During the summer, it's important to prevent dehydration and stay cool, but still continue to work out. You can't stop exercising just because it's hot outside. Exercise is important for good heart and overall health so you want to keep it up.
Gyms, although a perfect way to stay out of the heat, are not workable for everyone, especially those with a tight budget. The best way to continue on with your workouts and promote good heart health during the summer is by being mindful of your lifestyle habits. Here are some tips you can follow to keep exercising, stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary medical visits to keep more money in your wallet.
Drink Plenty of Water. This is probably the first suggestion you see when researching how to stay cool, hydrated, and healthy during the summer months. There's a good reason for this. Water is essential for your body to stay hydrated and healthy, especially during the hot season. If you must exercise out in the heat, you absolutely have to drink plenty of water. Drink it before and after your workout to avoid painful dehydration side effects and get the most out of your workout. Not to mention, you won't be shelling out money for those artificial drinks, which may be unhealthy choices.
Choose the Right Sport. You don't always have to pump iron or run on the treadmill to stay fit and healthy. Choose a sport such as swimming, surfing, and diving to stay cool while exercising. You still have to drink water though!
Start Early in the Day. Start your workout in the early morning before the sun gets too hot. You can beat the heat and get your workout in for the day while staying cool. A cool summer morning is a great time to jog or walk in the park or around your neighborhood. It will free up the rest of your day so you can enjoy other summer activities.
Wear Proper Attire. Wear appropriate clothing to regulate your body temperature and stay cool during the summer months. Some ideas include: Single Layers, light Colors, loose-fitting cothes, and wicking fabrics (fabrics that wick moisture away from your body). You don't need to buy expensive workout gear. Any clothing that meet the suggestions above will work and save you money.
Take Your Exercise Indoors. Exercising outdoors is not only great for your body and health, but it soothes your mind too. It's nice to take in nature and Mother Earth's tranquil sounds while you work out. But, when it's hot outdoors, you can quickly become dehydrated and be at risk for heat exhaustion. Staying indoors during these hot months is always an option, too. Take the proper precautions and you can exercise outside safely. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (coconut water or sports drinks are good substitutes) before, during and after you exercise to replace the water you lose through sweating. Keep in mind that by the time you feel thirsty, you're already in a state of dehydration. This is why you should drink water even if you're not feeling thirsty.
Bottom line, listen to your body. If you're sweating, have a dry mouth or are feeling fatigued, take a break in a shady area and drink some water. You may even have to go indoors for a while to recuperate. Don't push yourself too much; you can always resume your workout at another time.
Sources: news.vcu.edu, lifehacker.com, livescience.com, esurance.com, jennycraig.com, greatist.com, texasheart.org, heart.org, everydayhealth.com, webmd.com