Proper health and wellness always include regular exercise and physical fitness. Nothing beats outdoor activities with fresh air and your dose of Vitamin D from the sun. But come summertime, the sun can become unbearable and cause extreme discomfort in our outdoor activities.
Sunburn, cramps, dehydration, dizziness, and insect bites are just some common things caused by the sun. There’s also the possibility of cardiovascular and circulatory problems or even heat stroke.
To avoid these problems and have a safe outdoor exercise experience, please remember the following tips:
Avoid Too Much Sun.
During other seasons of the year, going out for a jog or high-intensity training in the sun is welcome. Winter days are suitable for outdoor activities since the temperatures are manageable. But the increased heat of summer can cause some mild to severe conditions that are not good for our health.
Summer activities require shade to avoid extreme heat and dehydration. It is most applicable after early mornings when temperatures begin to rise. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause sunburns, so keep some sunscreen handy. Another important item is insect sprays since insects breed more aggressively in the summer.
Consider doing outdoor activities at nighttime so the temperature will be comfortable. While the sun won’t bathe you in too much heat, insect sprays are still needed as the night brings many unseen insects that may cause insect bites and rashes.
Remember to Hydrate.
Hydration is one of the critical elements in exercise and health coaching. Even if you’re getting proper shade or doing nighttime activities, you can still get dehydrated. Be sure to have a liter of water with you during these sessions.
Physical activities can cause the body to lose at least 2 percent of body weight from water loss. Lack of hydration means lost minerals and water from sweating, and can cause cramps or, worse, so please maintain proper hydration throughout your activities.
However, too much water can make your stomach and body uncomfortable as well. We recommend at least two glasses of water before starting your routine. It is enough to replenish the body water ratio while keeping your stomach light and comfortable enough.
Choose Comfortable Clothing.
We must wear appropriate clothing for our training and exercise. It regulates higher body temperatures that increase fatigue and cause circulation problems. Even minimal exposure to direct sunlight will cause minimal sunburn or exposure to insect bites and rashes. Use clothes that cover your body but are comfortable enough for proper ventilation.
Avoid super tight-fitting training clothes that can increase overall body temperature. You can also use a cap to keep direct sun glare from your eyes and increased temperature on your head. Too much sunlight can cause sunburn on your face and the possibility of heatstroke as well.
Smarter Fitness Now
Proper exercise is beneficial to our bodies. But improper training conditions cause stress and harm to our bodies. Our body will remain in peak condition when we employ the correct training methods based on who we are and what we need.
The path to fitness and health is not a one-size-fits-all approach. To personalize coaching and fitness routines that meet your specific health conditions, you need a real fitness expert and intentional health coach, Meg Parker can support your journey. Enlist her services today and experience peak health and performance.