Tips for Exercising in the Heat

Summer weather is the perfect time to take your workouts outdoors! The extreme heat and humidity of summer can make it challenging to exercise outside. With some extra planning and precaution there are ways to conduct your workouts safely outside. These tips will help you keep your cool throughout your summer workouts!

Avoid Afternoon Workouts

Between 10:00am and 4:00pm the sun is at its most powerful. Try switching to an early morning or evening workout schedule. Temperatures are considerably cooler at these times, which will make it easier to conduct your outdoor workouts.

Heat-Appropriate Clothing

When exercising your body naturally produces heat. It’s important to wear clothing that allows your body to breathe. Avoid heavier materials like cotton. Clothing made from sweat-wicking materials can keep your body from overheating!

Protect your Skin

Prolonged sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. When exercising in the sun, protect exposed skin with sunscreen to prevent it from getting burnt. Make sure you are reapplying your sunscreen as needed. Keep your face protected by wearing a hat or sunglasses.

Hydrate Regularly 

In hot conditions, you sweat more and need to drink more water to offset the water that has been lost. Make sure you are hydrating before, during, and after you exercise. Sip around 4oz of water for every 15-20 minutes you are outside in the sun. This will work to prevent heat exhaustion and muscle fatigue. Use our Swift 40oz Stainless Steel water bottle to keep your water ice-cold in the summer heat.

Listen to your Body 

The heat affects people in many different ways. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or short of breath, then you should probably take a break. Switch to lower intensity workouts on days of extreme heat.