Summer Exercise Safety Tips

One of my favorite seasons is summer. I love the sun, the beaches, and of course, all of the fun summer exercise ideas once the weather turns warm.  One thing that is important is to remember to stay safe while exercising when the temperature begins to heat up outside.  Heat stroke can be a huge issues in the summer months.  Not just for those outside playing, but also for those who are trying to workout to lose weight.  We have some great tips to keep you safe this summer while you continue working off those last few pounds.

Summer Exercise Safety Tips

Stay well-hydrated.  Even if you workout inside at the gym, summer exercise safety includes staying well-hydrated.  When you are sweating a lot during exercise, you need not just water but also some electrolytes.  Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.  Then grab a bottle of Gatorade, Powerade, or similar to drink.

Don't scrimp on sunscreen.  I am an advocate for year-round sunscreen use.  Skin cancer is nothing to mess with.  It is especially important to use in the summer when you are out in the heat of the sun working out.  Make sure to not just apply once, but reapply every 2-3 hours as directed on packaging.  You may want to also invest in one that is specifically designed for sports.  These tend to be waterproof and last longer when sweating or out in the water.

Change up your exercise routine.  Summer is a great time to go ahead and grab that gym membership or do some indoor workout routines with videos or classes.  Being in a climate controlled environment is much safer for many when they live in an extremely high heat or humidity area.  Heat stroke is a real issue and can happen unexpectedly and fast when you are outside working out.  Take advantage of the indoor exercise options available to keep your cardio routine intact while staying cooler.

Take plenty of breaks.  While you want to get your heart rate up to help burn calories, don't do too much without taking a break.  Make sure you are allowing your body to cool off and not letting your heart rate get too high.  Doing three sets of 10 minutes each day instead of one 30 minute stretch of exercise may not be ideal, but it can still be effective.

Listen to your body.  Nausea, chills, headaches, vision issues, and even just exhaustion are all signs that your body needs a break.  That may mean you take a few days off from your routine, or cut back on your current routine.  Don't go past the point of return.  When things start feeling off, move on and let your body heal.

These summer exercise safety tips are ideal for anyone who plans to continue working toward getting fit this year.