Ways to take your workout outside this summer

 All progress takes place outside the comfort zone 

 

With the weather now becoming nicer, you can do more things outside. So, why not take your workout outside too?  

  • Instead of using a treadmill, take yourself on a run in the park or go for a hike. 
  • You can move your yoga outside to your garden. 
  • Use an actual bike instead of a stationary one. 
  • For a core workout, you can hop on a standup paddleboard or do some kayaking. 
  • For a full-body workout, you can go for a swim.  

However, when you decide to take your workouts outside, you need to be prepared. Here are some things to think about before taking your workouts outside. 

  • Let Your Body Acclimate to the Heat - letting your body get used to the heat is very important as  
  • Don’t Forgo Pre-Workout Hydration - make sure to drink at least 2 cups of water 2 hours before your workout. This helps with heat exhaustion and muscle fatigue. 
  • Wear Heat-Appropriate Clothing  - invest in light sweat-wicking fabrics when exercising outside as this will help keep your body cool during your workouts. 
  • Use Sun Protection - have some sort of sun protection with you, either a hat or sunglasses as well as applying sunscreen. 
  • Carry Water - carry water with you, as you should be drinking 4oz of water every 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t want to carry water with you or you run out make sure you know where you can get some. 
  • Choose your time wisely - it is no good working out at midday when it is the hottest part of the day as it is a bad idea. Try working out early in the morning or in the evening. 
  • Tailor Your Workout to the Weather - the higher the temperature and humidity mean the less intense your workout is. 
  • Listen to your body and know your risks - listen to your body, when it says enough then it is time to stop. Any unusual symptoms could be your body telling you, you have either heat exhaustion or sunstroke. 
  •  Replenish your electrolytes - After your workout, make sure to replenish all the electrolytes you lost from your workout with either coconut water or a sports drink. 
  • Look for shade - try to stick to shaded paths as this will keep you cooler for longer and help with fighting off the heat.