4 Easy Tips For Working Out in the Heat

Keep your cool — and be safe — when exercising outdoors…

All eyes might look to autumn (is it really September tomorrow?), but our bodies are still very much feeling the heat of summer. I love this time of year because, even though temps generally stay high, mornings and evenings begin to cool down, making working out in the great outdoors a tad bit easier. However, we still need to remain healthy and smart regardless of what the thermometer reads. Below are 4 easy ways to remember to do just that.

Stay hydrated. You might be thinking, “that’s the most obvious statement anyone has made. Ever.” Right? I feel awkward just writing it. But most times we don’t know how much water our bodies lose when we work out in the heat. Dehydration can quickly become a serious health problem as we lose not only water, but electrolytes as we sweat. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout, and replace lost nutrients by consuming an electrolyte drink containing potassium and sodium.

Choose a wise time. The hottest temperatures generally occur between 12pm and 4pm, so try to get your workouts in either the morning or at night. And no, I will not be offended if you call me Captain Obvious at this point.

Stay protected. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat (or a visor if that’s your thing) and sunglasses. Protect your skin from the sun and, if you have the option, work out in the shade. If possible, choose trails and bike paths with the most tree coverage.

Wear proper clothing. Opt for clothing that is lightweight and breathable. As sleek as it may sound, black full-length leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top may not make for the most comfortable desert yoga session. You want to keep your body temperature at a comfortable place, so avoid restricting and thick clothing. Hot tip: wear a wet bandana around your neck. Instant body cooler.

+What else can we add to this list? Nothing is too obvious, obviously. 

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