Sometimes a beautiful sunny day is the only motivation you need to go outside and get active, but high heat, humidity and exercise can be a risky combination. Here are 5 key tips to help you stay fit in the dog days of summer.
Summer Exercise: Safety Tips to Help Keep Your Cool
Choose the Right Time of Day. The hottest part of the day falls between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Avoid exercise during those times if you can. Instead, opt for an early morning walk, bike ride or even a round of golf when temperatures are milder. It also gets your day off to an energetic start.
Wear Loose, Light-Colored Clothing. Lighter colors help reflect heat, and loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fabrics “breathe” to help you feel cooler. You may also want to consider sportswear and activewear made of some of today’s “hi-tech” materials designed to wick away moisture and keep you more comfortable while you exercise.
Drink Plenty of Water. The Pritkin Longevity Center suggests drinking 8 to 10 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise and another 8 ounces minimum after exercise. You can also take a break during your workout and eat a piece of fruit. Rich in water content and valuable electrolytes, fruit can be another healthy way to beat the heat.
Apply Sunscreen—Always. Even on cloudy days, you can get a sunburn and suffer sun damage, so it’s important to protect your skin anytime you’re outside. To reduce your risks of skin cancer, always wear sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection. Another good way to decrease sun exposure is to wear wide-brimmed hats.
Listen to Your Body. You may not realize that exercising in hot weather increases your body temperature. When exposed to soaring temps for too long, your body’s natural cooling system can start to fail. Stop immediately and find air-conditioned comfort fast if you’re showing signs of heat exhaustion like feeling weak, dizzy, faint or nauseous—or if you’re experiencing a headache, muscle cramps or rapid heartbeat.
We encourage you to take advantage of the remaining long days of the sunny season to get a little exercise. Just use these sensible tips to help stay safe.
Health & Wellness Is Our Priority! Retirement communities like Vista Grande Villa offer so many opportunities to stay in shape and get in a little exercise. From indoor organized fitness classes to walking paths, you’ll have options. Contact us to learn more!
