How to Handle Summer Fitness in the Heat
By Brandi Goodman
Summer fitness often involves the outdoors. The sun is shining and everyone wants to be outside as much as they can to enjoy the nice weather. Exercising outdoors can cause some issues, however, due to the heat. You need to know how to handle summer fitness in the heat so you can exercise without worry.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the biggest problems stems from the loss of water from your body. When you're exercising while it's hot out, you're going to be sweating A LOT. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water in the process so you can avoid excessive loss and keep your body feeling good. You don't want to get dehydrated and tire yourself out quickly.
Exercise in Water
Water can help cool you down, which is why so many people enjoy swimming in the summer. You can use the water for your exercise plans as well. That way, you get to improve your strength, work on your fitness, and keep your body strong, all while staying cool and comfortable. You can try water aerobics through a local facility or do your own thing while at a nearby pool or even at the lake. Swimming in itself will work all the major muscle groups and have you feeling exhausted by the end of your session.
Avoid the Direct Sun
It's best if you exercise while avoiding the direct sun. This means finding a shady spot outdoors instead of being out in the middle of an open field. You may also want to consider exercising early in the morning or not until evening hours. The sun often feels the hottest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You'll get fatigued quickly working out in the excessive summer heat during this timeframe.
Stop if You Feel Ill
If you start feeling ill -- or even just off -- it's important to stop. Stop your exercise and get into some shade. The heat may be too much for you and you could be experiencing heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heatstroke, or worse. Any feelings of nausea, headache, clammy skin, disorientation, or visual disturbances need to be addressed immediately.
Exercising outside can be quite enjoyable. You just need to know when the best times are to do so, and how to avoid the horrible heat that can leave you with a rash, feeling dehydrated, and worse. As long as you keep these tips in mind, your summer fitness routine should flourish.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.