Now summer is here, the idea of exercising outside is more appealing than ever, but it’s important to prep your body for a workout in the sun. Overheating during exercise is a lot easier than you may think, and with temperatures rising in the UK you don’t want to end up severely dehydrated or worse fainting midway through your morning run. Read on to discover our top tips to prevent overheating when exercising outdoors.
Avoid the hottest part of the day
Contrary to popular belief, the sun is not at its most fierce during noon. While it’s at the highest point in the sky then, it’s actually the few hours after noon that the temperature soars the most. Avoid exercising between 11-3pm to ensure you’re giving yourself a cooler workout.
Wear loose clothing
Tight-fitting clothing is not your friend when you’re exercising in the heat, so instead opt for loose, lightweight pieces that wick moisture. Nylon and polyester are great choices for staying cool, while cotton is possibly the worst choice. If you tend to sweat a lot during your workouts normally, try wearing sweatbands and headbands before taking on summer exercise outside.
Keep hydrated
Drinking water is key, no matter what time of year it is, especially when you are exercising. With high temperatures you are more likely to sweat so you need to keep topping up your body’s moisture levels. Like always, avoid caffeine or anything else that can cause dehydration.
Apply sunscreen
SPF is key whenever you’re going to be outside for long periods of time, but it’s particularly important when exercising. Not only will it help stop the sun’s harmful rays from reaching your skin but it will also prevent your body from creating it’s own heat, as it does when it is sunburnt.
Tweak your workout
When it’s really hot outside you might have to consider adjusting your usual routine. Try splitting your exercise regime into two sessions, eliminating some of the super intense exercises or trading out a particularly tough activity for something more summer friendly like swimming.