The dog days of summer are upon us. Between the heat and humidity, it can be tough to get a good workout. When you workout, the sweat your body creates helps create a natural cooling system. Factor in humidity, and the sweat sticks to your skin making it harder for your body to cool off. During summer months, don’t jeopardize your health when working out. Take advantage of these tips to exercise in warmer weather.
Start Slow:
Begin your workout with a warm-up such as a slow jog. This allows your body to better acclimate to the heat. You’ll know that you are warmed up when your body begins to sweat.
Change your routine(Whenever possible):
Parks, beaches and trails are filled with trees that provide natural shade that can keep your body cool when you workout. Working out at the beach or in the pool are also great alternatives to keep your body cool in warm weather. It is also better to workout in the early morning or afternoon to avoid peak heat.
Stay Hydrated (and keep drinking water):
We can’t stress the importance of drinking water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. The more you sweat, the more water you need to consume. A good strategy is to drink small amounts of water throughout the day to replenish the fluids in your body. If you are participating in strenuous exercise, you may also need to consume electrolytes.
Protect your skin:
Before you start your workout, apply sunscreen to your arms, legs, and face. You should also avoid wearing tight fitting clothes, that keep sweat trapped on your body. Instead wear loose fitting shirts and shorts that will wipe away moisture.
Know Your Body
Know your limits, and know when you need to stop. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which is where your body temperature rises to 115 degrees or higher. Signs can include seizures, dry skin (body doesn’t sweat), confusion, rapid or weak pulse and unconsciousness.