Which parts of the body should I depilate before going to the fitness centre?
Blog BackTable of Contents:
- Why does pre-workout depilation matter?
- Key areas of the body to depilate before a workout
- What to look out for before and after depilation?
- Summary
Nowadays, taking care of one's body is not only limited to a healthy lifestyle, diet and regular physical activity. More and more people, both women and men, are paying attention to aesthetic aspects such as depilation. In the context of fitness, proper body care, including depilation, can make a significant difference to your comfort during a workout. However, it's worth considering which parts of your body you should depilate before visiting the gym to feel fresh, confident and comfortable.
Why does pre-workout depilation matter?
Depilation before a fitness appointment is not a chore, but it can make a significant difference to your comfort and hygiene. Hair, especially in areas that sweat heavily during exercise, can contribute to increased friction, cause irritation and promote moisture retention, which increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Regular depilation in strategic areas also helps to keep the skin in better condition, as hair removal reduces the build-up of sweat and dirt that can block pores and lead to blemishes or inflammation.
Key areas of the body to depilate before a workout
The underarms are one of the most important areas to take care of before a workout. We sweat profusely during exercise, and the underarms are an area where perspiration is particularly intense. Hair in this area can promote moisture retention, which increases the risk of odour and irritation. Underarm depilation provides better hygiene, reduces sweating and allows antiperspirants to work more effectively.
Legs are another part of the body that many people choose to depilate before a workout, especially if you're wearing short shorts or 3/4-length leggings. Aesthetics are the main reason why women (and increasingly men) choose leg depilation before a workout. Not only do waxed legs look more aesthetically pleasing, they also reduce the risk of irritation caused by sweat and clothing rubbing against the skin during exercise.
When wearing fitted leggings, shorts or sportswear that reveals more flesh, many people opt for depilation of the bikini area. This is especially important for those attending classes such as yoga, pilates or group fitness classes, where wearing tighter sportswear is the norm. Depilation in the bikini area not only improves aesthetics, but also prevents irritation that can occur from clothes rubbing against the skin during intense exercise. We would like to point out that in order to enjoy the benefits of hair removal, there's no need to go for a deep bikini wax right away. For example, for swimming pool activities, one can just as well opt for a classic bikini or a californian one.
What to look out for before and after depilation?
It’s best to do hair removal about 2 days before a workout to give the skin time to recover and avoid irritation that can be exacerbated during exercises. After treatment, it is important to properly moisturise the skin with soothing lotions or oils to minimise the risk of dryness and irritation. Avoid using strong cosmetics such as antiperspirants or products with alcohol, which can irritate freshly depilated skin. For those with sensitive skin, long-lasting depilation methods such as wax, sugar paste or laser depilation will be a better option than shaving. For 1 day after hair removal, it is also not recommended to use the sauna, swimming pool, or tanning salon.
Summary
Depilation before a fitness appointment is a matter of personal preference, but it can make a significant difference to your comfort and hygiene during your workout. The most important body parts to consider for depilation are the underarms, legs, bikini area and (for men) the back and chest. The choice of depilation method depends on skin type, hair and personal preference, but it is crucial to ensure proper skin care before and after treatment to avoid irritation and maximise comfort during exercise.
