Guest blogger, Vicki L. VanArsdale is a freelance writer, certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. By adopting a healthy and active lifestyle, she has lost 100 lbs. Her mission is to motivate and inspire people through her actions and words. Get healthy from the inside, out is her motto. Learn more on Vicki’s blog.
The summer season may be ending soon but the high temps are still here. With temperatures still in the 90s in many parts of the country you have to be careful exercising outdoors. If you can, exercise indoors, in an air-conditioned gym. But if you’re like me, you love the outdoors and want to make the most of it.
So, what can we do?
We can stay hydrated, drink extra electrolytes and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness or light-headedness, headache, weakness and feeling tired. If you start to feel this way it’s best to end your exercise program and rest indoors.
If it’s a very hot day and you’re out for a run you can slow down your pace or even walk. If you’re doing a boot camp class outside, you can rest longer in between exercises. You can hike in a park on a shady trail. Don’t let the heat stop you from exercising outdoors, if that’s what you love to do. Just use your head and be careful.
Always bring water and electrolytes with you so you can stay hydrated. My favorite electrolyte replacement is made by Nuun. I carry a tube with me and drop a tablet into my water whenever I need it. Each tablet contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Read also: Summer Fitness Tips: How to Beat the Heat.