Summer Exercise Tips
Submitted by Café Physique
Appetizer
Keep your exercise routine going through the summer.
Main Course
Doing outdoor exercise can be really invigorating, but the extra heat means that you have to take extra precautions. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind if you plan on working out during these hot summer months:
Stay Hydrated - You’ve heard this one a million times, but it bears repeating: drink plenty of water. Forgetting your water bottle won’t just make you uncomfortable, but it will also cause you to not perform at your peak. And if it gets too hot, it can be down right dangerous to get inadequate hydration.
Slather on the Sunscreen – Even on days with high levels of cloud coverage, it’s really important to use sunscreen and reapply every half an hour or so. Choose a brand that is waterproof and doesn’t run, so your sweat doesn’t cause the sunscreen to roll into your eyes.
Work Out in the Off Peak Hours - It might be tempting to sleep in as much as you can and just to start jogging whenever you manage to get out of bed - especially on the weekends. But when you exercise in the middle of the day, you expose yourself to the hottest part of the day. It’s a lot healthier and safer to plan your exercise for earlier in the morning or later in the day.
Wear Light Colored Clothing - Your clothes should be breathable and preferably light in color. White reflects light, and therefore will actually help you stay a few degrees cooler.
Dessert
While “no pain, no gain” is true to an extent, that doesn’t mean you have to always feel uncomfortable while working out. It’s important to listen to your body in order to avoid heat related injuries. If you every suddenly feel dizzy, nauseated, or very weak while working out, be sure to take a break and cool off. If symptoms persist, check in with your doctor. Remember, the idea is make yourself more healthy with exercise…So it doesn’t make sense to push yourself until you feel sick.
