Weight Loss Spa » Weight Loss Getaway Articles » Exercising in the Heat Safely

Exercising in the Heat Safely

During the hot summer months, exercising in 90° plus weather is sometimes unavoidable. Even if you have the option to work out in an air-conditioned gym, sometimes it’s essential to hit the open road to break up the monotony of your routine and keep you energized. Yet exercising in extreme heat poses a number of health risks, including heat stroke, sunburn, dizziness, and dehydration. So what can you do to stay safe? Read on for tips for exercising in the heat safely.

• Slather on the sunscreen at least 30 minutes in advance. Our radiation risk has greatly increased in the past 20 years, and today’s it’s possible to get a sunburn with less than 15 minutes of exposure. So before you head out, apply waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, higher if you have a fair complexion or burn easily. Also, remember to don a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays.
• Hydrate early and often. Experts suggest drinking a glass of water every hour before your workout and eight ounces of water every 15 minutes during the workout. After you’re finished, continue to hydrate to replace lost fluids.
• Wear the right clothing. Lightweight, breathable clothing that wicks away sweat will keep you cooler and drier than heavy, cotton-based clothes, which absorb moisture. If possible, stick with lighter colors that will reflect the sun better.
• Know when to take it easy and when to reschedule. Exercising in the heat is hard on your body, so be extra attentive to how you’re feeling during the workout. If you start to feel dizzy or faint, stop and find a cool place to rest and drink water. And remember, there’s no shame in rescheduling a workout for another day. You’ll get more out of it than you would if you pushed through the heat.

At Live-in Fitness Enterprise (LIFE) weight loss spas, in California, learning how to exercise safely is an important component of achieving overall fitness goals. Our LA weight loss programs are designed to target your individual problem areas with challenging, safe exercises that you can continue to do long after you’ve left the program. In fact, our emphasis on lifelong fitness is one of the features that make us unique among weight loss camps in California. Are you ready for more than just “fat camp”? California based LIFE is ready for you!