Sodium is critical when working out.  It is basically a regulator of how much fluid is in the body at a given time and is directly related to the body's ability to perform.  A slight deficency in sodium can result in fatigue or muscle soreness and a severe deficency will result in a condition known as hyponatremia.  Unless you are doing endurance activity outside in the heat I would recommend starting with an electrolyte drink to help replenish your sodium.  My favorite is Nuun (www.nuun.com).  It is higher in sodium than many electrolyte drinks and comes in tablet form so it's easy to use.  You can probably get it through their website or I know you can get it at www.rei.com.

Have fun!

tara

I sweat significantly when I run also, I look like I fell in a pool. Remember the better condition you achieve the more you'll sweat, not the less. You have to take into consideration the type, duration and intensity of the workouts. If you're talking about 1 hour or less, taking extra salt isn't warranted. For longer runs or bike rides I use Gatorade, the sugar helps speed rehydration. Workout in an air-conditioned environment or at cooler times of day. You can increase water storage body having extra carbs the night before or earlier in the day before your workout. For every gram of sugar your body stores it stores 3 grams of water. Remember if you have hypertension or are borderline extra salt intake should be avoided.

Personal Trainer Studio City

What do you mean by a layer of salt on you?  You actually put salt on yourself?  Sorry, I'm a noob and have not heard of this before.

I'm a pretty easy sweater too. I have had pretty good luck taking in fluids every 10 minutes or so while training in FL in the summer time. I continue with this program all year though. I've found that taking supplements from Hammer Nutrition has helped me. I don't typically drink Gatorade during a long training run or ride, the sweetness tends to upset my stomach a bit. I haven't tried the Nuun products yet, but plan to soon.

Good luck!!

Josh