Working out is a standard part of most men’s daily routines. While it might seem like your workout is a “set it and forget it” thing, it’s not. You should adapt your fitness routine to make the most of the season, the day’s weather, and even your health on any specific day. And when it comes to the season, summer workouts can be downright brutal if you aren’t careful. Consider these fitness tips just in time for summer.
Avoid heatstroke by working out indoors
You might enjoy your daily outdoor run or bike ride, but that summer heat saps all your energy, sucks your body dry, and puts you at risk of sunburn and heatstroke. Instead, take your workout indoors.
You might set up an inexpensive treadmill or stationary bike in your guest room or a corner of your living room. Readers can also consider joining gyms in Arizona and other places with scorching summers. You can use all the equipment they have to offer and enjoy the motivation and even competition of working out with others. You could even sign up for a few personal training sessions.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration is always important. But it’s crucial when you’re working out in the heat of summer. Water is essential, of course, but don’t forget about sports drinks too. They offer electrolytes and potassium that not only hydrate you but also replenish what you’re losing besides water. Sports drinks also contain sodium, which can be necessary for working out in the heat.
If you’re working out for less than an hour, you may be okay with simply hydrating with water. But if you’re planning to work out for an hour or more, grab a sports drink or two to be on the safe side.
Wear clothes that keep you cool
Lighter colors reflect the sun and heat and keep you cooler than darker ones. Wear lots of white or bright colors. Stick with cotton as it tends to be more lightweight to keep you dry.
You can also spend a few extra bucks on sweat-wicking clothing that will pull the moisture away from you, spread it out, and keep you cooler as a result. This includes shirts, shorts, and pants. These can be particularly helpful in areas with high humidity, where the sweat tends to just sit on your skin rather than evaporate.
Time it right
When it comes to building muscles, burning calories, or any other goal behind working out, the time of day doesn’t matter. But when it comes to an effective workout that isn’t dangerous, time of day does matter. The hottest part of the day tends to be mid-day, from around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Plan your workouts around that time. Go early in the day to get energized for the day ahead. Or exercise just before or after dinner to help wear yourself out for a good night’s sleep. Just skip the middle of the day, when the sun is scorching you and everything else around.
Take a cold shower first
Your body temperature rises as you work out. This is why you start sweating – to cool you down. So why not give yourself a leg up on staying cool by cooling down before you begin your workout?
Take a cold shower before you work out. It will lower your body temperature by just a few degrees, but it can make a big difference in your energy level and how long you can work out. Leave your head wet to get an extra cooling effect during your workout.
No one wants to ditch their daily workout just because it’s too hot outside. But you also don’t want to make yourself sick by pushing through and working out in killer heat. With these tips, you can keep your daily workout on your schedule while avoiding the dangers of working out in weather that’s too hot. That’s the best of both worlds.
