Exercising during a heat wave can be a tricky situation.

On one hand, you want to stay active and maintain your fitness routine, but on the other hand, you need to prioritize your safety and health. A recent article from KELO in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, provides some valuable tips on how to safely exercise during a heat wave.

Thayne Munce, a sports scientist with Sanford Health, suggests reducing the intensity and duration of your workout during a heat wave. This means taking it easy and not pushing yourself too hard. Munce also recommends exercising during a different time of day to avoid the peak heat hours.

It’s a common misconception that working out in the heat will make you sweat more and lead to a better workout. However, Munce warns that exercising in excessive heat can put your body at risk, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. The first major heat wave of the summer is not the time to start running outside or cycling extensively.

Hydration is a crucial factor in recovery when exercising in the heat. While it’s important to hydrate before and during your workout, it’s equally essential to replenish lost fluids afterward. Munce emphasizes the importance of drinking enough water to replace what you’ve sweated out during exercise.

Finding a cool, shaded area to rest and cool down after your workout is also beneficial. This can help regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating. Staying in an air-conditioned environment, like the basement, as suggested by Lara Hanson in the article, is another way to beat the heat.

Monitoring your body for signs of dehydration is essential. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and excessive fatigue are all symptoms to watch out for. If symptoms worsen or you experience more severe signs, such as collapsing or labored breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Munce advises bringing your cell phone with you while exercising outdoors and utilizing a buddy system for safety.

If the heat becomes unbearable and you decide to switch to an indoor workout, Munce assures that it can still be beneficial. Whether it’s using a treadmill, rowing machine, doing weight exercises, or even swimming, moving your workout indoors can prevent you from exposing yourself to extreme heat. It can also provide a much-needed active rest for your body, ultimately improving your performance in the long run.

In summary, exercising during a heat wave requires caution and adjustments to ensure your safety and health. Remember to reduce the intensity and duration of your workout, exercise at a different time of day, hydrate before, during, and after your workout, find a cool place to rest, monitor your body for signs of dehydration, and consider moving your workout indoors if necessary.

Key points:

– Reduce the intensity and duration of your workout during a heat wave.
– Exercise during a different time of day to avoid peak heat hours.
– Hydrate before, during, and after your workout.
– Find a cool, shaded area to rest and cool down.
– Monitor your body for signs of dehydration and seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
– Bring your cell phone and utilize a buddy system for safety.
– Consider switching to an indoor workout to avoid extreme heat and provide active rest for your body.

Source Article: https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/how-to-safely-exercise-during-a-heat-wave/