Many parts of the county have been sweltering with a early summer heat wave. If you’re like me and you’re sick of staying cooped up in the gym and want to get outside you need to follow a few simple guidelines so you can workout safely.
1) Stay hydrated. Drink water or an electrolyte rich sports drink all through your workout.
2) Talk to your pharmacist. Some medications both prescription and OTC can worsen the effects of sun and heat on your body.
3) Work you way up. Don’t expect to go full throttle on your first few workouts in the heat. You need to give your body time to adjust. Slow down, just for the first couple of weeks.
4) Wear the proper clothing. Not only is lightweight, moisture wicking the best exercise clothing but also wear light colored clothing. Make sure to add a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses too.
5) Avoid high traffic areas Exhaust fumes are tough to take at any time but in the heat and humidity it can be so much worse. Also try to pick a route that is shaded.
6) Stick with what you’re used to. Working out in hot summer conditions is not the time to step up your workout and add something new.
7) Use your head. Go slow. Be on the lookout for symptoms that you’ve over done it such as: lightheadedness, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, headache. If you experience any of these symptoms stop what you’re doing and seek medical help immediately.
Most of us love the hot summer weather. And doing your workout outside can really help liven things up, but it can also be very dangerous if you’re not careful. Follow these simple tips and you can enjoy your workouts, indoors and out, for a lot longer!
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