Walking Workouts in the Summer Heat
By Sara Butler
Walking is a great way to exercise but how do you keep up your walking workouts while dealing with the summer heat? If you know a few tips, then summer walking workouts can be no sweat. Well, no more sweat than usual. Here are some tips you need to help you stay on track with your walking workouts no matter how hot it is outside.
Buy the Right Gear
When the weather is hot, you need clothes that are breathable and made of moisture-wicking material to help keep you cool. Many different types of exercise gear is made to these specifications, so it's a good idea to invest in them to help you stay dry and cool as well as comfortable in the heat. A lightweight hat and sunglasses also will help to shield your face from the rays of the sun.
Choose the Right Time
The middle of the day is not the best time to exercise outdoors in the summer, so make sure you go out for your walk either early in the morning or in the evening. Plus, conquering your workout first thing in the morning makes it more likely you'll actually get your workout in and get your metabolism pumping for the day, so those are positive side effects of the soaring summer temperatures!
Find the Shade
If you can walk on a trail with some tree cover or find a sidewalk in a tree-shaded neighborhood to get your walk in, then that's the path you need to take. If that's not possible, then you can try to create some shade for yourself by buying a large umbrella to block the sun or investing in a wide-brimmed sunhat to keep the sun's rays from beating your down too much. Don't forget the sunscreen, either, since the rays of the sun can bounce up off the asphalt and still assault your delicate skin.
Stay Seriously Hydrated
If you plan to walk outside for more than 30 minutes when it's hot out, then you need to make sure to have a water bottle with you. This will help your overall performance and protect your health as you get your daily exercise.
You may want to consider cutting caffeine out before and during exercise as well, since it can act as a diuretic and dehydrate your body.
Walking is a great workout, but when it gets hotter outside you need to make sure to take extra precautions to stay healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodland Hills, Calif.