I always run a mile before I hit the weights and I tend to start stinking real bad. I use cologne, deodorant, I even doubled up my underwear but I always eventually get this cross smell between hot leather and wet gooch. It mostly comes from my crotch area.
What do I honestly have to do to stop stinking so bad? Also I have a bad time of sweating a whole lot too.
It's really getting embarrassing
It's the gym, so it's more socially acceptable for you to smell. Just don't stink outside the gym.
If you really are concerned, though, here's some info. Body odor is caused by bacteria that feeds on your sweat. This bacteria mostly lives in the hair near your sweat glands (armpit, groin, etc.) So removing the sweat is one way to do it, but you can't be taking a shower in the middle of your workout, although taking a quick shower between your run and the lifting will obviously go a long way towards solving the problem. This bacteria usually breeds better in synthetic fabric, so if you can, wear pure cotton and other organic fabrics and it'll make a difference. Like I said, they live mostly in the hair, so the other option, if you really want to go down that road, is to trim or shave the hair itself, which will eliminate the actual breeding grounds/living environment for the bacteria. Unfortunately, this is probably the single most effective way to get rid of the smell long-term. Besides that, of course, get a good deoderant or anti-perspirant (aluminum-based.)
Don't use cologne at the gym. It won't cover up the smell, only mix with it and create an even more horrible smell.
Overall, though, just be clean. Straight up. I've never had these issues and I shower properly and work out pretty intensely.
