Be Smart About Working Out in The Heat

You’ve worked hard to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, so don’t blow it come summer! Be aware, high temperatures put extra stress on your body especially when exercising. If you prefer not to be cooped up in an air-conditioned gym for your workouts all summer, follow these tips for success when exercising outdoors:

1. Time your workout: Exercise in the early morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest time of day, and seek shade whenever possible.

2. Hydrate: Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, a sign of dehydration. Instead, begin drinking fluids at least 15 minutes before your workout, and consume 8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of exercise. If your workout will be longer than 30 minutes, supplement with a sports drink containing sodium.

3. Get wet: Water sports such as swimming, paddle boarding, surfing or aqua aerobics are great forms of exercise that keep your body temperature down.

4. Dress appropriately: Wear light, breathable fabrics and cool your pulse points (temples, neck, wrists) with a wet towel or sweatband.

5. Listen to your body: Take a break and cool off if you feel sick or dizzy to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion, a serious condition that occurs when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees F and can lead to collapse.