Jogging in the Heat: How to Survive
By Virginia Laird
Do you love to jog? Many who love it find it more difficult to log the miles throughout the summer due to extreme heat; in Scottsdale, that heat can be pretty extreme. Fortunately, health and wellness professionals have offered several tips to help those who love to jog get through the summer months without giving up their passion. A few of these tips include:
- Be sure to stay hydrated
- Make time to jog early
- Allow for breaks as needed
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key in keeping the body functioning properly. This does not mean to drink anything; instead this means to drink plenty of water. Water is the only beverage which can help you stay hydrated without consuming any extra calories. Health and wellness professionals advise that it is best to consume at least half of the body weight in ounces of water on a daily basis. This can be a struggle for those who love sports drinks, juices, and soda. However, it is best to make this a habit right away. If you struggle with drinking water it may be time to consider increasing your consumption by one cup each day until you reach your goal.
Make Time to Jog Early
Making time to jog in the early morning hours is the best idea when it comes to jogging during the summer. The summer heat can prove to be detrimental to an outdoor workout. Instead of jogging before 10 a.m., it's best for overall health. Doctors advise that working out outdoors during what is known as the heat of the day can prove to take its toll on the body. Be smart when it comes time to exercising outside while temperatures are unbearably hot.
Allow for Breaks as Needed
Another idea for your jog as recommended by health and wellness professionals is to make time for breaks along your route. Although you may be someone who can typically handle a lengthy jog, it can be quite different when adding the brutal heat. Research suggests that the heat drains energy from the body which can make it difficult to finish any task or workout; it is best to allow times for short breaks and use them as opportunities to hydrate.
If you are the one who loves to exercise outdoors, make sure to make the appropriate accommodations as the summer enters the scene. This can help you avoid landing yourself in the hospital suffering from heat-related illnesses. It is time to set your alarm clock; it may be summer, but it's time to get up early to go for your jog.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Scottsdale, Ariz.
