There just isn't a better time to get out and be active than in the summer. You might have beautiful weather, and you might have blistering heat, but you also have a lot of daylight and an urge to get outside. But even if you're in the best shape of your life, the change in temperature could spell trouble if you aren't careful. Your body isn't used to the summer heat yet, and that can affect your workout, and even your health, if you don't take some precautions. Summer workout safety doesn't have to be extreme, but if you follow these tips you can stay safe and get a more effective workout.
- Time it right
Most of us have some trouble getting up in the morning, but once the summer heat comes around, you should try to prioritize
getting up and working out before the heat really starts getting bad. Otherwise, wait until later in the evening when it begins cooling down. Working out when the sun is beating down and the temperatures are at their highest can negatively affect your workout, as well as make you just plain uncomfortable.
- Wear the right clothing
Wearing loose-fitting, light colored clothing can do wonders for keeping you cool when the temperature spikes. Tight fitting workout clothes may have worked well with cooler temperatures, but they can prevent air from circulating over your skin and cooling you down.
- Use sunscreen
If you're going to be working out outdoors, you really should be putting on some protection for your skin. As well as reducing your risk of skin cancer later down the road, avoiding sunburns is a practical measure for your workout. A bad burn can make any movement of the skin painful, and even putting on a shirt can irritate the burned skin. Better to avoid it altogether if you want to stick with your routine.
- Stay hydrated
It might seem like a no-brainer, but
staying hydrated means drinking more water than you usually do. No need to overdo it, though. Drink water before, during, and after exercising in the heat, and don't try to push yourself when you're already feeling thirsty or fatigued.
- Get acclimated
It may take up to two weeks for your body to fully acclimate to the heat. Ease up and be satisfied with a shorter or less intense workout. Your body will soon get used to the temperature, but in the meantime there's no need to push yourself into dangerous territory.
Don't forget about the humidity A higher humidity actually makes hot temperatures more dangerous for outdoor workouts. That's because it prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin and cooling your body. Check the heat index in your area to get a better idea of how it actually feels outdoors. Working out in the summer heat can be more taxing than your normal workouts, and you'll need something to help you recover quickly and get back at it. So pick up a
Promax protein bar today, and discover why so many people rely on Promax for their workout nutrition.
