Jun 25, 2012

Summer workout tips

As the summer heat sets in, you may find yourself feeling a little sluggish. Keep in mind it takes time for your body to adjust to the heat, but there are a few things you can do right away to help you survive these hotter summer months.

1.  Get Up Earlier. Go to bed early, so you can get up earlier and get a work-out in before the heat of the day hits. Invest in a good alarm clock and put it on the other side of the room if you're prone to hitting the snooze button in those early morning hours. 
 
2.  Hydrate! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you or keep it in a visible place as a constant reminder to keep drinking. Track how many ounces you are drinking…you may be surprised to find out initially how few you may be consuming.  Your body weight divided by 2 is how many ounces you should be drinking each day.

3.    Use Sunscreen. If you do like to work-out in the sun, make sure to apply sunscreen. Nothing hurts worse than working-out with a horrible sun burn.

4.  Work-out in Shaded Areas.  Try a nearby trail, parkway, park, or any other area that has trees to increase the amount of time you spend in the shade.

5.  Water Stops. Map out courses with options to stop for frequent drinks or carry your own water so you have the option to hydrate consistently throughout your work-out.

6.  Avoid the Hot Hours. Most sources say the hottest part of the day is between 2-5 pm. If possible, avoid working out outside during those times of the day.

Enjoy your summer!
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