As summer continues into the later months, and temperatures spike, it may be hard to get the motivation to head out into the heat and sun to exercise. Sometimes sitting in front of the air conditioner with a cold drink is what sounds best. Here are some tips to maintain your fitness goals and safely exercise in the summer.
Choose The Time To Exercise Most Comfortable For You
Did you know the coldest time of day is just around sunrise? This is because sunrise will be the longest time the surface has not had direct sunlight in many hours, and therefore has time to cool off overnight. This is the cause for those breezy fresh mornings with dew on the grass.
By choosing to exercise at sunrise, you not only choose a time that is cooler and refreshing, but also start your day off right in building energy to conquer your workday. It is proven that good exercise habits get your blood flowing and increase energy and make you feel more awake.
That said, working with a personal trainer who comes to you can provide the most comfortable experience in a familiar space at a time that works best for you according to your schedule.
Hydration
Especially in high heat, hydration including electrolytes is important to fight off heat exhaustion caused by dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue and dizziness, which makes it not only difficult but dangerous in extreme circumstances.
Severe dehydration may need medical attention especially if you lose consciousness, and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Electrolytes help your body stay hydrated as your body loses electrolytes when you sweat. Try Pedialyte, coconut water, or your favourite sports drink to refuel your body for your workout.
Protect Yourself From the Sun and Heat
By choosing moisture wicking clothing, and light coloured clothes, you’ll keep yourself cool as your lighter coloured clothes will absorb less of the sun’s UV rays while out exercising. Sweat can only cool you down if it has the opportunity to evaporate off your skin. Moisture wicking clothing helps to do this by pulling the moisture away from your skin and help it evaporate, keeping you cool throughout your workout. Other benefits include less odour, increased comfort, and reduced chafing which can be painful on long runs or walks. Check the tags for fabrics such as spandex or polyester, which are great moisture wicking and comfortable materials for workout apparel.
Protect your body not only with clothing, but by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sweat proof sunscreen, and remember to reapply often. UV ray overexposure can begin as an uncomfortable sunburn, but increase your risk for skin cancers such as melanomas. If you are a person with lighter tone skin, you are more sensitive to UV rays, and should pay extra attention to protecting your skin. The higher SPF means the higher coverage the sunscreen has, pick what works best for you. Also, wearing sunglasses and hats help keep the sun beating down on your face and can improve your time outside.
Staying Home & Working With An In-Home Personal Trainer
If going out is unsafe, inconvenient, or just not on your to-do list, opting for at home personal training can help you keep your fitness goals while keeping cool. All you need is enough space for you to comfortably move. Staying home can help you feel safe and comfortable, all while beating the heat and becoming the best you. Contact First Class Personal Training today to get started.
Gera is the Founder and Head Trainer of First Class Personal Training with over 20 years of professional experience, not only as a personal trainer but also as a nutrition and wellness counselor and a post rehabilitation specialist.
