Summer Workout Tips

Summer workouts offer their own challenges. When you are trying to get or stay in shape, you know your workout schedule cannot take a break during the warm summer months. Regardless of how hot it gets outside you need to maintain your schedule, however this can also be a dangerous proposition. Heat drains the body and if you do not take the proper precautions. Here are a few handy tips for maintaining your workout regimen during the heat of the summer. Water, Water and Water! The biggest problem people encounter when working out in the summer is dehydration. Working out already causes you to sweat profusely and when you add summer heat to the mix the outcome can be a disaster. The first line of defense is of course proper water intake, eight glasses per day is the recommendation, however if you are going to be working your body you should increase this level according to the intensity of your workout. Keep a bottle of water handy at all times during your routine and even throughout the rest of the day. Dehydration Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to illness and in extreme cases even death. It is important that you know the signs of dehydration before attempting to keep up your workout routine through the summer months. Some common signs are:

• Faintness
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Skin flushing
• Dark urine
• Head rushes

Schedule When it comes to staying fit in the summer, the weatherman is going to become your new best friend, or enemy depending on the forecast. Keep your eye on the extended outlook in order to plan your exercise. You want to exercise in the coolest part of the day, which in many areas of the country will mean waking up before the sun! Check Up Perhaps the most important thing you can do is talk to your family physician. Even if you have been exercising all winter long, it is a good idea to have a physical to determine if you are healthy enough for strenuous exercise during the hot summer months. They will take into account your health and the current weather conditions in your locale. Outside Routines If you plan on taking, your routine out into nature there are some precautions you should take. The first of course is obvious, sunblock! Exercise will not do you much good health wise if you wind up with nasty sunburn or worse, skin cancer. Make sure you use the appropriate SPF level and reapply it often if you are sweating profusely. You may also need to apply tick repellant as well if you plan on running in a wooded area. Conclusion Working out can be accomplished all year long, but during the extreme heat of the summer you simply must take a few extra precautions. Remember it is best to exercise during the coolest hours of the day and stay hydrated. These are the two most important factors to your summer regimen. Also, keep in mind that you will need proper nutrition and rest as well.