Exercising this Summer: How to Stay Safe & Healthy

If you are exercising outside this summer, you already know how hot it can get during the day. Adjusting to this added heat and humidity can almost feel impossible. When you have to worry about dehydration and heatstroke, you may wonder how you can stay cool this summer while still maintaining your exercise plan. Here are a few tips on how to how to stay healthy during summer workouts:

  • Acclimate: If you enjoy running or walking outside, when hot weather hits you may be tempted to give yourself a break during hot days. If you want to continue your workouts outside, make sure you give yourself time to adjust to the heat. It can take up to two weeks to acclimate to the heat, so make sure that when it gets hotter that you slow down your workout pace and let your body adjust.
  • Drink water: This is a no brainer, but it’s true. Keeping water with you during your workouts and taking breaks can do a lot for your body. It is also recommended that you drink water well before your workouts so that your body is properly hydrated.
  • Bring a towel: You can soak a towel in some cold water and let it freeze before you workout and this will help cool your body off. Drenching yourself in cold water is also effective.
  • Wear sunscreen: Protecting your skin when you are outside doing any activity is incredibly crucial. Not only will it protect you from skin cancer, it can stop premature wrinkles from happening. Wearing sunscreen is a win-win!
  • Protect your eyes: Block out those UVA/UVB rays by wearing sunglasses designed to keep out the sun’s harmful rays. It will also keep your eyes from straining and can keep you focused on your workout.
  • Know your body: If at any time when you are working out in the heat, you should pay special attention to your body. Sweating is normal; however, getting sudden chills when you are outside is not. Chills can be a sign of heat exhaustion. If you feel chilly, dizzy, nausea, or weak, stop exercising, get inside immediately, and start rehydrating by drinking water. If you feel as though your symptoms are severe, contact your physician immediately. It may be annoying to have to stop, but it could save your life.

If you have any questions about how to stay healthy during this summer, or want to come up with an exercise plan with your physician, please visit www.uticaparkclinic.com, or call 918-579-DOCS to get in contact with a physician.