We’ve waited for months for the summer heat. Now that it is finally here, we need to enjoy it. But when it feels like you could wring out the air or when you step outside it takes your breath away, it is hard to think about working out. Even thinking about exercising makes you sweat! All you feel like doing is sitting still drinking something cold.
But staying consistent and continuing to get your workouts in is important. If you prepare and take a few simple steps, you can keep working out even through the most miserably hot summer days.
- Choose the right time – Schedule your workouts early in the morning or late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day, particularly if you are outside. If you need to get your workout in during the hottest part of the day, workout inside in air conditioning.
- Stay hydrated – It is easy to get behind on your water during the day. Keep water with you even when you aren’t working out. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your workout. If you are working out for more than an hour make sure you also replace your electrolytes (see last week’s post).
- Eat right – Avoid spicy foods and foods high in protein. They increase your body temperature. Instead choose easy to digest foods like fruits, vegetables and eggs.
- Dress appropriately – Choose light weight, loose fitting clothing. The less the better (within reason of course!). The more skin exposed, the easier it is for your body to cool.
- Do less – Instead of going really hard on those crazy hot days, choose an easy workout. — maybe a workout that includes some time in the water or a route that has plenty of shaded areas.
- Pay attention to your body – Heat exhaustion is nothing to mess with. If you start to feel crampy, dizzy or nauseous. Stop. Period. Get out of the sun. Drink plenty of water. Use cool damp towels to bring your body temperature down. If your skin is hot but not sweating and your pulse is fast and weak, you may be suffering from heat stroke. Call 911 and try to cool your body down until help arrives. Any time the heat index is over 90, use caution.
What do you do to stay cool during summer workouts?
Source: http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/fitness/stay-cool-summer-workouts