Many people stop exercising in the summer because of the heat. If you are one of them, don’t wait until it’s cooler again! Go outside and exercise! Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean you should give up exercise. Check out these important tips for exercising safely in the heat and you will find it easier to work out in hot weather!
1. Opt for lightweight clothing
When it’s hot outside, it’s so tempting to go for a run in your swimsuit. However, more clothes could be even better for you. Put on clothing made from very lightweight wicking materials, to keep you cool and dry. Plus, long sleeves will protect your arms from over exposure of the sun’s harmful rays and cool you down. And don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!
2. Put on moisture-wicking socks
I hate those painful blisters, which occur when the feet get sweaty, making socks stick to the feet and creating friction. That’s why I always wear clean, moisture-wicking socks, which are made of a fabric that pulls moisture away from the skin. My feet feel much cleaner and smell much fresher!
3. Drink enough
When you’re exercising in hot weather, dehydrating is a very serious risk. Make sure you drink plenty of water. For runs in the 50-75-minute range, you should drink 10 oz. of water every 15 minutes. For runs longer than 75 minutes, you need to drink 6 oz. of water every 20 minutes.
4. Take a sports drink
While clear water is good for you, sometimes it’s okay to drink sports drinks. Sports drinks typically contain sodium and electrolytes, which are important if you are exercising in the heat. For better results, opt for sports drinks with reduced sugar.
5. Grab sports sunglasses
Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to lower potential sun damage to your eyes. Sure, your normal sunglasses won’t be comfortable to work out in, that’s why sports sunglasses are the best option. Wear your sports sunglasses along with your sun hat to keep your head protected.
6. Ease yourself into it
While doing the same run you have done for many years is okay, you should ease yourself into it. Start slowly, and allow yourself to react to the conditions, especially the heat. Keep in mind that intense running can put you into a state of shock.
7. Eat well
Once you have finished working out in hot weather, cool yourself down with an ice pop and then replenish the calories and nutrients that you’ve lost by eating a high carb and protein meal. 2 eggs, a chicken breast, a handful of nuts or cheese are excellent snacks that will keep you going.
Keep in mind that exercising in hot weather is not bad, but it does take more preparation. Just make sure you stay always hydrated and don’t be too harsh on yourself. Do you enjoy exercising in the heat? Share your thoughts, please.