Why do hands and feet get so sweaty in Pilates?

Sweaty hands and feet are a thing in Pilates reformer class. The body glistens but the hands and/or feet are  drenched in sweat. What is up with that?

Blame it on eccrine sweat glands. These glands are concentrated in the hands, feet and forehead. When the body heats up, the eccrine  glands kick on and sweat pours.

For some people, sweaty hands and feet in Pilates reformer class can be the result of overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, a condition called hyperhidrosis. This may be genetic.

I like to think it also has something to do with the small, tight, highly contracted movements we do in Pilates reformer class that sends sweat gushing to the extremities. But that could just be me trying to sound like I know what I’m talking about. Yeah, that may be it.

Sweaty hands in Pilates class

It's also why Pilates gloves and grip socks are a good idea.