I get it… Summer can be unbearably hot! If you’re in the Southwest United States, temperatures are regularly over 100. And if you’re in the Eastern United States, the humidity can be oppressive… but have no fear! Here are some tips to keep from overheating and making your workout more enjoyable in the summer:
- Ask your group fitness instructor to turn down the temperature
- Avoid outdoor workouts during the middle of the day
- Find gyms that are temperature controlled
- Swim!
- Keep a bottle of cool water close by
- Avoid hot yoga…
- Outdoors, wear plenty of sunscreen
- At home, keep a fan on in your workout room
- Wake up before the sun for your morning run
- Wear lighter clothes
- End your workout with a cold shower
- Take extra time to cool-down and stretch after your workout
- Put ice in your recovery drink
These simple strategies can help make your workout so much more enjoyable and more effective. A word of caution: if you do begin to experience the following symptoms, you may be experiencing a serious condition called Heat Exhaustion:
- Confusion
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or abdominal cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Pale skin
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
If this occurs, immediately stop exercising and find a cool place to rest. If you still experience these symptoms after 15 minutes, you need to see a doctor. For more information on Heat Exhaustion, checkout Wedmd.
So, be prepared for the summer heat and you will be able to strengthen and tone your body effectively – making the trip to the beach even more enjoyable!
