Exercise Tips for Hot Days

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

25 Mar 2006 10:00 AM

I find it entirely amusing to be writing about this on a day when it's 32 degrees outside in Texas. Yep, here it is the end of March and we who have been blessed with 90-degree days in January are freezing at the moment. Go figure. But anyone who lives in Texas knows that this cold period is not going to last.

So here's some tips for keeping up your exercise routine as it starts to warm up outside and a few warnings about the dangers of overheating and dehydration. When you exercise in intense humidity, especially when it's hot and overcast - you're in danger of overheating. Your sweat will not evaporate as quickly as it should and therefore you are not cooling down the way you should. One way to compensate for that is to forego running and walking outside and choose activities like bicycling or roller blading. You generate your own air flow and therefore the sweat evaporates more swiftly - cooling you down the way it should.

You should be drinking plenty of water when you're exercising, but this is even more important when you're doing it out in the heat. You can dehydrate faster because you're sweating more. The trick is to hydrate before, during and after. Don't just wait until you're thirsty.

Wear sunscreen, sunshades and a hat when you're exercising outdoors in the heat. Wear light clothing that leaves you freedom of movement, but also allows more airflow to reach your body. Spandex isn't the best because it hugs the skin and can prevent necessary sweat evaporation.

And for those days when we're going to hit 95 degrees, try working out in the morning instead of the mid-day sun. There's no point in collapsing from heat exhaustion or getting nausea from overdoing it in the heat. A few precautions can keep you enjoying the outdoors, your fitness and the weather every day of the year.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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WordsAplenty (4029) 25 Mar 2006 04:41 PM

I'm in Texas, too-- can you believe this weather? Thanks for the hot-weather exercise tips. Maybe next winter I'll be able to use them! :)

Lisa Kennedy (4068) 25 Mar 2006 05:01 PM

Thanks for the info! I just started a jogging routine so I'm going to need these tips at some point. I'm in Texas as well . . . this weather is absolutely crazy!!

Heather Long (16954) 25 Mar 2006 05:08 PM

LOL Misty! I like your attitude and good luck on your jogging routine Lisa. I prefer to work out indoors myself, but I do like to walk every day that I get a chance, I've always been a wilting willy when it comes to excessive heat though!