Once summer comes around you may find it difficult to continue your normal exercise routine. It gets hot and muggy and you may either lose the drive to workout or find yourself physically unable to because of the heat. Well this year your routine doesn’t have to be interrupted. Keeping a few important reminders in mind will allow you to stay fit and healthy even when a heat wave strikes.
Hydration and Nutrition
Whether your outside under the hot sun or indoors in a muggy room, be sure to drink plenty of water. You’ll be raising your body temperature even higher and sweating more than usual so it’s important to keep your fluids replenished to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. Make sure you’re getting the proper nutrition as well by choosing healthy foods that will keep your energy supplies up.
Dress Appropriately
One of the best ways to keep yourself cool while exercising in the sun is to wear something light and breathable. If you choose to wear something that exposes skin make sure to wear sunscreen as well to avoid burning. Breathable shoes will help to keep you cool, just ensure they are still the appropriate footwear for the type of exercise you will be doing. Trading supportive shoes for something that will keep you cooler won’t help your workout routine.
Obey Your Body
Pay attention to the signals your body gives you. Checking your pulse from time to time and slowing down your regular routine at first are both excellent ways to ensure a safe workout. If you’re feeling tired or dizzy be sure to give yourself a break or even end your workout early.
Change Your Routine
You may choose to just avoid the sun entirely. Finding a new activity that can be done indoors might be exactly what you need to keep your fitness routine going strong through the summer. Or perhaps you may just want to change when you exercise to a cooler part of the day.
Finding a new activity that’s more suited to the summer temperature could be a great chance to try something you’d never thought of before. It may also give you the opportunity to work new muscles that had been getting neglected with your old workout. Just be sure you don’t overdo your workout and you give yourself a generous warm up and cool down to keep those muscles loose and flexible.
