Summer is a perfect time of year to be active outside, with a massive wealth of exercise options available for fun in the sun. Of course, as we get into the hottest part of the year, it doesn\u2019t take as much to break a sweat, and just living with the heat can be exhausting on its own. While it\u2019s important to keep up a workout routine even through the scorching weather of July and August, you should also be aware that hot, sticky weather can have a major effect on the way your cardiovascular system functions. Make sure that you\u2019re taking the right precautions to avoid the heat-related complications that physical exertion can bring about when the mercury rises.<\/p>\n
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High heat can affect your heart and cardiovascular system in a number of ways. When it\u2019s hot out, your heart needs to work harder than it would under ordinary circumstances in order to keep your body cool. Sweating also makes your body lose water faster, which can cause potentially serious loss of blood volume and an accompanying drop in blood pressure. People who are currently taking medication for heart disease should also be aware that many kinds of heart medication can also impact the way that your body responds to high temperatures.<\/p>\n
Here are ten important steps to counter the natural stress that summer heat can put on your body.<\/p>\n
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Staying hydrated is important no matter the time of year, but hot, humid weather causes you to sweat, increasing the rate at which your fluids need to be replenished. Sports drinks like Gatorade advertise electrolytes and other nutrients that can produce energy, but they\u2019re also very high in sugar, and there\u2019s just no substitute for good old H2O. Drink water often, and not just when you feel thirsty, to keep your body functioning at maximum capacity.<\/p>\n
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If you have any concerns about how your workout regimen is going to affect your body, particularly if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, it\u2019s smart to consult your physician beforehand. If you are trying a new kind of exercise, your doctor can offer advice on how not to overexert yourself. Additionally, a physician can advise you on the potential side effects of any medications you are currently taking.<\/p>\n
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Trying to push yourself too hard for too long increases your risk of overheating. Try to keep intervals of strenuous exercise short so that your heart won\u2019t have to work quite so hard.<\/p>\n
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On a sweltering summer day, the heat is most intense when the sun is highest, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. When possible, try to get your workout in early, before the temperature hits its height. If you\u2019re not a morning person, it\u2019s not a bad idea to wait until the shadows get longer and the heat subsides a little.<\/p>\n
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Make sure not to overdress! Wearing light, breathable clothing is key to keeping your body temperature at a healthy level. Moisture-wicking fabrics are great for allowing sweat to evaporate more quickly. You should also avoid clothes that are black and other dark colors, as these attract and retain more heat.<\/p>\n
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It might not seem like it makes much sense to shower before your workout, but a cold shower can help cool your body and give you a lower baseline body temperature at the start of your workout.<\/p>\n
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Plenty of us enjoy taking in some sun, but there\u2019s nothing fun about getting burned! Make sure you\u2019re regularly applying sunblock, and make sure it\u2019s a type that offers enough sun protection (use an SPF of at least 30).<\/p>\n
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When possible, try to exercise somewhere that isn\u2019t entirely exposed to direct sunlight. Shady, forested trails are ideal locations for taking a jog during the hottest part of the season.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s good to have a backup plan for when it\u2019s dangerously hot outside. On hotter days, try a cooler exercise like biking, which allows you to catch more of a breeze, or going for a swim!<\/p>\n
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Seriously. Have a glass right now why don\u2019t you. It couldn\u2019t hurt!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summer is a perfect time of year to be active outside, with a massive wealth of exercise options available for fun in the sun. Of course, as we get into the hottest part of the year, it doesn\u2019t take as much to break a sweat, and just living with the heat can be exhausting on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n