How to stop body odour at the gym: before, during and after your workout

Short answer: you smell more at the gym because heavy sweat, warm skin and tight synthetic clothes give odour-causing bacteria everything they need. Start with clean, dry underarms and a deodorant, wear breathable clothes, shower or wipe down soon after, and never leave sweaty clothes in your bag.

Why the gym makes you smell more

• More sweat, for longer. Bacteria have more to work with.
• Tight synthetic gym wear. It traps heat and holds odour in the fabric.
• Friction. Arms rubbing against your sides warm the skin and spread sweat around.
• Underarm sweat. Hard training makes your underarms sweat too, and underarm sweat is the kind bacteria break down most readily. More on that in why armpits smell.

Before your workout

1. Start clean. If you are coming from work, wipe your underarms with a damp cloth or wipe.
2. Dry properly. Deodorant works best on dry skin.
3. Apply deodorant and let it dry for 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Wear a clean, breathable top. Moisture-wicking fabric is fine, as long as it was washed properly.

Skip strong body spray before training. In a warm room, heavy fragrance and sweat do not mix well for anyone near you.

During your workout

• Keep a small towel and pat sweat off your face, neck and underarms between sets.
• Drink water. It does not stop odour, but you will feel better.
• Do not reapply deodorant on top of sweat. Wait until you have wiped down.

After your workout

1. Shower within an hour if you can. If not, wipe your underarms, neck and feet, and change your shirt.
2. Dry fully, especially underarms and between your toes.
3. Reapply deodorant to dry skin.
4. Put on clean clothes, not the shirt you came in with if it is damp.

Your gym bag and clothes

• Never leave sweaty clothes zipped in the bag. Take them out the moment you get home.
• Use a separate mesh pouch for sweaty clothes inside the bag.
• Wash gym wear inside out, without fabric softener, and dry it in the sun. Here is the full method for getting sweat smell out of clothes.
• Air the bag out once a week. Leave it open in the sun.

Your shoes and feet

• Rotate two pairs if you train most days, so each pair dries for a full day.
• Remove the insoles and let them dry separately.
• Wear fresh socks every session.
• Dry between your toes after showering.

Feet smell for the same reason underarms do. We cover a simple fitkari foot soak in fitkari for foot odour.

Quick answers

Which deo is best for the gym?
One you apply to clean, dry skin before training. A deodorant works on smell. If you also want to stay drier, you need an antiperspirant.

Should I apply deodorant after the gym?
Yes, after you have showered or wiped down and dried your skin.

Why does my gym shirt smell after washing?
Synthetic fabric holds body oils. Soak it in diluted vinegar and wash it inside out without fabric softener.

Can fitkari help with gym body odour?
Yes. It works on the bacteria that cause the smell. Here is how to use fitkari on your underarms.

Try the Vura Mineral Underarm Spray →