The summer heat is in full force so here are a few safety tips for your outdoor exercises to keep yourself safe and comfortable during your summer activities.
Wear Sunscreen – Even on those beautiful not so scorching days don’t forget the sunscreen. Skin can suffer damage in as little as 15 – 30 minutes. Apply sunblock 30 minutes before exercising to give it time to soak into the skin for full protection. Use a waterproof version so you don’t get any sting in the eyes as you start to sweat and reapply after heavy sweating. I would also recommend wearing a hat for extra face protection. The sun is one of the biggest culprits for wrinkles.
Stay hydrated – In the hot months extra intake of fluids is critical to having a safe and effective workout. You will most likely need more water than the old rule of 8 – 8 oz. of water a day. Drink water before and after your workout and check with your doctor on the appropriate amount of water needed during your exercise regimen.
Wear Shades – Exposure to UV radiation can cause several ocular diseases like cataracts. Protecting your eyes is important for long term health. Look for UV-A and UV-B protection in sunglasses and again, a hat can help block those UV rays for an extra level of shade protection.
Breathable clothes – Choose lightweight loose fitting clothes that are made with sweat wicking material. It will help you stay cooler on those sweaty workouts.
Workout early morning - Try to workout in the early morning hours when it is coolest outside. Just make sure you have some type of reflective material on your tops and shorts so early commuters can see you on the street.
Try an indoor workout – If you are not an early riser, try an indoor workout. There are so many excellent indoor classes to choose from these days and it can be just the cross training you need to jump start your metabolism or give you the results you have been looking for.
