As the heat increases it is important to take measures to avoid heat-related exercise issues. When people are younger, they tend to better tolerate being active outdoors even when it is hot. As the body ages, tolerance for heat and exercise changes. Thus, it is necessary to take steps to mitigate potential issues. Let’s discuss a few key items here.

1. Avoid exercising outside between 10am-4pm when it is hot. The sun is high in the sky and the heat feels even hotter. Plan to exercise early before the heat of the day or later in the evening.
2. If you plan to exercise in the heat, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. You are going to sweat more so you need to maintain and then replace those fluids to avoid feeling sick.
3. Consider using a cooling towel or soak a hat in cold water to wear. Believe it or not, these things help some.
4. Keep any snacking before a workout light. Heavy eating before exercise is sure to make a person ill
5. Turn down the intensity of the workout. In the summer heat, you cannot exercise as vigorously. Trying will leave the person feeling quickly fatigued or ill. Do not worry about this from a training perspective. You will still get the cardio benefits even if your splits are not the same
6. If your body does not feel “right” time to get out of the heat. Cut your plan short and seek a cool environment. Treat your body right or it will let you know.

Exercising in the summer heat can result in a variety of heat-related issues. Do not let yourself experience any of those unpleasant issues. Take measured steps to keep exercising even though it may be hot.