Comment by chubot | Hacker News Reader

Comment by chubot | Hacker News Reader

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I think your body has natural mechanisms to mitigate that initial discomfort.

I am now sitting under a tree, after biking in 85 degree weather in July on the east coast. I’ve also biked in 90 and 95 degree weather.

And I don’t feel hot at all. Going outside might seem unpleasant, but once you’re out there, it’s not just fine, but refreshing

I don’t know exactly why, but it’s probably sweat, clothing, basic metabolism, and basic psychological facts (perception is often triggered by change)

Likewise, I bike in cold weather (all 12 months on the east coast). I think it is pretty established that this is both tolerable and healthy - ie it’s a mild version of the people who swim in freezing lakes in the dead of winter

And keep in mind I worked in an office my whole career, and have never competed in a single sporting event in my life (although I do like some sports)

I think that's great for you. Truly.

Could it be that your experience doesn't apply to everyone?

I've been living in the same area as you, and I go for walks almost daily; it's astonishingly miserable out.

I have a friend who does almost identical physical activity to me, as we have similar jobs. He sweats very little when outside unless physically exerting himself. I sweat profusely when just walking; even when wearing significantly less clothing.

Sure, it doesn't apply to everyone.

And personally, I don't like walking long distances in the heat either -- I get hot and sweaty. I prefer biking, probably because the motion is more cooling

> I think your body has natural mechanisms to mitigate that initial discomfort.

I think the main natural mechanism the body uses is endorphins..

In my experience it also benefits from training, coming on quicker at the start of a regularly strenuous lasting activity. When I started going on runs regularly I could clearly sense when the internal drug supply turned on and it became the point where I mentally marked transitioning from a short sprint to endurance mode.

I've also noticed when taking people on long hikes who don't usually do such things, if we take an extended break they usually start complaining of aches and pains and are suddenly wrecked. My assumption has been this is the endorphin supply shutting off, and it's a tough hump to overcome to get flowing again now that the pain/soreness/exhaustion has become realized. I suspect folks who aren't accustomed to getting out and active at all are kind of pre-trapped in that state and don't reach the endorphins flowing mode even once before going back indoors to play vidya.

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