Maintaining a lower core temperature during training and competition is crucial for the long-term health of endurance athletes. Lower core temperature contributes to a healthier body on the long run by minimizing chronic strain and risk to key physiological systems.
- Consistently high core temperatures force the cardiovascular system to work harder, as the heart must pump more blood to the skin to aid in cooling. Over time, these high core temperatures can weaken cardiovascular resilience, potentially increasing the risk of heart-related issues. By keeping core temperatures lower, athletes can reduce the chronic load on their hearts, preserving cardiovascular health for the long run. (*50)
- High core temperatures can lead to cellular stress and damage in internal organs, including the kidneys and liver, as blood flow is repeatedly redirected away from them to cool the body. Chronic exposure to high temperatures may increase the risk of long-term organ damage, particularly affecting kidney function due to repeated dehydration and stress. Lower core temperatures reduce the stress on these organs, decreasing the likelihood of conditions like chronic kidney disease. (*51)
- Regularly training or competing with high core temperatures accelerates muscle glycogen depletion and raises lactate levels, leading to greater muscle breakdown and fatigue. Over years, this can increase the risk of overuse injuries and muscle degradation, as tissues don’t fully recover between sessions. A lower core temperature minimizes these effects, preserving muscle health and reducing the cumulative risk of injury and chronic muscle fatigue. (*52)
- Prolonged overheating can lead to greater cortisol release, a stress hormone that can weaken bones over time if frequently elevated. Lowering core temperature helps maintain normal hormonal balance, reducing the risk of stress-related bone density loss. For endurance athletes, this is key to avoiding chronic issues such as osteoporosis or stress fractures. (*53)
- Regularly training under high heat stress can impair cognitive health due to repeated instances of mental fatigue and stress. High core temperatures increase perceived exertion, which can lead to a greater risk of burnout and mental fatigue over years of training. Managing core temperature helps athletes maintain mental clarity, reduces the cognitive toll of training, and supports long-term mental health by lowering burnout risk. (*54)
In conclusion; Maintaining a lower core temperature helps endurance athletes protect their cardiovascular and organ health, reduce the risk of chronic muscle and bone issues, and preserve mental health. By managing core temperature over time, athletes can mitigate the cumulative stresses of intense training, ultimately supporting a healthier athletic career and longevity in their sport.