Beat the heat: Top tips for a safe and enjoyable summer workout

The advent of summer, with its sun-kissed skies and inviting warm weather, makes the outdoors an attractive place for fitness enthusiasts. There's an undeniable allure to working out amid nature, taking in the beautiful scenery, and soaking up a healthy dose of vitamin D. But as the mercury rises, exercising outdoors requires more caution. High temperatures can stress your body more, leading to serious heat-related illnesses if you're not careful.

As we prepare for the scorching summer months, let's dive into safely maintaining our outdoor exercise routines. Here are some crucial considerations and tips for a safe and enjoyable summer workout regimen.

Check the weather forecast

Before setting foot outside for your workout, you must know the day's weather forecast. High temperatures and increased humidity can escalate your workout's intensity as your body has to work harder to cool itself down.

On such days, consider reducing the intensity of your workout or opting for indoor exercise. Extreme caution is warranted when the thermometer exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, mainly if you're not acclimated to exercising in such conditions or have underlying health issues.

Hydration - Your body's cooling system

In hot weather, you will sweat more than usual, thus increasing your risk of dehydration. Make it a point to consume water before, during, and after your workout.

Consider sports drinks for extended workout sessions, as these can help replenish vital electrolytes lost through sweating. Remember, thirst is a delayed response, indicating you are already dehydrated. So, don't wait until you're thirsty to start sipping water.

Dress for heat success

The clothing you choose plays a crucial role in how your body responds to heat. Opt for light-coloured, lightweight, and breathable clothing to help keep your body cool. Hats and sunglasses can provide additional protection for your face and eyes from the scorching sun.

Timing is everything

Try to schedule your workouts in the early mornings or late evenings to avoid the peak heat hours of the day. Exercising during these cooler times can help you avoid unnecessary strain on your body due to excessive heat and ensure a more comfortable workout experience.

Sunscreen - Your invisible workout partner

Sunscreen isn't just for the beach; it should also be a critical part of your outdoor workout gear. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply it about 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially during long workouts, to ensure continuous protection.

Listen to your body's wisdom

Your body is incredibly intuitive and will provide signals if it's struggling with the heat. If you want to sustain better mental health and well-being, it is crucial to pay attention to your body and watch out for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, or confusion. These can be indicators of heat-related illnesses, and if they occur, you should stop exercising, seek a cool place, and rehydrate.

Heat acclimatisation

Your body needs time to adjust to exercising in the heat. During the initial days of hot weather, consider reducing the duration or intensity of your workouts. Gradually increase them as your body becomes acclimated to the higher temperatures.

Dive into the water

Consider changing up your workout routine with water-based activities. Whether swimming laps in the local pool or simply taking a dip in the ocean, water activities are a great way to stay active while keeping cool. Plus, swimming provides a fantastic full-body, low-impact, yet highly effective workout.

Keep an eye on air quality

Hot weather can sometimes lead to poor air quality, making breathing challenging during intense workouts, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Always check the local air quality index before you plan to exercise outdoors.

Take it indoors

Don't hesitate to move your workout indoors when the heat is extreme. There's no need to risk heat-related illnesses by insisting on outdoor workouts. Indoor facilities like gyms, tennis courts, and fitness studios offer air-conditioned environments that can make your workout much more comfortable on scorching summer days.

Consult a professional

If you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking strenuous summer workouts. A healthcare provider can provide personalised advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Key points to remember

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Check the weather forecast before exercising outdoors.
• Hydrate properly before, during, and after your workout.
• Wear appropriate, breathable clothing.
• Exercise during the cooler parts of the day.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen.
• Pay attention to your body's signals.
• Acclimatise your body gradually to the heat.
• Consider water-based exercises.
• Check the local air quality index.
• When in doubt, move your workout indoors.
• Seek professional advice if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Conclusion

As the summer season blooms in full swing, don't let the heat deter your workout regimen. Instead, consider it an opportunity to adapt and evolve your routine, integrating these safety measures into your daily exercise.

Remember, your health is your greatest asset, so while summer is a time for fun and outdoor activities, it's also a time to exercise caution. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy the warmth of the season while prioritising your health and safety. Happy exercising!

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By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.

Click here to see our wide range of CPD-accredited health and safety courses and training programmes.

Related blog articles

Click on the link below to read more articles from our team:

• Surviving heatwaves: Tips for staying safe in the heat.

References and resources

HM Government (2023) - Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather.
Met Office Heat Health Watch (2023) - What is a heatwave?
NHS website (2022) - Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather.
UK Health Security Agency (2023) - Heat-health alert issued.

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