Why dress lighter for a workout than for everyday weather?
Muscle activity during exercise sharply increases your body's internal heat production, so it feels much warmer than the actual outdoor temperature. Dressing as you normally would means you'll be soaked in sweat within 5-10 minutes, which actually makes it harder to regulate your body temperature. This tool factors in the difference in heat production between sports, adding an offset to the actual temperature to compute a "felt temperature," then recommends an outfit based on that.
Felt-Temperature Offset by Sport
| Sport | Offset | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Running | +8°C | Highest heart rate and metabolic rate of the group |
| Ball sports | +6°C | Frequent bursts of high-intensity movement |
| Golf | +3°C | Some walking involved but mostly low intensity |
| Walking / strolling | +2°C | Little extra heat production, close to actual temperature |
High-intensity activities like running that raise your heart rate significantly can feel 6-8°C warmer than the actual temperature, so it's standard practice to start out dressed lightly. That said, the feels-like temperature drops sharply the moment you stop moving, so it's worth carrying a windbreaker or spare top you can put on immediately during breaks or after finishing, regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Muscle activity during exercise sharply increases your body's heat production, so it feels much warmer than the actual temperature. Dressing as you normally would means you'll be drenched in sweat within 5-10 minutes, making it harder to regulate your temperature.
Running raises your heart rate and metabolic rate far more than walking, so it feels 6-8°C warmer than the actual temperature. Walking, by contrast, generates little extra heat and feels close to the actual reading.
Even if you feel warm while moving, the feels-like temperature drops sharply the moment you stop. Always carry a windbreaker or spare top you can put on immediately during breaks or after finishing.