The weather is getting hot and heated! All that heat sure drains the energy out of you, making you not want to exercise. Or worse, if you do decide to exercise the extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are both very dangerous.
But don’t let the heat or lack of energy give you an excuse to pass up on a workout. The key is to take precautions and plan ahead to adapt your routines to the weather. Here are some tips from to help keep you excuse free for those high temperature days:
Our favorite way, Workout Indoors. This is where those treadmills and elliptical trainers really come in handy over outdoor workouts. Working out indoors with your air-conditioned environment is much more enjoyable and easier to handle than the triple-digit outdoor temperatures. Many treadmills, such as the ProForm Performance 900 Treadmill, have built-in fans to help cool you down during your workouts even more.
Avoid the Sun. Seems like a no-brainer, but if you can do your workouts when the sun is not out. Early in the morning or late at night are both good options to enjoy the outdoor workout environment without the extreme heat.
Stay Hydrated. Exercising the heat causes you to sweat even more, losing even more water. To avoid dehydration and avoid the heat stroke, make sure to drink plenty of water before you exercise. About 20 ounces total about two hours before exercise and another 8 ounces right before heading out is recommended from this article at blog.reliv.com. It’s important to keep drinking water during your workout as well if possible. Another way that treadmill comes in handy, keep it in your cup holder. If you are heading out doors bring one with you, or try to set them up along your trail ahead of time if possible. Also stay hydrated by drinking a quality sports drink such as Gatorade to replenish your energy and electrolytes after your workout.
Dress Light. Wearing light, breathable clothing is going to help avoiding soaking up the sweat. Moisture-wicking clothes help you stay much cooler and dryer than those made of cotton. Also if you do workout outdoors, lighter colors will help reflect the sun’s rays and heat than darker clothes.
Ease Into It. According to this article, “it takes our bodies 10 to 14 days to get used to exercising in a new climate.” Jumping out there the first day thinking you can do a 10 mile run when you’ve never run outdoors in extreme heat before is only going to lead to a dangerous heat exhaustion. Start out at a low intensity for only a short period of time. Then you can slowly build up as your body gets accustomed to the hot climate.
Listen To Your Body. Know when to call it quits. If you are feeling dizzy, light headed, weakness and/or nauseous it’s time to take it indoors and place a cool rag on your head and drink up! Don’t push yourself too hard. Listen to your body, it will know when you are excedding your limit!
Take these tips and use them to get you through your summer workouts. Don’t let the heat stop you from working out, just know how to adapt your workouts and be safe!
Written By: Jentry
