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Summer’s in the air, which means people are flocking outside to soak up the sun and get in some warm weather exercise. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy team sports or exercising alone—summer presents the perfect opportunity to get fit outside. Still, you’ll need to keep in mind that summer heat can also spell danger for the outside exerciser.
Warm Weather Sports
Opportunities abound in summer to get your exercise kicks outdoors. Some activities, like baseball or soccer, call for organizing a team get together. Others, like tennis or squash, require just a few partners to get in on the fun. Going solo is also an enticing option, with warm weather bicycle rides at the top of many summer lovers’ lists. Grab some friends for a day at the beach playing Frisbee or beach volleyball, or go for a jog, and you can get fit in the summer sun.
Preventing Injury
As fun as warm weather sports can be, there’s inherent danger in heat. Athletes and amateurs alike run the risk of maladies such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. However, there’s no need to shy from the sun if you use your common sense and keep a few tips in mind.
You’ll always want to drink lots of fluids and replace electrolytes—salty foods or sports drinks should do the trick. Always wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing. If you’re traveling to a warmer climate, you’ll want to acclimate to the heat before beginning intense exercise. You should avoid hot or heavy foods and alcohol when exerting yourself in hot weather. Finally, if you feel headaches or fatigue, stop exercising and cool down.
