Hot Weather Tips

If you are a fit individual, your tolerance to heat and cold may be increased but you still need to get used to warm weather. When temperature and humidity increase, your body has the added burden of decreasing the heat. Remember to drink water based on your level of activity and how hot you become during the activity. Bigger, faster people will need more fluids than smaller slower exercisers. In most situations, water is adequate and preferred over a “replacement” drink. As the weather gets hotter, consider decreasing the intensity and/or length of your workout and gradually work back up to your normal routine over a two-three week period. This allows your body to adapt its capacity to deal with the heat. Consider exercising in the cooler parts of the day (morning/evening). Work on scheduling your exercise when the temperature is below 86 degrees and the humidity is below 80 degrees; consider air quality and pollen count as well. If even after carefully crafting your workout to “beat the heat” you may end up feeling tired or dizzy during one of your sessions. Stop exercising immediately and monitor your symptoms. If necessary and possible, bring your workout indoors for a time until the heat outdoors subsides and then gradually resume your outdoor activities using the previously mentioned tips.