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By Nicole McDermott[1]


So we already know that exercise is good for you for about a million reasons -- it can boost brainpower[2] , make us look and feel good and alleviate stress[3] , just to name a few. But it's not always rainbows and butterflies[4] after hitting the gym: Dealing with stink, sweat and aches and pains can be tough. While there's likely no way to stop the unfortunate side effects of working out (besides becoming a couch potato), we're here to recognize each and every downside, plus offer up some solutions and know-how for when unforeseen consequences strike.


1. You often wake up when it's still dark out.

alarm clock

No one enjoys an alarm sounding at the crack of dawn, but facing a morning sweat sesh may make the prospect of peeling the covers back even more miserable. On the bright side, research suggests it's sometimes easier to stick with a morning workout routine, so that's all the more reason to get your tush out of bed. Become an a.m. athlete with these science-backed tips:



2. You need to pay attention to (and interact with) bad weather.You've got one designated hour to get sweaty, but unfortunately the sky decided to break a sweat at the very same time. Whether it's raining, snowing, sleeting or just too darn hot (or cold) to imagine being outdoors, there are still viable options to stay active. The good news is that exercising in cold and hot temps is generally quite safe as long as you take proper precautions:



3. Your phone or MP3 player gets sweat in, on and around it.

Like many runners, I can't jog four feet without coming down with a bad case of really sweaty palms (like, really sweaty). While it's obvious that sweat and electronics don't mix, who has time (and money) to rig up a waterproof armband every time they want to work out? Try these strategies to keep your technology clean and dry:

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4. You need to go back to work looking like a grease ball and smelling like a Hunger Games contestant.

Squeezing in a run or a Pilates class during your lunch break is an admirable feat, until you realize you smell like feet upon return to the office. When there's no time to shower, try one of these time-honored ways to fake it and stave off sweat-induced jock itch (ick).

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5. You blaze through deodorant because you sweat like a sinner in church.

deodorant

Pit stains may be unappealing, but sweating is actually really great for us. Dripping sweat helps cool us down. Accept your sweatiness by acknowledging that, after all, B.O. is only natural.

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6. Your hair feels like a matted, sweaty rat's nest.

There's nothing worse after a workout than sporting a 'do that resembles the Hunchback of Notre Dame. To get rid of the dreaded ponytail hair bump -- and avoid a super-sweaty hairline (dudes, we're talking to you too) -- it's best to prevent it in the first place.



7. Your hair also looks like straw and your skin feels like sandpaper from so much showering.

Sexy, right? Washing off all that sweat is the logical conclusion to most workouts. But extra time under the H2O means soap and water will remove protective oils that the skin naturally produces. Turn to the pantry for some frugal fixes:

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8. Your feet look disgusting.

Hitting the track, trails or pavement day after day can do a number on those tootsies. Runner's toe, a nasty-looking condition accompanied by pain and bloody or bruised toes, can lead to infection and get in the way of a workout routine. Busted feet aren't limited to runners either; everyone from tennis players to skiers and dancers can experience painful and unsightly feet. Abide by these tips before you have to say, “R.I.P., big toenail.”

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  • Pick the right athletic socks[36] to help prevent injuries, improve performance and keep feet nice and dry.

  • Act like Goldilocks at the shoe store and make sure those sneaks fit just right[37] . If shoes are too tight, constant pressure can irritate the toenail. On the other hand, too-loose footwear means the feet continually bang into the shoe (ouch).

  • This tip may sound silly, but cut your toenails[38] ! Keeping those nails trimmed assures they won't get in the way and contribute to unnecessary injury.


9. Your favorite sneaks smell like a frat party.

air freshener tree

We've talked about the biology of body odor and it ain't pretty. Since it's impractical to run sneakers through the wash after every use, read on to see what you can do about stinky footwear.



10. You've got to shave your legs and pits more often. (Disregard if you are all for body hair.)

Skipping arms day because you forgot to shave your pits can be pretty frustrating. Unless you're planning to take a rest day and let muscles heal, try these tips to avoid a hair-raising gym session:

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  • Plan ahead to skirt around an embarrassing crescent pose. Shave the day of or day before an arm workout or a group class that usually requires raising the arms.

  • Wear thin pants or capris to hide furry legs.

  • Embrace the #YOLO. Other gym-goers are likely more interested in their own workouts (and checking themselves out in the mirror) than noticing a Teen Wolf wannabe pumping out shoulder presses.


11. You chafe in unfortunate places.

Ouuuuch. When sweat and fabric rub against the skin while running or switching from move to move in a fitness class, it can cause painful irritation and rashes known affectionately as chafing. Without the proper gear, there's no escaping the fire of chafing in some of your most sensitive spots (i.e. thighs and nipples).



  • Reduce thigh chafing[43] by wearing longer running shorts, capris or pants to avoid skin-on-skin contact.

  • If pants aren't your thing, try out products like BodyGlide[44] to reduce some of that friction.


12. You regularly become a stink ball that no one wants to sit next to on the bus.

Empty seats all around you on a crowded bus or train? We've all been there. The beet-red face, huffing and puffing, overall dampness and locker room stink hardly help you make a good first impression on public transportation. Shake it off and take pride in those pit stains.



  • Be proud of your sweat -- it means you're totally jacked! Some studies have found that those who are in-shape sweat more[45] than people who are physically unfit.

  • Toss some wet wipes[46] or a small towel in your gym bag to dab away the stink before hopping on a bus or subway.


13. You have a lot of sh!t to carry around.

gym bag yoga mat

Forget important documents -- your work bag is weighed down with sneakers, sports socks, clothes and gym locks. Adding toiletries and other goodies, like a cumbersome yoga mat or shower shoes, means you'll probably have to invest in a gym bag to tote your extra stuff around. Pack that bag in a smart and efficient way before heading out the door.



  • Learn how to carry your stuff safely[47] by keeping your bag close to the body, using two straps and stashing the heaviest things at the bottom.

  • Whittle your bag down to just the essentials[48] . Travel-size deodorant and an extra pair of undies[49] won't take up that much space.


14. Speaking of sh!t, you have to go. All. The. Time.

Ever felt the urge to go number two during a cat-cow pose? You're not alone: Regular exercise can make us more regular, and going an average of once a day is perfectly healthy. And hey, everyone poops, so you might as well learn everything you can about the whole process.

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15. You need to replace your sneakers all the time.

old running sneakers

Depending on how a runner strikes the ground (and how much he or she weighs), sneakers can take a beating. Anywhere between 300-500 miles after the first wear, the foam in sneakers (designed to absorb impact) loses its effectiveness, which can lead to injury. Unfortunately, replacing sneaks every few months can put quite a dent in your wallet. Luckily, we've got the deets on sneaker longevity.

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16. Your other shoes feel like torture devices.

Stiff leather boots? Heels? Oh, hell no. Logging an hour per day in sneakers makes grandpa's orthotics look much more appealing than trendy kicks. In addition to being uncomfy skyscraper heels have some unpleasant implications when worn repeatedly, such as bunions (pretty!), pinched nerves (feels great!), flat feet (fabulous!) and inflammation (sexy!).

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  • Our feet are not made for wearing heels. It's science[60] . Tell your friends that next time you go to the club in Uggs.

  • Even Louboutin-wearing fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker has sworn off heels[61] for good (unless they're really, really nice).

  • When you do wear hellish heels, make things easier on yourself[62] by breaking them in. Don't forget to bring a couple Band-Aids and some flats for later.


17. You need to do laundry more often.

Unless you're an avid fan of naked yoga, it's an undeniable fact that the laundry pile grows with each and every workout. From wearing multiple pairs of undies in one day (God forbid you wear sweaty britches all day), to layering up for an outdoor workout, some weeks feel like they require a full bottle of laundry detergent. These easy tips will keep your clothes fresher, longer.

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  • Look on the bright side: Doing laundry[64] counts as fitness.

  • Let your clothes dry out[65] . Hanging up clothes to air them out (rather than letting them fester in a plastic bag) means you can re-wear certain garments like running shorts or a sports bra.

  • Soak extra stinky stuff[66] in one part vinegar to four parts hot water to help disinfect.


18. You're all sorts of hungry.

looking in fridge

If you've ever emptied the fridge after an intense gym session, you know all about exercise-induced hunger pangs. Since exercise burns calories, working up a sweat can make us pretty hungry afterward. Unfortunately, many of us don't refuel properly (chips and Diet Coke don't count) after a workout. Thankfully, there are tasty, easy solutions for that rumbling tummy!

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19. Some days, you walk like a sleepy penguin 'cause your muscles hurt.

While exercising generally does the body good, muscle soreness after a hard workout is uncomfortable. Sore muscles are a normal -- but annoying -- side effect of the muscle rebuilding process. The good news is, when torn muscle fibers rebuild they become stronger, and there are plenty of ways to relieve the aches and pains. Boo yah!

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20. You can't even drown your stinky sorrows in sweet lullabies because your headphones shorted out.

Over time, drenching headphones in stinky sweat can leave them rather ineffective. While it's important to keep them clean and dry, it's also not a bad idea to give your ears a break every once in a while to protect hearing and keep those buds clean.

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  • Using water on electronics can be tricky, so read up on how to clean off germy earbud sweat here[81] .

  • Try working out sans music every once in a while. Wedging in a set of earbuds while running outdoors can be a dangerous distraction[82] , plus listening too loud can lead to hearing impairment[83] .

  • Invest in a pair of wireless, sweat-resistant headphones, like these[84] .




What's the worst workout side effect you face? Let us know in the comments below!.


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  • Get In And Get Out


    Let's be honest: A locker room is essentially a glorified public bathroom. It's got everything you've got at home, with the added luxury of using the sinks and mirrors and showers in public. You don't dilly dally in the loo, so why do it in the locker room? "I get it, you just worked hard, and you're tired," says Halevy, "but can't that be done somewhere else in the gym? When it's time to get ready, <em>that's</em> when you head to the locker room," he says.
    <br><br>
    If you're getting ready for work or a night out, Frieman says, of course you'll take a little extra time primping, but otherwise, he says his policy is "get dressed and get the heck out of there like the place is on fire." Having spent his fair share of time in various locker rooms as a professional wrestler for eight years, he says he's still surprised when people settle in on the benches like it's their living room couch. "People act like their mini space is their condo," he says. "You don't own it!" There's no need to rush, he stresses, just no need to delay, either.




  • ...Of The Shower, Too


    The locker room is not the place to take a 20-minute shower, complete with full-body exfoliation and leg shaving.
    <br><br>
    And please close the curtain, Halevy says. It doesn't happen frequently, he says, but he'll every once in a while catch someone showering with the curtain half-open, he says. "Your shower should not be a show to everybody else."
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovememphis/5180174117/" target="_hplink">ilovememphis</a></em>




  • Keep Conversations To A Minimum


    "It's okay to be friendly, but anything more than a simple exchange of pleasantries is, in my opinion, excessive," says Halevy. "We're uncomfortable in that setting, not because we're inhibited by our bodies but you feel vulnerable." You may have the best intentions in striking a friendly conversation, but it's likely to make others feel uncomfortable, especially if one or both of you isn't fully dressed, he says.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/smomashup1/3819450820/" target="_hplink">smoMashup_</a></em>




  • Save Phone Calls For Later


    The locker room, like an elevator or a bus or train, is not your personal conference room, says Halevy, so don't plan to hold a 30-minute phone call while you're in there. If you receive an important phone call, ask the person if you can call them back, and step out of the locker room to a more appropriate setting.
    <br><br>
    Also, turn your phone to vibrate or off completely when you leave it in your locker during your workout. Just like in the office, no one wants to hear your never-ending ringtone.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarrett/5171865477/" target="_hplink">kjarrett</a></em>




  • Wear Flip Flops


    Covering your feet in the locker room in general and particularly in the shower is more of a hygiene issue than a matter of manners, but health risks aside, it's still the polite thing to do, says Frieman. "You may be the cleanest, nicest person in the world, but you might cut your foot," he says. "You never know what you're bringing into the facility. Let people understand that you're doing your part."
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamestruepenny/5995163823/" target="_hplink">jamestruepenny</a></em>




  • Dry Off


    Before you leave the shower area, give yourself a once over with that towel. Not only will you avoid leaving slippery and dangerous puddles in your wake, but you'll also ensure that you don't drip on any fellow gym-goers or their belongings, says Frieman.
    <br><br>
    Plus, you spare them the in-your-face-ness of whole-body toweling, he says. "It's very close quarters to have someone hoist their leg up and dry themselves," he says.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkering/3069636682/" target="_hplink">MarkWallace</a></em>




  • Cover Up


    "You're there to get changed, but you're not there to put on a show," says Halevy, so please curb the excessive nudity. It's great if you feel comfortable enough in your own skin to be naked in the locker room, but it's not the place the celebrate your body. You don't have to struggle to keep every inch covered by that tiny towel, but put at least underwear on before moving around to dry your hair, shave or pack up your bag.
    <br><br>
    "We're all adults here," says Frieman, so bottom line is no one is going to throw you out of a locker room for baring a little skin, but when everyone else is trying to get out of there as soon as possible, there's no need to "put your body in somebody else's face," he says.




  • ...In The Sauna, Too


    Many gym goers seem to act as if a different set of rules apply to the sauna, but nudity is uncomfortable to many here, too. Plus, Frieman points out, you're not going to get a better sweat, and moisture doesn't easily wipe off of the wooden benches. Locker rooms with saunas provide towels -- for a reason, he says.
    <br><br>
    And while benches placed in other areas of the locker room may not be made of wood, similar hygiene concerns apply, so please don't sit until you have pants on or at least a towel around your waist, and we hope we don't have to explain why.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarkstonscamp/4680447328/" target="_hplink">Clarkston SCAMP</a></em>




  • Go Easy On Sprays


    If you're the type of person who likes to top off your look with a scent, do so with respect to the people sharing the locker room with you. Some people may be allergic, others may just have a very sensitive nose, says Frieman. Don't spray it all over your body, and instead cup the spray into your hand and apply to your skin, he says.
    <br><br>
    Hairspray may be a little more unavaodable, but again, go easy, and if you can, switch to gel or mousse in the locker room.




  • Keep It Clean


    "It's basic courtesy," says Halevy. "Sometimes people just feel a little too comfortable and feel entitled to throw stuff on the floor. If you're done with a towel, throw it in the towel bin. Have respect for the space and respect for others."
    <br><br>
    The same goes with makeup on the counter, hair in the sink if you shave, wet footprints and even hair in the drain, says Frieman, lest you create a "domino effect of disgustingness." Once one person leaves hair in the drain, the next person certainly isn't going to clean out their own and the hair of the person before them. Yes, there are cleaning crews, he concedes, but it's proper to "do your part to not make the place even messier than it is," he says.
    <br><br>
    If a shower stall, sink or other area is particularly dirty, it's also your duty to alert the staff when something is in need of extra attention, he says.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipdegirl/5398997089/" target="_hplink">jenni from the block</a></em>




  • Lock It Up


    Sure, it makes sense for security purposes, especially if you're leaving a phone or jewelry behind when you hit the shower, but locks also help to designate space in a crowded locker room. "Inevitably, you put your stuff down and someone will come up behind you say, 'Oh, I was there,'" says Frieman.
    <br><br>
    Opening an unlocked locker thinking that it's available when it is in fact in use can also feel uncomfortable, he says, like you are invading someone's space. Save everyone the awkwardness and confusion by using a lock -- many gyms have them for sale at the front desk if you don't have one.
    <br><br>
    <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spcummings/2312519868/" target="_hplink">Stephen Cummings</a></em>




  • If You See Someone You Know...


    Whether it's your boss, your neighbor, your doctor -- those unexpected run-ins at the gym can be awkward, especially if unhygienic habits are revealed or there is little to no clothing involved. Your best plan of action? "Don't talk to them until they're clothed," says Halevy, who says he has had someone say hello in a compromising locker room scenario. His reaction at the time? "It's great to see you... but not right now," he says. "You never want to make somebody feel that. It takes 10 seconds to put your pants on. Then when you hit that comfort zone, you can talk," he says.




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