Staying Cool During Outdoor Exercises
By Donna Stark
Your workouts have gone through a lot of changes this year and one of the best changes that may have occurred is that you get to exercise more often under the sun. But that also means you are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and with the heat waves crossing the country this summer, I am sure there have been times when it was hard to escape the blistering temperatures, haven't there been? So how can you maintain your level of fitness when the rising temperatures have come to steal your motivation? And more importantly, how can you continue to exercise outside without suffering from any heat illnesses?
Plan on Staying Cool
One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe and excited for outdoor exercise is to stay cool, and luckily, that's easy to do. All it takes is a little bit of planning before you lace up your shoes and step out the door. Take a look at the following tips.
- Remember your water - Your body may have trouble performing to its maximum ability if you don't stay properly hydrated during your outdoor workouts so make sure you carry more than enough water with you. It's the best way to avoid dehydration.
- Cool down first - You could potentially beat the heat by cooling your body down first before you work out. Spend some time in a cool pool, mist yourself with cold water, or keep a cooling towel around your head or neck.
- Wear the right clothes - Leave those thick, heavy clothes in your closet and invest in sports apparel that is made from wicking material (fabric that lifts sweat from your skin and cools your body down). Also, choose light-colored clothing over your darks to keep your body cooler.
- Choose your time wisely - Working out during the hottest part of the day isn't your best option, so try to take advantage of the times when the day is cooler. Plan for early morning or late evening workouts if it's convenient with your schedule.
- Find some shade - On the other hand, if your schedule is set and you don't have much flexibility with time, then at the very least try to find some shade. Find a park that has a ramada you can exercise in, hit those shady trails for your jog, or hold your yoga session under a portable umbrella.
Enjoying Your Workouts
Staying active during the summer is important but so is staying cool! By following the simple tips above, you can fight back against those heat waves, remain cool enough to exercise outdoors, and still reach all of your health and fitness goals!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.