How to Reduce Body Odor When Working Out at the Gym

You've made a commitment to exercise religiously at the gym each day. Unfortunately, you need to hit the gym during your lunch hour and you won't have time to take a full shower before you return to work. What can you do to reduce the smell of body odor that comes from exercise so you can return to work smelling sweet?

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Bathe and shave under your arms in the morning.

If you'll be exercising at the gym during lunch, take a shower and shave thoroughly under your arms to remove underarm hair. Underarm hair is a breeding ground for odor producing bacteria. After shaving under your armpits, use a textured washcloth to thoroughly scrub under the arms and around between the toes. This will further help to reduce levels of odor producing bacteria.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Wear a quality antiperspirant.

Find an antiperspirant that works for you and use it religiously on days you're going to the gym at lunch time. Include an antiperspirant container in your gym bag to reapply after your workout if necessary. Plus, you'll want to have a tube handy in case you forgot to apply it that morning.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Alternate your workout shoes on a daily basis.

Wearing the same workout shoes each time you visit the gym can create moisture which serves as a breeding ground for odor causing bacteria and fungus. Have several pairs of workout shoes that you alternate each time you go to the gym. Always wear white, cotton, gym socks to help keep your feet dry and odor free.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Wear loose, 100% cotton gym clothing

During your gym workout, wear loose, light colored, 100% cotton gym clothing that'll allow air movement throughout your workout. This will reduce the degree of sweating and odor you generate during exercise. Avoid wearing tight fitting spandex which can allow moisture and odor build up to occur.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Carry scented body wipes in your gym bag

If you won't be able to shower before going back to work, carry a package of scented body wipes in your gym bag to wipe away sweat and odor. One brand of scented body wipes that work well are No Rinse Body Wipes. They can help you feel refreshed and odor free even after a tough workout.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Don't overcompensate with perfume

When you exercise at a public gym, don't try to mask odor by wearing perfume. When you get into a warm, closed environment, the smell of your perfume can be offensive to other gym members. If you feel like you need to apply scent, wait until you complete your workout and apply a light spray before you go back to the office.

Reduce body odor smell at the gym: Wear a powdered foot spray

If your feel have a tendency to sweat excessively during exercise, spray your feet lightly with a deodorant foot spray that has a light coating of powder. This will help to keep your feet dry and fragrance free.

If you don't have time for a shower after you exercise, you can still go back to your job smelling fresh and you'll have the satisfying feeling of knowing you completed your daily workout.