8 Tips to Help you Workout Easier During the Summer

Summer heat can be a huge strain on those who like to stay active and workout regularly all year long. And if you’re not careful and don’t stick to disciplined standards, you may end up suffering from some severe repercussions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or extreme dehydration, all of which can seriously stand in the way of your fitness goals and improvement.

Fortunately, there are a few simple yet extremely important steps that can help you workout safely during the hottest summer days. Here they are now:

• Take a cool shower

Before starting your workout, take a cool shower, and once you’re done showering, ditch the hair dryer and keep your head wet to help you stay hydrated during your workout.

• Moisturize your body more with fluids

Water is your best friend on a hot day to stay hydrated; however, if you plan to exercise for more than 60 minutes, you may also want to consider drinking a sports drink.

Sports drinks are important when exercising for long periods of time, especially in the heat, because they contain potassium and electrolytes that can hydrate and replenish your body. High levels of sodium may also be beneficial for your body, as sodium is an ideal ingredient for a hot day.

• Wear light clothes

Bright colors are good because they will reflect the sun and also help make you more visible to oncoming traffic. Cotton is a lightweight and affordable material that absorbs sweat and helps keep your clothes dry.

It is always better to choose a T-shirt and cotton shorts to let your body breathe during the workout.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen

There’s nothing worse than trying to complete a summer workout with a bad sunburn that makes movement difficult. You should stop the burn before it occurs by always applying sunscreen over the areas that are most exposed to direct sunlight. Specifically, you should choose a sunscreen that is at the very least SPF 50.

• Timing is everything

The time between 10 AM and 3 PM is known to be the hottest time of the day in summer. If you plan to exercise outdoors, try to do so either before or after this period of time.

Many athletes prefer to exercise early in the morning, as this helps them stay active throughout the day and sleep better at night.

• Don’t be afraid of the water

Summer is the perfect time to make water for your best friend. On particularly hot days, try adding a water activity to your workout, such as swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding. These activities will help you stay fit and healthy in the summer in a fun, fresh way that will keep you hydrated. And who knows, you might end up finding a new favorite exercise.

Do you prefer jogging instead of water activities? Don’t worry, you can still take part in a jogging activity that includes exposure to water, too. The next time you see a “rainy day,” choose to run with the rain instead of against it. Running on a rainy day will help you stay cool, as many athletes say these workouts energize and refresh them more than any other activity.

The key to successful running in the rain is to be prepared. Wear appropriate clothing and make sure it is water-resistant, including shoes and accessories. And you should avoid running around cars that may find it difficult to see you.

Running in a little rain won’t hurt you, but if you see lightning or hear thunder, you’ll need to get back to safety ASAP.

• Train indoors

There is nothing wrong with exercising indoors whether in the gym or even at home. On days when there is a warning of overheating, this may be your best decision to stay in better shape and avoid heat-related injury during your exercise.

• Know your limits

Listen to your body and if you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or tired, give yourself a break. Taking some time to rest is better than overworking and getting sick or injured and having to stop exercising completely.

If the summer heat proves to be too challenging for standard high-intensity exercise, break it up into several smaller exercises throughout the day. This will allow your body to rest and refuel without compromising your fitness and exercise goals.

Most importantly, make sure to always train carefully, be safe, and mostly enjoy your summer!