By Dave Patania
Enquirer contributor

My 21-year-old daughter has been working out for the past few years and we have both noticed that she is sweating more than before. Is this a result of harder and longer workouts, her snug-fitting gear or all of the above?

The sweating mechanism of our bodies is a function of our internal air conditioning or cooling system. As body temperatures rise, the sweat mechanism kicks in and sweat is released to the surface of the skin. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the body.

With regard to your daughter, her increased sweating is nothing to worry about. If she is 21 and has been working out for a few years, her body has matured, and so has her body's heat regulation system.

As we age, all of the systems of our body reach a level of proficiency and efficiency, and she is likely at that point.

I remember when I ran track in high school and would barely break a sweat, even in the heat. By the time I was in college, I would be soaked in sweat with just a moderate workout. This is just another example of the maturation process of the body and its heat regulatory system.

With regard to clothing, that really isn't an issue unless she is using outdated techniques such as wearing plastic bags on her body to "burn more fat." Preventing sweat from evaporating off the surface of the skin can lead to overheating and possibly heat exhaustion. As long as she has breathable fabrics that allow the evaporation process, she will be just fine.

Increased workout levels can raise body temperatures more so than lighter ones, thus producing more sweat, but that is nothing to worry about. Unless she complains of dizziness, feeling faint or being very nauseated while working out, let the sweating continue.

What time of the day is best to work out? If in the morning, should I eat breakfast first or wait?

There are many people who achieve great results by doing their cardiovascular training first thing in the morning before eating.

In the morning, the body is low on blood sugar, thus allowing the body to more readily utilize fat for its main energy source. So if you are trying to effectively burn fat, try that technique for four-12 weeks to give your body a chance to acclimate. Be consistent and you will be rewarded for it.

However, if you are training with weights in the morning, it is wise to have a light meal or power shake an hour or so before training for sustained energy.

Contact personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com.