While we’ve been waiting all year for the outdoor activities of summer, the heat can inevitably make exercise unbearable—and unsafe. Keep yourself comfortable—and protected—with these heat-beating tips:
- Stay hydrated
Before going out, drink one or two glasses of water. Also, bring a bottle of water with you, and drink from it every 15 minutes—even if you’re not thirsty. Plus, ensure that you’re keeping your electrolyte and salt counts up. Try drinking a natural mixture of coconut water and limes for a delicious, electrolyte-boosting recipe.
- Stay protected
First and foremost, you must check the weather before you go out. Heat warnings could mean air pollution, which can seriously harm your lungs. Also, sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days—despite cloudiness, you can still suffer burns. To avoid further sun damage, choose a shadier running or walking route. You should also avoid exercising between 10am and 3pm, as this is the hottest part of the day.
- Dress properly
Finally, your wardrobe can truly make a difference. Dress in light-coloured clothes made of cotton or other breathable materials to help with the evaporation of sweat.
