These refreshing tips will help keep you cool during your summer workouts.
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the outdoors, and staying active is essential for maintaining good health. Exercising safely is very important when the temperatures rise. With a few smart adjustments, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities while keeping cool and comfortable. Let’s take a look at some tips on staying cool during summer exercise in this blog.
Time Your Day to Beat the Heat
One of the simplest ways to avoid overheating is to adjust when you exercise. The hottest part of the day is typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. To stay comfortable and safe, try to schedule your outdoor workouts for the early morning or late evening. The air is cooler and the sun’s rays aren’t as intense. You’ll likely find your workouts more enjoyable, too. Be sure to check a local weather app or news forecast to see when the hottest part of your day will be, and if there are any heat advisories to watch out for.
Protect Your Skin
Even during cooler parts of the day, the sun can still pack a punch, especially in the summer. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed skin before heading outside. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. A wide-brimmed hat provides excellent protection for your face and scalp, and sunglasses will shield your eyes. If you anticipate being outdoors often or for long periods of time, investing in a sun-shirt may be a good idea to keep you cool and your skin protected.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This can’t be stressed enough: staying hydrated is key. This goes beyond drinking water during your workout and extends to the entire day. Carry a water bottle with you and sip frequently. For longer workouts, or if you’re sweating a lot, consider a sports drink that replenishes electrolytes. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you might be a bit dehydrated. You can turn this into a goal of drinking at least eight cups of water per day, or try healthy hydrating drink recipes and eat melons and other fruit for an extra hydration boost.
Embrace Water Activities
Swimming is an incredible full-body exercise that’s easy on your joints and wonderfully refreshing. Water aerobics classes are another fantastic option, offering a great cardiovascular workout with the added benefit of buoyancy, which reduces impact on joints and bones. Even just walking laps in a pool can provide a gentle yet effective way to stay active.
Take It Indoors on the Hottest Days
Some days, the heat and humidity are just too high, making outdoor exercise risky. On those days, move your workout indoors. Many great options are available:
- Gyms: Most gyms are air-conditioned and offer a variety of equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. They also often have group fitness classes like dance or yoga.
- Shopping Malls: Walking laps in an air-conditioned mall can be a surprisingly good way to get your steps in. Consider walking with a friend for some company.
- Home Workouts: There are countless online exercise videos and programs designed for seniors that you can do from the comfort of your living room.
By following these tips, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise all summer long without compromising your comfort or safety. Listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and most importantly, have fun staying active! For additional exercise tips, take a look at the CapTel blog.
