Working out in the heat is for the most part, safe. But taking a few extra precautions will help you stay cool and prevent problems associated with heat. Normally when you are in the heat and you sweat, the sweat evaporates...
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Working out in the heat is for the most part, safe. But taking a few extra precautions will help you stay cool and prevent problems associated with heat. Normally when you are in the heat and you sweat, the sweat evaporates immediately. But when the heat and humidity rise, the sweat can’t evaporate as quickly. Some danger signs to watch for while staying out in the heat: weakness, muscle cramps, dehydration, dizziness, confusion, rapid heart rate and headaches. If left untreated, the heat illness can worsen, causing symptoms like confusion, unconsciousness, vomiting, trouble breathing and skin that feels hot and dry. These are the signs of heat stroke and can be deadly and needs immediate medical attention. These 13 tips will help you beat the heat so you don’t have to give up your workouts: * Check with your doctor if you are new to fitness or taking medications. Newcomers will be more sensitive to the heat and certain medications can impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature. * Wear wicking fabrics such as loose-fitting polyester/cotton blend instead of pure cotton, or synthetic fibers designed for wicking away moisture during exercise. * Apply a sunscreen of an SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin from the sun. Use an oil-free formula so that the sunscreen won’t interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself down. Also choose a sweat-proof formula to prevent the sunscreen from irritating your eyes. Wearing clothing with tight weaves, sunglasses and a lightweight hat with a brim can also help block the suns rays. * Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts to stay extra hydrated. If you are going to be working out for more than an hour switch to a sports drink with electrolytes. * Check the air quality before going out. You can get the current reports from your local radio stations or online. Keep your workout levels low if there is a high smog or extreme heat. * Sun, humidity and pollution levels are at all time highs during the day, so the best time to workout outside is before 10 am or after 7pm. * Seek shade such as parks, trails and other tree-lined areas to stay away from the direct sunlight. * If you decide to workout outside, start out slow. Even the most fit people have trouble exercising when it’s hot and humid. For a start, try exercising for just a few minutes each day, gradually increasing your time outdoors. * Listen to your body! If you notice any signs of heat illness, STOP YOUR WORKOUT IMMEDIATELY. * If your intensity level rises above your targeted heart rate, slow it down a bit. * Avoid extreme temperature changes. For instance, don’t go from being outdoors in extreme heat to a freezing cold air-conditioned building. Try to cool yourself down gradually before entering cool environment. * If temperatures are higher than 90 degrees, you need to move your workouts to an air-conditioned building. * Try water exercises if the heat is too unbearable.
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Working out in the heat is for the most part, safe. But taking a few extra precautions will help you stay cool and prevent problems associated with heat. Read the 13 tips to beat the heat.
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