Put the Cool Back into Your Hot Summer Fitness

Cooling off the Heat of Summer Fitness 

Tips to Chill this Summer

The problem with summer is that it can get so hot outside. Activities that you find fun can start to dehydrate you or keep you from enjoying them because of the intensity of the weather.  Put the cool back into your fitness routine with these tips:

Adjust your Body Temperature with a Cold Shower before You Workout 

A German study showed a pre-exercise cool down improved performance in the heat. This is possibly because it lowers your heart rate as well as your core and skin temperature. 

An alternative: wet your workout towel with water as cold as you can tolerate it; keep it around your neck and continue to cool it off with fresh, cold water as you go through your workout.

Change your Running, Jogging or Walking Route

Find a shady new path through the Road Runners Club of America (rrca.org), which features running routes via Google maps. Or log in at weather.com, which offers a local parks forecast, a fitness comfort index, and an hourly forecast to help you figure out the best time of day to exercise.

Keep Tabs on Your Heart Rate 

The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work to stay cool; proper hydration is key. Pushing yourself too hard in hot weather can increase your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Use a heart rate monitor to help you adjust your speed, distance and pace.
Try to run, jog, or walk on gravel or dirt paths. Paved roads and walkways can radiate heat and reflect the sun's rays to make them hotter. Also, take advantage of the breeze near lakes and rivers.

Stay cool and have fun with your Summer exercise routines!  It is hot, but using helpful tips to beat the heat can be just the help you need! 

Zeke Samples, IFA, CSN, CPR, IDEA

NPC Physique Competitior

Surreal Body Solutions, LLC

803.322.7649

www.SurrealBodySolutions.com 

& contributing health and exercise author

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