helps release tension and improve blood circulation, according to the American Heart Association.
Don’t Overdo It
People who already work out often can disrupt their immune system by exercising too vigorously, warns Medline Plus. Too much exercise without recovery stresses the body and decreases your white blood cell count, and it produces stress hormones. Create a workout schedule that consists of at least 150 minutes of moderately intense cardio and two strength-training exercises per week. Depending on your fitness, you can perform 150 minutes of vigorous cardio or 300 minutes of moderately intense cardio for improved health benefits, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
Other factors apart from your exercise routine, such as spicy food and hot weather, can contribute to higher body temperature. Exercising in hot weather can take your body temperature to dangerously stressful levels. High humidity also adds to your body temperature as sweat won’t evaporate as efficiently. When your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. Heat cramps, which cause muscle pain in the calves, quadriceps and abdominals, can occur at a normal temperature. Avoid exercising in hot temperatures, but if you do, wear a cap and sip cold water throughout to keep your body cool.
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