Tips that Make it Safe to Exercise in Hot Weather

Tips that Make it Safe to Exercise in Hot Weather

How to Safely Exercise in Hot Weather

In many areas, the month of August is one of the hottest of the year. When the temperature climbs and the days get uncomfortably hot, it can be tough to feel like doing much of anything, let along exercising. However, there are ways to safely exercise in hot weather. Here are some tips.

Hydrate

If you want to exercise in hot weather, you need to understand the importance of hydration. While staying hydrated is important all year and in all weather, it’s especially important during a hot summer day and especially if you’re exercising.

Be sure to drink water before, during, and after your workout. If you’re doing a very intense workout or exercising for more than an hour, you might also want to supplement with a sports drink, since these contain carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Choose the Right Time

In many areas, the hottest part of the day is the early afternoon. If this is the case where you live, it might be a good idea to shift your workout to a different time. It will likely be cooler earlier in the morning or later in the evening, and that can make your workout more comfortable and safer.

Protect your Skin

There are two things that you can do to protect your skin when you’re outside in the summer: wear sunscreen and dress in loose, lightweight clothing. Sunscreen will keep you from getting burned, which is important. Lightweight clothing will protect you from the sun, but it can also help your body breathe.

Try to avoid materials like cotton, since these keep heat close to your body. Instead, you should choose sweat-wicking athletic clothing that is breathable, so your skin can perspire and keep you cool.

Recognize When Something’s Wrong

It might seem natural to feel tired after a workout, but it’s important to recognize the difference between general tiredness and a potentially serious issue.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are all heat-related illness that can can occur when you exercise in hot weather. They can be potentially very serious and should be treated as such. For instance, heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.

If you feel lightheaded, nauseous, have a headache, experience cramping, have visual problems, feel confused, or are dealing with any symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you, stop exercising, get out of the heat, and work to lower your body temperature.

While working out regularly is important, there are times when it doesn’t make sense to exercise in hot weather and it’s crucial to pay attention to warning signs.